Accessories | Lampshades

A custom-made lampshade can be manufactured in an endless array of shapes and sizes to function as a hanging pendant, floor lamp, or table lamp, using a myriad of materials including fabric, parchment, vellum, glass, paper, or acrylic. Fabric lampshades are generally manufactured in one of two ways: laminated or stretched.

Below, we have collated a selection of the most common shapes:

Laminated lampshades bring a more contemporary aesthetic to a space. To create a laminated shade, a firm fabric-covered backing is curved into an A-frame or drum shape; an opaque backing will diffuse the light while a transparent backing will allow greater light transmission. Coloured, metallic, and reflective interior laminates can create different light effects, from loud and colourful to warm and moody.

Fabrics with a natural component (cotton, linen, or silk) generally laminate better than 100% synthetic fabrics which do not absorb the PVC adhesive as well. If the application isn’t precise, glue marks may bleed through or air bubbles may become apparent where the fabric has not bonded properly. Additionally, it is essential that the fabric is fine enough to tuck neatly around the rings of the shade without bunching.

The texture of an open-weave linen sheer, such as Laconia Air by James Dunlop, will diffuse the light and enhance the shade when lit. Sparsely embroidered textiles are best avoided as the fabric around the embroidery will not adhere well, however, those which are entirely embroidery, such as Jungle Room by Catherine Martin by Mokum, adhere well and create a decorative statement piece within a space.

Another common type of fabric lampshade is a stretched shade; these tend to be more traditional, often featuring scallops, crowns, waists, and pleats. To create a stretched shade, a metal frame is bent into the desired finished shape and welded together. Depending on the shape, the fabric is cut into panels and overlocked together, then ‘stretched’ over the frame until taut.

In more intricate shapes the frame may be bound by hand and the individual panels of fabric hand-stitched to the frame. Due to modern manufacturing techniques the binding and hand stitching has been replaced with specialised glue. Wetting the fabric and shrinking it onto the frame can also help keep the cover taut.

Stretched lampshades suit traditional silks, like James Dunlop’s Luxury, because of the softness and malleability they offer to the shape. Linens are best avoided as the fabric can look limp when atmospheric conditions change, while satins, cottons, and a wide variety of contemporary synthetic constructions, such as Luxe by James Dunlop, are all suitable alternatives.