BEHIND THE DESIGN

If you like our edit of lampshades, read what the experts say on sourcing the perfect style for your home

Expert advice on shopping for lampshades

‘A COLOURFUL shade is an easy way to breathe life into a room. Our Otomi designs, for instance, are artworks in themselves and work particularly well in neutral schemes, lifting the atmosphere and creating a focal point. Ikat shades often go better in more traditional settings. Silk is beautiful when unlit and in the evening lights up like jewels for a rich ambience.’ EMILY PINSENT, director, Montes & Clark ‘PAY attention to the edges: neat taped edges or trim details instantly look more considered than a plain drum. Also, look at the frame. Too often it is coated or even plastic – brass has much more substance. At Soho Home we tend to opt for off-white and natural-toned shades, which allow the light to diffuse nicely. We love linen and silk mixes with a bit of texture.’

LAUREN QUELCH-WOOLLS, lighting product

developer, Soho Home ‘MAXIMALISTS should opt for a luxury statement shade. Designs with a perforated mesh cast atmospheric light and make a great centrepiece even when unlit. For a relaxed aesthetic, try rattan for an ultra-modern yet natural look; these shades work in urban and rural interiors, bestowing a warm glow.’ ANNA CROSS, home buying manager, Habitat

“IN A ROOM WITH LOTS OF PATTERN, CHOOSE A SHADE THAT PICKS UP ON ONE COLOUR: A DARK PINK ACCENT IN A RUG ECHOED IN TABLE LAMPS, THE YELLOW FROM A PAINTING IN A HALL REPEATED IN SHADES ON THE CONSOLE, OR THE INDIGO STRIPE ON A CHAIR CUSHION MATCHED TO A PENDANT”

SHERINE FREETH, founder, Shenouk

‘ALMOST without exception, you can put any shade shape on any lamp, but you have to get the size and balance right. Tall skinny lamps are the most flexible and can look great with little and larger shades. In general, as the lamp base becomes rounder, shades with more vertical sides look better.’ ROHAN BLACKER, founder, Pooky ‘THERE seems to be a renaissance for shades with exciting colour and pattern. All of my designs can be matched with fabric, wallpaper and cushions for some pretty maximalism. Drum shades work well for smaller rooms as pendant lights, especially with a coloured woven flex and brass ceiling rose, but mainly in pairs at either side of a sofa or bed.’ SUSI BELLAMY, product designer ‘WE tend to follow these three guidelines to ensure the lamp is looking its best with the chosen shade. 1) The width of the shade should be roughly equal to the height of the lamp base. 2) Its height should be about two-thirds the height of the base. 3) The shade should be wider than the widest part of the base.’

JIM LAWRENCE, founder, Jim Lawrence