Good Questions: A Good Shade For My New Lamp?

Hello AT,
I recently bought this gorgeous little Bitossi Raymor lamp on eBay, and now it needs a shade (The lamp is 20" from top to bottom, and 5" in diameter).

I would like a drum shade, probably solid black or white. Any ideas where to find one, either online or in town?

Best,
Kristen

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Hey Kristen- first up, that lamp is delish! Have you looked at Pottery Barn's selection? If you are looking to cut to the chase, this might be a good bet (We think that the Bisque color would be just lovely against that blue).

There are also stores like Hollywood Lamp and Shade where you can customize any shape or style you want.

Anyone else?

Comments (9)

On the other hand, if you want the best of the best, go to Carl's on Beverly for a handmade shade in any shape, fabric, trim etc. that you can think of. They are so absurdly expensive ($200 and up) that it will blow your mind, but they are beautiful. Top decorators in L.A. use them all the time, but they're not at all snooty and they have great taste. They can also turn just about anything into a lamp for you, if it's too complex a job to tackle yourself. Worth going in just for ideas, even if you end up purchasing elsewhere.

Carl's Lamps & Custom Shades
8334 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 651-5825

posted by Paige on 2006-05-09 08:56:53

Before shelling out for custom, I'd take 20 minutes to cruise your largest local Marshall's or TJ Maxx (which sometimes have superstores or sell housewares under the name Home Goods). I was just in a suburban one with an astonishing selection of unusual shapes and sizes. These were probably shades that started life at higher-end retailers.

posted by wende in san francisco on 2006-05-08 16:27:31

For me, the best place in LA is fantasy lighting on Melrose.
(323) 933-7244 7126 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA

They can do custom or have most sizes in stock. Worked for my vintage lamps! Good luck and happy hunting.

posted by Cori on 2006-05-08 16:45:51

Great ideas, one and all. I did try Marshall's already (because that's what moms do when the kids are whooping it up at Chuck E. Cheese), but I hadn't thought of those other super sources. Thanks!

posted by Kristen on 2006-05-08 19:34:30

i'd also just run through target,kmart,walmart, etc... too- they have a lot of shapes now- i found a lamp that had the perfect shade on clearance that i got just for the shade because it was already so cheap... might be worth a shot before you go for custom.

posted by jon on 2006-05-09 07:03:55

I've had good luck recently at Lamps Plus finding unusual shapes and sizes.

posted by Nadine on 2006-05-09 07:23:38

I totally agree with Jon- I have had lots of luck at Target and even Marshall's for shades.

I just recently drove by this place-I have never been, nor do I know what their prices are.

All it says on the door:

Custom Lampshades
310 845 9589
2625 Robertson Blvd.
LA, CA

Good luck!

posted by Turquoise on 2006-05-09 13:15:19

Please go to www.meteorlights.com
for cool custom retro-modern lampshades.

posted by lisa tyrrell on 2006-05-10 10:46:14

The best Store for Custom Lampshades in Los Angeles is CARL'S CUSTOM LAMPS on Beverly Blvd. I should know, because I manufacture for his best clients. It's a short lamp and you should consider an interesting finish for the "interior" of the shade (antique gold, silver or ivory) or use a "top diffuser" to block the bulb.
Besides a Black or White Lacquered shade, look for a textured Linen or Silk...also consider a drum in a Hexagon shape. Good Luck!!

posted by Otto Munder on 2006-05-19 13:13:01