Medium lampshades

About

Medium lampshades are rather useful things. Big enough to feel properly decorative, small enough not to boss the room about, and just the right scale for many table lamps, bedside lamps, wall lights and even smaller floor lamps. If a shade looks a little mean, the whole lamp can feel unfinished. If it is too large, it can overwhelm the base. A medium lampshade usually sits very happily in the middle, bringing balance, softness and a rather pleasing sense of proportion. Part of the charm of medium lampshades is how much they can change without asking very much of you. A gathered linen shade can make a bedroom feel softer by evening, while a sharper empire or drum shade gives a sitting room lamp a cleaner, more tailored look. Pattern, colour and texture all matter here. A medium sized lampshade in a warm print can lift a quiet corner beautifully, while a plain shade in silk , cotton or linen can let the lamp base do more of the talking. They are also wonderfully good for tying a lighting scheme together. Use medium lampshades on table lamps either side of a sofa, pair them with wall lights for a layered sitting room, or choose one for a favourite floor lamp that needs a little refresh. Matching is optional, but a little conversation between colours, shapes and fabrics is usually rather lovely.