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Drum Shades Above the Bed

1-8-09drumshade1.jpg

We've noticed a trend lately in the way magazines and catalogs are styling bedrooms. Pendant lights with drum shades above the bed are popular...

 
 

1-9-08drumshade2.jpg

These photos from Living Etc and the Hülsta catalog share a few things in common:

• The large shape of the drum shade balances the width of the bed.
• The light fixture creates a focal point overhead, anchoring the room.
• The simple, classic shade goes well with a broad range of decor.
• The shade diffuses light evenly across the room.
• It's a more modern alternative to an opulent light fixture like a chandelier.

What do you think? Are drum shades the new chandeliers, or is this look a little too blah?

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Bedroom, lighting

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Comments (16)

I really like the look, but I would wonder if, while you're in the bed, the open light bulb above would be harsh/obnoxious?

I also think the one different color post on the bed frame of the first picture is interesting..

posted by chrisciever on January 8th 2009 at 7:14pm
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Usually decent shades have a diffuser at the bottom if they're intended to be pendants. Even like CB2 fixtures have a diffuser, so if you're in the market and on a budget I'd start there. I like the huge equator one, it's like 3 feet wide.

posted by Garrett22 on January 8th 2009 at 7:37pm
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Umm, looks like not such great feng shui to me - a big "thing" hanging, pressing down, maybe about to drop onto the bed. Hmmm. Will skip this trend.

But I like the white on white!

posted by BlueAholic on January 8th 2009 at 7:42pm
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when you lie in bed under a drum light, you'd be directly under a naked bulb. it's an interesting look, but not really practical or soothing for a bedside or reading lamp (which i thought about AFTER styling my sister's apartment to have hanging lamps over the bed...)

posted by curvatura on January 8th 2009 at 8:03pm
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How do the children jumping on the bed avoid smashing into it?

posted by debtex on January 8th 2009 at 10:01pm
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Mama called the doctor and the doctor said not to do that.

posted by K T G on January 8th 2009 at 10:40pm
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I can't prove it, but I suspect that in that second photo, the lamp is actually over the rug.

I'm not crazy about this look, but it's an interesting idea.

posted by Cheryl on January 8th 2009 at 10:44pm
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Uh... no. It would get in the way of certain recreational, and procreational, activities.

posted by modtramp on January 8th 2009 at 11:25pm
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I had seen that first picture a little while ago and while lying in my canopy bed (very similar to the one pictured- also with no curtains) I tried to envision how it would feel to have that lamp hovering above me. Just the thought made me claustrophobic. The canopy bed is great for feeling cozy in a larger room, but bringing that huge overhead element into the space would just be too, too much.

posted by teeze on January 8th 2009 at 11:35pm
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My bedroom already had one of these when I moved into my new house a few months ago. It's mounted pretty close to the ceiling. Although it looks dramatic when you walk into the room, since it's centered over the middle of the bed it does nothing for reading--and because it's so dominant, I have had a hard time figuring out what other lighting can complement it.

posted by madsarah on January 8th 2009 at 11:43pm
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I love these sheer shades because they house a chandelier inside for a very romantic fixture!

http://www.moderndose.com/product_info.php?cPath=28_74&products_id=133&osCsid=f6ba60dcd400b5cd993b5c5a1a85c34d

posted by domino*lust on January 9th 2009 at 12:08am
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I like drum shades in general, but those seem sort of intrusive: "Well, hello there! What are *you* up to?"

For some reason a lighter piece, like a chandelier, could do the subversive "break into the canopy space" of the first picture and make it seem charming. Perhaps I'm just anthropomorphizing the more modern light fixture. I blame the Pixar lamp.

posted by morfydd on January 9th 2009 at 7:17am
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@alotlikeotherpeople - I've noticed you seem to have a rather annoying website you're spamming. I tried it and the automatic music is a big turnoff. Your brief comments do not make me the least bit curious about your blog, although you might have something to say, I had to shut the window because the music was too loud. How come it is added as a signature and not in your profile? It's not necessary to have it printed in all caps. Some people have their own blogs and they even might put it in at the end of their post, but they also have some input and you haven't really added any insightful comments since I noticed you posting. How about rethinking your marketing? THANKS A LOT.

posted by K T G on January 9th 2009 at 9:24am
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i actually think it would be lovely in a small nyc apartment -- don't forget that a hallmark of french interior decorating is using large furniture in accessories in small spaces to make them more interesting. i think a large pendant could be successful in a small space.

posted by duckumu on January 9th 2009 at 12:39pm
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I've got a nelson saucer that drops into my canopy - I love it. Looks great in a small space!

posted by brianpnelson on January 9th 2009 at 2:11pm
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It would seem like an "interrogation bed"....and that's just strange.

posted by muirwoods08 on January 9th 2009 at 10:19pm
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