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Create a feature of your table lamps and pendant lights with these bold and colourful lampshades
For a long time, lampshades were relegated to the same passé corner of interior design as peacock chairs, patterned wallpaper, and macramé wall hangings, replaced with slick metallic pendant lights and spindly mid-century floor lamps.
In recent years however, pleated lampshades have enjoyed a serious moment on Instagram, as have their densely patterned ikat counterparts, bringing lampshades back into the design lexicon of stylish homeowners. Today, there are lampshades for every taste, that can transform a plain table lamp or create a feature pendant.
Soft velvets are popular for their versatility (we've chosen our top four in this roundup), fringed lampshades lend Art Deco references for a bit of added luxury, and neutral woven rattans complement a natural, plant-filled home. In terms of colour, anything goes – we've chosen punchy yellows, classic greys and a host of pretty pinks.
An added bonus in choosing a lampshade over exposed bulbs and pendants is that a soft material will better filter your light for a more relaxed room.
Interior Designer and founder of Maison Maison, Suzanne Duin, suggests changing your lampshades seasonally: 'Bring a fresh, fashion forward colour into the home for the ultimate refresh during the darker winter months and when summer rolls around, go au-naturale and channel coastal chic aesthetic.'
Read on for 23 of the best modern lampshades to buy right now.
The woven design on this large rattan lampshade allows light to disperse easily, and casts interesting shadows on the walls. Perfect in darker spaces if you want to create a bright and airy atmosphere.
This House Beautiful shade ticks two trend boxes, with its classic mink grey colour and tactile velvet material. With a brushed metallic inner to disperse a soft light, this would make a great choice for a neutral bedroom.
Shop now: House Beautiful Samet Velvet Lampshade at Homebase
We love this statement blue linen lampshade from Rose & Grey – even more so when paired with the matching base. This is a real eye-catcher, so give it pride of place on a dresser or console table in a hallway.
Shop now: Ice Blue Linen Lamp Shade at Rose & Grey
This lampshade is part of the collaboration between Anthropologie and renowned American designer, Mark D. Sikes. The clever printed shade and matching base is a treat for any design lover.
HAY is known for its design-led pieces at super affordable prices, and none are more recognisable than the insta-famous rice paper shade. Its lightweight outer shell and soft white colourway make it the perfect option for a serene bedroom – here making a great partner with the House Beautiful Neva Bed at Dreams.
This fabulous Rockett St George lampshade reminds us of Humbug boiled sweets. Designed as a classic drum lampshade, the fabric is a sturdy linen and cotton mix. A matching table and floor lamp is available.
Shop now: Black & White Stripe Ceiling Light Shade at Rockett St George
This John Lewis lampshade comes from a collaboration with Matthew Williamson, the master of colour and pattern. It's made from a faux silk fabric that's been gathered and pleated by hand, and digitally printed with a rich botanical print.
Shop now: John Lewis & Partners + Matthew Williamson Ellwood Tapered Lampshade
One for the colour lovers, this striking empire lampshade in a bright lemon yellow is a feature in itself. It will match perfectly with blue, as shown here, but yellow is deceptively versatile, making an equally happy match with forest greens, or warm reds.
This mesmerising marble paper is made in Jaipur, using traditional marbling techniques that date back hundreds of years. A truly unique take, as no two lampshades are ever the same.
Shop now: Empire Marble Paper Lampshade at Pooky
This John Lewis wicker lampshade introduces organic and handmade elements, ideal for sustainably-minded homeowners who like to surround themselves with natural materials.
Shop now: Nkuku Banso Wicker Lampshade at John Lewis & Partners
A striking curved shape, silky outer shell, and black decorative detailing give this Rockett St George lampshade subtle Art Deco references. A great choice for a monochrome design scheme – the warm cream is a more forgiving shade than a stark white.
Shop now: Black & Cream Curved Light Shade at Rockett St George
Duck egg blue is a total gift in design schemes, complementary to any number of warm colour palettes from mustard yellows to cherry reds, and a whole variety of pink shades. Or you can pair with a simple white base to make it your focus.
Shop now: House Beautiful Samet Velvet Lampshade at Homebase
A true statement piece – these lampshades are hand-covered in natural and responsibly-sourced goose feathers, available in a range of sizes, for ceiling, floor or table lamps.
This year, a lot of our homeware will reference quaint design details from the past, and this blue voile pleated lampshade with hand block-printed leaf pattern fits the bill.
Shop now: Pleated Daun Cotton Lampshade at OKA
This velvet shade from Dunelm is the kind of classic blush pink that won't feel dated in a few years. The eye-catching gold metallic inner is great for providing a soft yellow glow.
Shop now: Clara 40cm Drum Shade at Dunelm
A versatile rattan and cane lampshade, with a vintage silhouette and sweet scalloped edge. This piece is from one of our favourite new marketplaces, Glassette, and is ethically handwoven by talented artisans in Northern India.
Shop now: Mimi Scalloped Lampshade at Glassette
Adorned with embroidered floral motifs that play over the pure cotton shade, this Anthropologie design will transform any lamp base into a feature piece. We think it's perfect on a plain base to let the colourful pattern shine.
An accent piece to say the least. This quirky Love Frankie piece has a soft bubblegum pink outer, and luminous leopard print inner for a warm glow. This lampshade can be used for table lamps, floor lamps, or as a ceiling pendant.
This is a clever twist on the traditional velvet drum shade. A cane tier peeks from underneath this warm ochre lampshade for a thoroughly contemporary mix of textures. A great choice to soften an extra luxe space.
Shop now: Nova Velvet and Cane Shade at Dunelm
For the fearless decorator, this classic curved lampshade with decorative fringing has been updated in a coral velvet with a fabulous crane and palm tree print. A romantic and dramatic addition to a seriously stylish home.
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