While you can't really go wrong with a white barrel lamp shade, one in black can be right on. It'll work with a variety of styles and punctuate a room with a little moody sophistication.
Thinking outside the white lampshade box took a little time, but I've come around now that I've started accumulating images of stylish rooms dotted with black lampshades. They simultaneously look a little richer and edgy, and, since they're less expected, they can add a thoughtful touch. They'll of course work best in spots where you want softer, not bright, light, which might mean on a console or side table or by your bed.
Images: 1. and 5. Lonny 2. via Eclectic Revisited 3. Elle Decor 4. Design Files via Decorista 6. Me Oh My! 7. House & Garden via Shelteriffic 8. Domino via Rhemod 9. Design Scout via DecorPad 10. Brian Grech for Valletta Suites via Yatzer
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love the nightstand in the first pic!!!
creepy pillow in the last pic, yo
The last one looks like a chess piece = awesome.
I switched to black lampshades on my antique Italian lamps in my office/dressing room and it made all the difference in the world. Perfect POP of color... or black at least.
http://www.lovemaegan.com/2011/08/my-home-office-dressing-room.html
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I really love the contrast against the white walls- a trick that I think makes white seem purposeful rather than undone. Wondering what they'd look like against color... my walls are Dior grey and bright pinky red so maybe black would be too much?
Has anyone tried black shades in darker rooms?
Big fan of black lamp shades. I have 3 throughout my apartment, 1 of which I just picked up this afternoon. (http://flickr.com/photos/yourjuliet/6103410283) What a timely post, indeed. ;D
I have black pagoda shades on the foo dog lamps that flank my sofa. The tie into the black in the Asian screen behind the sofa. I love them.
The problem with these sorts of shades is that they don't let much light through to light the room--they become de facto spotlights. This drives me nuts because it means I have to add more lamps just to get enough light. So, while they look amazing, they really aren't functional.