Mounted on a lamp base or ceiling fixture, large lamp shades are intended to conceal and dilute the light emitted by a lamp or light bulb. They are available in various sizes, forms, materials, and styles to accommodate a wide range of tastes in decor and lighting requirements.
A large shade's primary function is to soften the light produced by a lamp. It makes the room's lighting less harsh by dispersing it evenly and creating a more ambient atmosphere. When shopping for large lamp shades for your house, there are a few factors to consider.
Factors to Consider While Buying Large Lamp Shades
These points guarantee that these shades complement your decor and offer adequate illumination. Keeping the following in mind will help you choose the perfect big lamp shades for your house:
- Aesthetics and Style
No matter the style of your room—modern, traditional, basic, or eclectic—choose lamp shades that complement or enhance it. Make sure the lamp shade complements the room's ambiance by considering its shape, color, and texture.
- Space Requirements
Select large lamp shades proportional to your lamp's base and available area. The lamp shade should have a larger diameter than the lamp base's greatest point to achieve a balanced appearance.
- Texture and Material
Experiment with metal, paper, silk, linen, or cloth for unique effects and textures. Consider the material's opacity to influence light diffusion and create the desired atmosphere.
- Function of Light
Before purchasing a lamp shade, consider the lamp's primary function, such as general illumination, task lighting, or accent lighting. To achieve general illumination, consider using clear or almost clear lamp shades.
- Amount of Light
It will allow the light to disperse uniformly over the space. For job lighting, select opaque or directional lamp shades that direct light to designated places, such as reading nooks or workspaces.
- Style and Form
Experiment with drum, empire, bell, square, or oval lamp shades for a more eye-catching and personalized look. Choose geometric shapes and patterns you would not often employ to draw attention to a focal point or make a statement.
- Personal Touch
Custom lamp shades that reflect your style, color palette, or other personal preferences are certainly within your realm of possibility. If you want unique lampshades to match your decor, you may do it yourself or consult an interior designer.
Standard Options for Large Lamp Shades
- Drum lamp shades: They are contemporary and multipurpose. Their cylinder form with straight edges offers a contemporary appeal that complements various design styles. Their timeless style makes them suitable for contemporary and conventional settings.
- Empire Lamp Shades: Timeless and exquisite, empire lamp shades are a fixture that cannot be missed. Their bottoms are larger, and their tops are narrower, giving them a tapered form.
- Bell Lamp Shades: Bell lamp shades are classic and sophisticated, with curved silhouettes and a flared base. Whether you're lighting a table or a floor lamp, they will elevate the look.
- Lampshades with Pleated Fabrics: These textured and multicolored lampshades are crafted from folded paper or fabric to enhance the light's depth and aesthetic appeal. They elevate the look of every room they're placed in.
- Rectangular & Square Shades: Lampshades in the square or rectangle shape often have flat sides and corners. They can take several shapes, from the bold pyramid to the elegant pagoda, drawing inspiration from Asian architecture.
Your lighting needs, aesthetic preferences, and the existing furnishings in the room will determine which lampshades are ideal for your home. Still, a square or rectangle shade is better as they can be converted to any form. Let's check out how.
Versatile Options: Square and Rectangle Lamp Shade
Square and rectangle shapes are common choices for large shades. A square or rectangle shade is called a "drum" if the bottom and top diameters are the same. If the shade's top has a smaller diameter, it is referred to as an "empire" or "coolie" shade.
The square or rectangular shape gives colors a modern, masculine vibe with clean lines. They can be considered statement pieces and raise the room's formality level. A few have "sharp corners" squared off at right angles, while others have tapered corners for a softer look.
However, if you're going for a more striking contrast, you may pair one with a circular base. It is a clever twist that lets you easily update classic looks. These shapes will look aesthetic and can add to your space's beauty.
At first glance, choosing whether to use a square or rectangle shade might not seem particularly important. Still, small changes in preferences could change how your lamp looks and even the room's mood.
Is There Any Difference Between Square and Rectangle Lampshades
In addition to having many things in common, the two forms also have many things that make them different. If you're only interested in looks, rectangular shades look better with rectangular or elliptical lamp bases. At the same time,square lamp shades look better with square bases.
We recommend using rectangle shades where you can see the front of the shade (for example, on a table against a wall, in the main hall, or the dining room). An open room where you can see all four sides of the shade, like a living room or library, is the best place to put a square shade.
