apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I was wondering the exact same thing! Looking foward for some suggestions as well.

whatever shade you use, it has to be super light. We wanted to buy the Regolit but also hated the shade. At the store, we tested the floor sample and tried using various shades from ikea (we really liked the Foto and Leran pendants). They all made the light sag down until it came to the floor! We used the larger size, o that might have been the problem but a really small shade will throw the proportions off. The arc is either a really light metal or plastic -- really wimpy. Maybe a light plastic or a smaller paper shade will work or use a pendant light's shade, like:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90103409

I had the same issue - need something to hang over my dining table. The shades available at Ikea with the insert that flips up or down will work on the this lamp. I bought the erserud - couldn't make the link work. In the largest size I think and in a white tone on tone stitching.

Looks so much nicer... I just now have to find something inventive to do with the big paper shade. Besides give it to the cats.

Also the sucker is WAY tall - I didn't even need all the extension pieces.

Looks like you could attach any pendant light to it instead of what is there. Maybe the 15" Foto pendant lamp, the Knappa, or even a nice bowl with a hole drilled through it for the cord.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90128179
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60071344
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30081467

Not the post is a hollow tube. Additional structure could be given if you put a thin metal rod on the inside of the hollow post sections.

I'm not trying to be a troll, but, kaaachang's comment would really dissuade me from doing this.

I own the CB2 Big Dipper and the thing is solid. I love it. I would suggest saving your money and buying the quality piece.

ATL_Jeep - I don't think that's a troll comment. I too would be dissuaded and am generally wary of IKEA lighting because it looks so flimsy to me at the store. Any good experiences with IKEA lighting, I'd love to hear.

why not just purchase a different paper lantern, extend it to it's fullest size, spray glue it to stay that shape/size and then cut the bottom off and cover it with a strip of fabric or ribbon to coordinate with the room (or white just to finish it)?

as far as the flimsy issue, I' have this lap with the alternate shade as stated. It hasn't been a problem. The thing is out of the main traffic path, and certainly tall enough for me to walk under when needed. No, my 6 ft 5in dad cant walk under it safely, but that's more because he's old and wobbly and needs stuff to hold onto. So he sits on the other side of my table.

So I'd say for the money and it isn't in the traffic path, its a steal for the money. And solves a problem for me, in a house, that I don't indent to live in for more than just a few years.

IKEA has several sizes of the regolit paper shade. We had the big one at first, but then downgraded. It's not super clear on the website or in the store, but ask, and I'm sure you'll find a smaller size. We have a regolit arcing over our bed, and I love it. It's been fairly stable. The biggest problem is when the kitties decide it's a toy! Luckily the paper shades are relatively inexpensive!

One other suggestion would be to use a different shape or size of japanese paper shade. They are available online at very low cost and in a variety of sizes -

for example this shop: Paper Lantern Store

I have used paper lanterns in various homes over the years and been quite happy with the results.

Thanks for the comments/advice.

For those of you who have actually seen this lamp in person, there's a metal fixture for the lamp that fits through the paper shade -- will other lanterns or shades that aren't from Ikea fit? If not, suggestions?

pseudodesigns - I'm not sure I can picture what you're talking about in terms of cutting/finishing a paper lantern?

And, can anyone suggest a Big Dipper-style drum shade that would work on the Regolit base?

I own one of these and have the arc ending over my bed. I replaced the oringinal shade (as pictured in your post) with an even larger-but shallower- eliptical paper lamp shade I purchased online: http://www.paperlanternstore.com/ovandrecpapl.html

It looks like they no longer offer the really big one I purchased (29" diameter) but still looks good. I am sure a smaller size would work with the Regolit floor lamp. The metal framework from the original shade will most likely not work with other shades, but it isn't a problem. Paper shades always come with their own internal metal frame/tension device and can be secured to the lamp cord.

Emeryville, thanks for that link. I have a similar lamp that is from target (I purchased via good will for $5) and it has a regular circular off white paper lantern. I love the arc lamp, but the shade is nothing special at all. I thought about replacing it with a vintage pendent shade I have, but now I think I am going to order one from the link you provided. I can't decide on a color, but at that price might as well buy 2 and be able to change it out or use it elsewhere.

@Emeryville: what a great resource, thanks!