We all know that a lampshade is one of the best elements for lighting that can make your space go from drab to fab. But do you know what is the most repetitive mistake you all make with shades that you should highly avoid?
This blog contains all the trial and error that a poorly chosen or well-maintained shade for a lamp can either make or break your room ambiance. In this guide, we will walk through the 8 things you shouldn’t do with your lampshade. So, let’s just get started.
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Using the Wrong Size Lampshade
Mistake number one that you all make is using the wrong size lampshade. The size of the shade is to be chosen proportionally for both the lamp base and the room. No one wants a huge shade that overshadows the lamp base or makes the whole setup look awkward.
- What You Can Do
You can make sure that the height of the shade should be two-thirds the height of the lamp base.
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You Shouldn’t Ignore the Shape of the Lampshade
The second mistake that you should avoid is considering the shape of the shade of the lamp. The shape is one of the biggest factors that makes its appearance look good and helps in dispersing the light evenly.
Such as drum shade is known for its modern and sleek design and on the other hand empire shade is known for its traditional look. So it will be better if you pair the right shape with your lamp base or your overall space.
- What you can do:
Try to choose the shape that complements both the lamp base and your room aesthetic, so that the right shape can enhance your room style on another level.
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Don’t Overlook the Color Of the Lampshade
Moving on to the third mistake, which is most common and gets overlooked is not considering the right color for the lampshade. We all know that choosing the color according to the room’s aesthetic is easy but what many people overlook is the effect that color has on the lighting.
Think of it this way, a darker shade can create a personal, and moody atmosphere, while a lighter shade will create a bright environment.
- What you can do:
Before you settle for color, it will be better if you think about what kind of lighting you are considering in your room.
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You Shouldn’t Neglect the Material of the Shade for Lamp
Fourth mistake, never neglect the material of the shade. Material plays a crucial role in casting the light accordingly. Material that has different textures, patterns, and designs diffuses the light in different ways. So if you choose a shade made up of different materials then your space will be overly bright or way too dim.
- What you can do:
You can consider picking the right material depending on your needs. If you want soft glow lighting in your room then go for shades made up of fabric or paper. And if you want focused or task-based lighting then a metal shade is a way to go.
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Don’t Choose the Wrong Shade for the Lamp Base
Again the most common mistake that you all make is by not choosing the right shade for your lamp base. This mistake might seem obvious but it’s the mistake that many of us make. For an appealing shade, it needs to complement your lamp base. You can’t just mix and match any lamp base with shade.
- What you can do:
Keep the lamp base and shade in mind, in terms of size and style. Try to make them feel like a cohesive pair, not two random pieces that are thrown together.
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Try Not To Ignore Proportion and Scale
Proportion and scale are the best factors you can consider to enhance the appearance of your lamp. They both go hand in hand and deserve special attention.
- What you can do
Look at the proportion and ask yourself does this shade fit your space? Try to pay attention to your furniture and see if they are balancing with your shade or not.
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Don’t Forget To Clean or Maintain Your Lampshade
The seventh mistake that you neglect is not cleaning your shade with proper care and not maintaining it. Your shades can collect dust just like any other surface will make your lamp look dull and can affect the quality of your light.
- What you can do
Different shade materials require different cleaning methods. It will be better if you consider the fabric and most importantly remember to not use harsh chemicals while cleaning the shade material as it can damage the quality of the material.
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Try Not to Ignore Safety Concerns
Last but not least, one mistake that you should not ignore is the safety concern. It should be your first priority while selecting the shade. If your lamp has high-wattage bulbs then it can pose a fire with certain material.
- What you can do
Don’t try to overlook the small details as they can become the cause of any high risk when it comes to your home and lighting.
Conclusion
As we have come to the end of this blog, you all are now equipped with enough knowledge that will guide you on things that you should not do with lampshades. By avoiding these common and small mistakes you can create a lighting setup that will add a charm to your space.
At Fenchel Shades, you can get a variety of shades that will not only be appealing but also offer functionality as well. From square shades to classic lampshades, you will get the type of shade for a lamp that will fit your lighting needs.
FAQ’s
- What size lampshade should I use with my lamp?
Ans: The shade should be approximately twice the width of the base and two-thirds the height.
- How can I clean my lampshade?
Ans: Clean fabric shades using a vacuum or lint roller; glass shades may be cleaned with soap and water.
- Can a lampshade change the brightness of a room?
Ans: Yes! Lighter tones allow more light in, whilst darker shades create a cozier, dimmer atmosphere.
- What material is ideal for a lampshade?
Ans: It depends on the fabric providing soft light, whereas metal or glass produces concentrated, brighter light.
- How can I match a lampshade to my existing decor?
Ans: Think about your room’s style, use colors and patterns that compliment your entire design.
