Lamp shades go all the way back to ancient times when the streets needed some illumination with the use of oil-powered wick lamps. As lighting changed from rather weak to glaring, the covers started to function the way they do today: to dim lamps for a more aesthetic and gentler effect.
A lamp shade is an inverted conical or umbrella shaped fixture that is placed above a light bulb. The purpose of the shade is to diffuse the light that is emitted by the bulb but there was another reason why it was developed. In early times the light emitted by candles was very weak and although was good enough for most purposes, was not sufficient for reading, writing, or doing any other work for which good light was needed. Placing a number of or a single large candle worked, but gave off too much heat and made the person sitting nearby giddy with the smoke.
A focusing device was thus devised where the light from a candle could be focused downwards so that a person got sufficient light to work by. The top was let open to allow the smoke to pass through. The size of the shade was dictated by the number of candles or oil lamps that were being used. As time went by, the shade lost its purely utilitarian value and started becoming more and more elaborate. Since by necessity the shade had to be placed next to the candle it came with a stand that was sometimes adjustable to compensate for the burning down of the candle although this was not a problem when using oil lamps.
This overall design has remained almost unchanged to this day. Even now almost all shades come with the top open although this is not needed for electric lights. The materials used for making the shades as well as the stands have changed with the years but you will still be hard put to find much difference between a present day one and one from 200 years ago.
Shades were also used to shade the eyes from the light while still being able to sit close enough so that its intensity did not hurt one’s eyes. This is probably where it got its name from. Even now a shade is used with most table lamps so that a person would be able to read by its light when close by, while giving a diffused light through the shade to the rest of the room.
A lamp shade is still considered to give a touch of class to the room, and is probably an unconscious leftover from the time when they were used only by the upper classes. This feeling is not based on current day prices because they are not too expensive. Shades can be purchased starting from around $50 with the paper ones coming even cheaper while being as effective. On an average, finding a reasonably good one will set you back around a $100 to $150, with the more elaborate ones being even more expensive, going up to $500 or above. Finding the lower priced shades is usually not too much of a problem with most stores offering a wide range. Finding one that has a little more style might prove a little difficult unless you go to a store dedicated to selling lighting systems. A better alternative would be to browse through the net to get an idea of the different products on offer, and even if you do not finally make the purchase, you will at least have a fair idea of what exactly you want when you go to the store to buy one.
Using lamp shades over your lamps is always a good idea as it gives a warm glow to the room, something that cannot be achieved using anything else. Just put up a paper shade over one of your lamps and you will find out what a difference it makes. If you are of the artistic bend you can even do a couple of drawings on them, or get your kid to do so. It may not look like much when it is completed, but you will find that it is the envy of anyone who looks at it, because all said and done, itis one of a kind.
They make use of cylinder, cones or other shapes to cover a light bulb. It can be found on the floor, table, counter or desk. It can even be suspended on a wall. One famous lamp shade design is called the Victorian triple. It is formed like a chandelier and is very royal and elegant. It can make use of beads and other materials that are hung forming three cylinders around a bulb.
One variety that is an adorable accent that can be placed on top of corner tables or mounted near a child’s desk is the mini lamp. They can be very useful at night during short story time before finally going to sleep. They are ideal to put near the bed because the light can easily be “snuffed out.” It doesn’t need to be oil-powered if there is much concern for safety. They are usually bell-shaped and are made of paper, silk or linen among others.
Many people actually engage in designing small lamps. Decorating them has become a hobby to them, because these fixtures are simply adorable and can stand alone, giving the hobbyist a lot of room for individual style. Simple tools like scissors, glue gun and paper can be used easily at home. More experienced makers utilize textile and brushes for a more professional approach to creating their very own lighting masterpieces. Those who want to make them for a living would have to explore other textile like silk.
Bigger varieties that give off more illumination can be placed on the floor or on larger surfaces like meeting tables at a conference hall. They serve specific purposes based on how they are shaped and designed. Those that have light going upwards illuminate a corner elegantly, while those that point downwards are directional and are used while reading or making crafts.
In designing a more serious interior, leather on light fixtures is something that reflects class and great taste. Though usually opaque, they still look great especially in contrast with the light going upwards to the ceiling and downwards to the glass on the desk. Leather can be beautifully dyed with gold, green, brown and other colors. The natural color can also be left as it is, merely enhanced by colorless coating. They are usually made of pigskin. Though light does not go through them very well, their rustic texture allows a little glow which is enough to illuminate for aesthetic purposes.
In spite of a very wide array of light fixtures available today, lamp shades never seem to be blotted out in obscurity. This classic fixture has proven itself over time as a part of home lighting that cannot be left out. The fascination that we have over the simple idea of covering a lamp is timeless.
A Lampshade is what makes a lamp look truly beautiful. The ambiance you want to create can only be achieved by the right type of lamp shade. Whether cozy, elegant, contemporary or traditional, it is the lamp shade which will enhance any particular look of a home. And all you need to do is change the lampshade to get a different look. Which is why lampshades are so popular today.
Lamp shade types
There are many different types of lamp shades out there in the market today from traditional styles to contemporary ones and everything in between. Lamp shades are available in every shape you can think of and in every size, color, material and budget. Also there are many designers who create beautiful lampshades that seem more like a work of art, these do cost more, however are well worth the money for some. The good news for most of us average folk is that, we can get really nice ones at very low prices.
Lampshade materials
While traditionally most lamp shades were made out of ceramic or clay, these days lampshades are made out of fabric, however many other materials too are popular today such as glass, crystal, metal, chrome, stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, bamboo, beads and even paper. The cost of the lampshade depends on the material used, the more expensive the material is, the more expensive the shade usually is.
Lamp shade parts and Lampshade frames
For most Lampshades, their parts and frames are all available separately. The good thing about this is that if some part of your lamp or shade gets damaged, it is quite simple to get it replaced. The quality and workmanship of the frames also determine the cost of the lampshade, the higher the quality of the materials used and the more intricate the framework is, the more expensive the shade usually is.
So if you are looking to spice up your home or your room, change your lampshade. It is most certainly the cheapest and most effective way of adding a bit of life and color to your living area. For a cheap deal, check your options online as many retailers do offer discounts and you may even find one which you like on sale.