What Is The Glass Around A Lamp Called?

A lamp shade is a decorative cover fitting over a lamp to diffuse the light while also providing ornamentation. Lamp shades have been used for centuries to soften bright light sources and make lighting fixtures more visually appealing.

The earliest lamp shades were made of translucent materials like horn, parchment, or fabric to filter light. As lighting technology advanced from candles to oil lamps to electric lights, shades evolved in their shapes, sizes, and materials. Victorian-era blown glass and hand-painted silk shades became popular ornamental fixtures. The invention of electric lighting expanded lampshade design possibilities in the early 20th century.

Today, lamp shades not only temper light but also complement room decor with their colors, textures, and designs. From fabric roller shades to beaded, tiffany, or stained glass shades, they remain an essential lighting accessory for adding both form and function.

Names for Lamp Shades

The most common terms for the glass or fabric covering around a lamp are “lamp shade” or “light shade”. These generic terms refer to any type of fitment that surrounds the light source of a lamp to diffuse or direct the light.

“Lampshade” is also commonly used, as one word rather than two. Other less common terms include “fitment”, which refers to anything that fits around a light bulb, and “luminary”, which is an older term for a lighting unit including the light source and shade.

Some regional dialects may use localized terms like “lamp cover” or “lamp casing”, but lamp shade and light shade are widely understood.

Materials

Some of the most common materials used for lamp shades include:

• Fabric – Fabrics like silk, linen, cotton, or polyester are very popular for lamp shades. Fabric shades allow light to pass through softly and create a warm, diffused glow. However, fabric is more prone to getting dirty or damaged than other materials.
• Parchment – Parchment lamp shades are made from treated animal skins and have a classic, elegant look. They can be quite durable but may yellow or become brittle over time.
• Glass – Glass lamp shades come in clear, colored, or patterned stained glass. They allow maximum light transmission but can easily break if knocked over.
• Metal – Metal lamp shades made from materials like brass, copper, or steel have an industrial, modern aesthetic. However, they can get quite hot from the light bulb.

There are pros and cons to each common lamp shade material. Factors like aesthetics, durability, light diffusion, and heat resistance should be considered when selecting a material.

Shapes

The shape of a lamp shade impacts the look, feel, and functionality of the lamp. Common lamp shade shapes include:

Drum shades are cylindrical in shape and provide even, all-around illumination. They work well with table lamps and floor lamps placed in corners.¹

Empire shades are characterized by a flat top and sloped sides. The flat top directs light up toward the ceiling for ambient lighting, while the sloped sides direct light downwards.² Empire shades pair nicely with table lamps.

Coolie shades have a conical shape that focuses light in a downward direction. They are commonly seen on desk lamps, wall sconces, and vanity lighting.¹

Bell shades have a flared shape that produces diffused, ambient lighting. The wide open top allows light to reflect off the ceiling and walls. Bell shades are popular for wall sconces and pendant lights.²

Sizes

Lampshades come in a variety of standard sizes to fit different lamp bases and bulbs. Some common sizes include:

• 4 inch – for smaller accent lamps
• 5 inch – for nightstand and desk lamps
• 8 inch – for floor lamps and table lamps
• 10 inch – for floor lamps and ceiling fixtures
• 12 inch – for floor lamps and chandeliers

To find the right size lampshade for your lamp, you’ll need to measure the diameter of the widest part of the lamp harp or base. Use a soft measuring tape to get the most accurate measurement.

For floor lamps, table lamps, and chandeliers, the shade should be around 2 inches wider than the widest part of the base. This provides enough overhang to emit soft lighting. For smaller lamps like desk lamps, choose a shade that’s the same width or up to an inch wider than the base.

The height of the shade is also important for directing light. A shade that’s too tall may allow too much light through the top. One that’s too short can look disproportionate. Choose a shade height in proportion to the lamp – around 1/3 to 1/2 the total height of floor and table lamps.

When shopping online, check the dimension specs of shades including width, height, and slant height. Slant height indicates the height from the top of the shade to the bottom edge, accounting for any angle.

Use a lamp shade calculator to determine the optimal size for your lamp’s base and harp.

Styles

Lamp shades come in a wide variety of styles that have evolved over time. Some of the most popular historic styles include:

Tiffany – Intricately designed with colored glass and lead, Tiffany lamp shades were popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s during the Art Nouveau period.

Art Deco – Sleek and geometric lamp shades with chrome accents defined the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s.

