Lamp shades offer a quick and easy way to transform the look of your interiors while providing ambient lighting to any room. Keep reading to learn all about styles, designs, and color options.

Replacing existing lamp shades? Check out How to Measure Lamp Shades to determine the right size for your lamp and the surrounding space.

Lamp Shade Styles

Lamp shades come in an endless variety of design styles to complement your interior aesthetic. Find your ideal style, below:

1. Modern

Modern lamp shades are clean and sleek in design, which is why they usually come in drum, square, or empire shapes with no embellishments or pleated details. These lamp shades are perfect for pairing with cool abstract lamp bases because they don't take away from the design.

2. Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern lamp shades offer more retro flair compared to standard modern lamp shades. Similar to modern lamp shades, mid-century modern styles love sleek empire, drum, or square shade shapes. However, they usually come in more bold colors (like rust red, teal, olive green, or mustard yellow) and some have cool abstract designs that nod to the 1960s and 1970s.

3. Traditional

Traditional lamp shades typically feature empire or bell-shaped shades with pleated detailing, subtle floral patterns, and scalloped edges. In short, this style is all about vintage flair and romantic silhouettes. Tiffany glass lamp shades also fall under the traditional category.

4. Farmhouse

If you love the look of plaid, stripes, florals, and burlap, a farmhouse lamp shade might be for you. These lamp shades come in a variety of shade shapes, placing more of an emphasis on natural rustic materials and homey patterns.

5. French Country

Add a bit of vintage style to your space with a French country–inspired lamp shade. These shades usually have toile, floral, or French-themed patterns and either scalloped or pleated detailing to add to their look. For a more sleek design, there are also drum- and empire-shaped lamp shades fitted with French country motifs.

6. Coastal

Coastal lamp shades include shades with nautical or sealife patterns including anchors, stripes, coastal maps, corals, or seashells. The majority of coastal lamp shades also come in various shades of white and blue to connect to an ocean color palette. As an alternative, you can also try a rattan lamp shade. Extra points if it has scalloped edges that mimics the shape of seashells.

7. Boho

Boho lamp shades are all about color and pattern. This includes ikat, medallion, animal-print, floral, or geometric prints in a range of fun colors and designs.

8. Glam

If you're looking to add a bit of luxury to your interiors, glam lamp shades are a great place to start. From gleaming metallic shades to designs with frilly embellishments or crystal beading, there are so many ways to achieve the glam look!

Lamp Shade Patterns & Designs

If you're not interested in a specific shade style, you can always start your search by browsing for lamp shades with unique decorative features. Here are some popular features to keep on your radar:

Patterned: Step outside of your comfort zone with a patterned lamp shade. Patterns range from bold florals to rustic natural designs. Patterned lamp shades are perfect if you are looking to add decor to a neutral room or to tie in colors and themes that already exist in your space. Keep in mind that patterns tend to dim the light emitting from the shade.

Pleated: Pleated lamp shades have been around for years and aren’t going anywhere because of their classic and traditional look. The soft pleats add a vintage feel to your shade and are commonly paired with traditional rooms and cottage or country decor and antiques.

Embroidered/Beaded: Embroidered or beaded lamp shades give your lamp a customized look. Embroidery or beads add texture to your lamp shade that can make your lamp really pop as a focal point in the room. If you are looking for a more subtle feel, opt for an embroidered or beaded shade with neutral colors, letting the texture be the star of the show.

Lamp Shade Color Finishes

In addition to design styles and decorative features, lamp shades are also available in a variety of colors. The shade color you choose influences the type/color of light that the lamp emits and can even add to the aesthetic of your room. Here's what to consider:

When it comes to lighting, translucent shades will give off more light, letting you see better when the sun goes down. A white lamp shade will help reflect the light the lamp gives off and help create a brighter look in the room. If white is too bright in your space, opt for something a bit more neutral, like a cream lamp shade. It will add to your neutral palette and still allow plenty of light.

If the lamp is used for decor purposes, consider a darker-colored shade like black or navy. A darker, more opaque shade will diffuse the light, creating a romantic ambience while letting your lamp shade add color to your space.

If you are looking to make a bold statement, opt for a shade in a bright color, like red. It will diffuse the light in your space while adding a pop of color to your room.

Tip!

To learn more about lamp shade attachment types, shade shapes, and material options, read our guide Types of Lamp Shades: How to Select the Right One.

You Might Also Need