Paper shades
Pleated paper shades are easy to
make and, depending on the paper, look right in almost any scheme. Plain white
or colored card, marbled papers, scraps of wallpaper and decorative wrapping
papers backed on to white card can be threaded through with fine cord or narrow
ribbon to great effect. Other card lamp shades you can make yourself are simple
drum or coolie shapes taped over a wire frame. A pretty nineteenth-century idea
due for a revival is to cut out a simple floral motif in white paper to make a
small shade for a wall fitting or bedside lamp. A hand-painted or stenciled
border pattern, inspired perhaps by a motif from a furnishing fabric or
wallpaper in the room and applied to the edge of a ready-made plain coolie
shade adds a personal touch.
Stenciled Pleat edges can give individual blend happily traditional an, decorative sch. lampshade the a
variety of designing. From the tall c jar base showy squat spherical candlestick st}
Something old, something new It is also worth hunting around junk shops for
small marbled, opaque and painted glass lamp shades which look wonderfully
atmospheric in small bedrooms. Reproduction glass lampshades and bases are also
a good investment - rustic candle holders, Victorian and Art Nouveau oil lamps
with glass shades wired for electricity and grand gilt Corinthian column lamp bases
with patterned glass and paper drum shades.
Painted metal and card lamp shades
in dark green, claret red and black look good on traditionally styled wall
light and chandelier fittings; these are eminently suitable for modern studies,
libraries and dining rooms that are styled with a touch of tradition. The pleated and bound Fabric shade is a traditional look for bedrooms and
living rooms. Fine chiffon J silk or cotton in plain white J cream or pastel colors
are the Fabrics that work best with this style.
RIGHT Wall-fixed lamp
brackets such as these can take a number of different shade styles but small
card or metal coolie shades give fittings a modern look that is still in
keeping with more traditionally styled dining rooms J studies and hallway
schemes.