Mid-Century Modern – The mid 1900s saw creative new lampshade shapes like orbs and cones in materials like fiberglass and acrylic.

Some contemporary lampshade styles that remain popular today include:

Geometric – Bold shapes like diamonds, chevrons, and honeycomb patterns create striking, modern lampshades.

Coastal – Neutral fabrics and materials like rattan and driftwood evoke breezy, beach-inspired designs.

Decorative Techniques

There are many creative ways to decorate a lamp shade to make it unique or match your room’s decor. Some popular techniques include:

Painting – Lamp shades can be painted with acrylic craft paints. Solid colors work best. Make sure to use paint formulated for the lamp shade material. Prep the surface, apply painter’s tape for clean edges, and use thin coats of paint.

Stenciling – Intricate patterns and designs can be achieved with stencils. Amp up the texture by dabbing paint over the stencil. Numerous layers and colors can be used for more complex results. Stenciling works well on fabric, parchment, and plastic.

Decoupage – With decoupage, you glue paper cutouts onto the shade and coat with varnish to seal. Tissue paper, scrapbook paper, maps, and more can be used. Avoid overly thick papers. Decoupage is ideal for fabric, but can work on some hard materials too if properly sealed.(1)

With some creativity and the right materials and techniques, lamp shades can be customized with intricate designs or colorful accents. The decorating method depends on the material, the desired look, and your skill level.

Specialty Lamp Shades

Some lamp shades feature specialty materials or decorative techniques to create unique lighting effects or tie in with specific decor styles. Popular specialty lamp shade options include:

Stained Glass – Lamp shades made of stained glass pieces in colorful patterns are commonly used in Tiffany-style lamps. The colored glass creates a warm glow when illuminated.

Art Glass – Lamp shades of handblown art glass in vibrant colors and abstract shapes add dramatic flair. These are popular in modern and contemporary rooms.

Mosaic – Tiny mosaic tiles of glass, stone, or other materials are arranged in patterns on these shades. Mosaic lamp shades provide visual interest and complement bohemian, eclectic, or Mediterranean decors.

Capiz Shell – Lampshades made of capiz shells create a soft, ambient glow. These natural shade materials work well in coastal, tropical, and Asian-inspired spaces.

Lamp Shade Alternatives

While traditional lamp shades made of fabric, glass, or metal are common, there are creative alternatives to consider:

Lampshades made from books or music sheets not only provide a unique decorative element, but repurpose materials in an eco-friendly way. They work best for smaller table lamps. Simply stack books and secure them around a lamp base, or carefully cut sheets of music to size and affix around a frame. Choose books and music pages that complement your room’s aesthetic.

Baskets made of natural materials like rattan or bamboo also make rustic and charming shades. The open weave diffuses the light. Look for baskets just wider than your lamp base and either arrange vertically or flip upside down. This is perfect for a casual, bohemian look.

Capiz shell lampshades made from shells create a delicate, luminous effect when the light shines through. Often seen in coastal decor, these are best for ambient bedside lighting. Choose wire-framed capiz shells in the shape of a typical lampshade.

In a child’s room, unconventional lampshades can add whimsy. Cut a pattern from a large piece of cardboard, color with markers, and affix to a plain lampshade base. Or opt for a patterned fabric that ties in with the room’s theme.

For temporary use or a party,Materials like ribbons or scarves can make fun, impromptu shades. Drape around the base creatively and use clips to hold in place.

In outdoor spaces like patios, thinner materials like sheets of colored plastic or acrylic can shield light from a hanging lamp. Secure with ties or adhesive strips.

Get creative with lampshades in spots where traditional shades aren’t necessary or might obstruct light patterns. Contemplate your room’s style and lighting needs, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

Conclusion

In summary, the glass or fabric covering around a lamp is called a lamp shade. Lamp shades serve important functions such as diffusing and softening light to make it more pleasant, directing light where it is needed, and protecting eyes from glare. The materials, shapes, sizes, styles and decorative techniques used for lamp shades all impact their look and functionality.

Choosing the right lamp shade is essential for achieving the desired ambiance, light quality and aesthetic in a space. The shade impacts how brightly a room is lit, the direction light is cast, and the warmth or coolness of the lighting. Lamp shades come in a vast array of materials, shapes, colors, patterns and decorations to match any decor. Consider the lighting needs, style and overall look when selecting shades. With the proper shade, table lamps, floor lamps and other light fixtures can provide customized, attractive lighting for bedrooms, living rooms, offices and more.