Good Questions: Can You Help Find a Shade for This?

Hello AT,

I was forewarned about the difficulty of finding a good lamp shade... but did I listen? [answer: "no"]

I found a great greenish 60s ceramic lamp base at a thrift store about 2 years ago and it still sits unused and shadeless. I feel like it needs a perfectly cylindrical shade that's taller than it is wide, in probably a neutral color (although I am open to suggestion) and all I ever see are shades that are cylindrical but stubby and wide or bell shaped ones.

Can any one help me? This lamp really does deserve to be shown, I was really happy with the find.

Thanks, Alison

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Dear Alison,

That lamp is marvelous! But we would not recommend a perfectly cylindrical shade. We would go with a slightly conical, tall shape and a deep tan color. It would be lovely with a simple tan offwhite shade of real fabric (not paper), but it could be even more dramatic if the shade were a dark color OR solid red or black.

The choice there really depends on the rest of your decor, but we would urge something a bit more dramatic.

Also - a good affordable shade place is Broome Lampshades

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/lower-east-side/broome-lampshades-000102

Anyone else???

Comments (23)

I've used TransLuxe successfully several times, but they've moved since I've used them.

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2006-05-23 11:41:48

My initial reaction was the same as Alison's -- that a tall cylinder would suit it best. I agree that a simple tan or off-white would be just the ticket.

posted by Doug on 2006-05-23 11:41:57

I just rewired a lamp (quite proud of myself for figuring that out, thank you very much) and now I'm also in need of a good lampshade. Broome looks great, but looking for something a little less pricey than a custom shade. To Alison's point about "the difficulty of finding a good lamp shade" - where can one buy reasonably priced, decent-quality shades? I can't bear the ugly ones at the hardware store, but the only other option seems to be to spend a lot of money at a place like Gracious Home. Any ideas?

posted by rpack on 2006-05-23 11:53:17

Target usually has an affordable selection of all types of shades.

posted by Arin on 2006-05-23 11:55:04

Look no further. Go to Just Shades at 21 Spring Street and bring the lamp. Realize that a truly good shade can cost a bit - I spent about $60 for one from them that was roughly two feet tall, but that's a far cry cheaper than the stunning pieces at the Oriental Lamp Shade Company, which are beautiful but RIDICULOUSLY priced. (I would probably have paid $300 for what I wanted there.)
If you can't find something suitable at Just Shades, Target is a cheaper bet. Sometimes they have very nice ones but it is hit or miss as far as getting the right one for the lamp you already have. (They have a system that matches their shades to their lamps.)

posted by Sharon on 2006-05-23 11:59:01

EBAY-

http://cgi.ebay.com/LOT-OF-3-VINTAGE-EAMES-ERA-RETRO-FIBERGLASS-LAMP-SHADES_W0QQitemZ6281232437QQcategoryZ1408QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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EBAY-

http://cgi.ebay.com/Large-Cylinder-Shaped-FIBERGLASS-LAMP-SHADE-1960s_W0QQitemZ6274462884QQcategoryZ1408QQcmdZViewItem

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EBAY-
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-1950s-FIBERGLASS-DOUBLE-TIERED-LAMP-SHADE-NICE_W0QQitemZ6281050359QQcategoryZ1408QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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EBAY-
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-1950S-FIBERGLASS-LAMP-SHADE-LARGE-50S-50S-NR_W0QQitemZ6282420785QQcategoryZ1408QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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EBAY-
http://cgi.ebay.com/RETRO-2-TIER-FIBERGLASS-LAMP-SHADE-EAMES-ERA_W0QQitemZ6281030891QQcategoryZ1408QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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EBAY SELECTION OF FIBERGLASS SHADES-
http://collectibles.search.ebay.com/fiberglass_Shades_W0QQbsZSearchQQcatrefZC6QQcoactionZcompareQQcoentrypageZsearchQQcopagenumZ1QQfclZ3QQfgtpZQQfposZQ5AIPQ2fPostalQQfromZR2QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQlopgZQQsacatZ1408QQsadisZ200QQsaprchiZQQsaprcloZQQsargnZQ2d1QQsaslcZ2QQsbrftogZ1QQsofocusZbs

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ALLUMINARE-
http://www.alluminare.com/wiz/materials.asp?modelno=S102

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POTTERY BARN TEEN-
http://ww2.pbteen.com/cat/pip.cfm?snav=1&pkey=clgtlms&gids=p352&ctid=lgtlms&area=shp

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posted by chris (nyc) on 2006-05-23 13:02:49

NO WAIT... THIS IS YOUR SHADE (yes, Ebay again) -

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mid-Century-Retro-2-Tier-Fiberglass-Lamp-Shade-Eames-Er_W0QQitemZ6282292776QQcategoryZ1408QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

posted by chris (nyc) on 2006-05-23 13:04:58

Alison, you can try Unique Lamp Shades on East 77th Street. I've never been in store but walk past nearly every day and it looks like they'd have a big selection of the appropriate vintage. Or they can custom-make. Click on my name for more details.

posted by Doug on 2006-05-23 13:11:10

Here is an online source for some retro shades

http://www.moonshineshades.com/index.php

posted by Ron on 2006-05-23 13:17:38

Personally, I think a square shade would be in keeping with the style of the lamp. I like what chris picked out on the Alluminaire site. I would not try to match the color of the base, however. I like the Japanese Bamboo but can't seem to open it up so maybe it's not available. A shade made of a natural fiber would be nice.

posted by anne on 2006-05-23 13:29:38

Those two-tiered shades are the nuts.

posted by Joan on 2006-05-23 13:34:43

The base is dramatic enough. Don't gild the lilly with a red or a two-tiered shade and wind up with goofy kitsch (unless that's your style). Keep it simple and elegant and it will look like you got it at a well-curated New York shop instead of a thrift store.

posted by Rascal on 2006-05-23 13:58:49

Just Shades on Spring is a good bet. I've also had luck at K Mart and Bed Bath and Beyond for nice white and off-white linen shades.

posted by page001 on 2006-05-23 14:37:34

Another idea: just buy one of West Elm's cheap-enough faux-retro lamps and harvest it for parts -- in this case, the shade. Might even prove less expensive than buying a new shade somewhere fancy.

posted by Me on 2006-05-23 14:53:20

Target has some nice cream linen drum shades on the cheap -- but they look $$. Have you tried Target?

Holly

posted by decor8 holly on 2006-05-23 15:52:15

:) Yeah, goofy kitsch.

posted by Joan on 2006-05-23 16:41:06

I just got the email that my question was posted and... hot damn!! I can't believe all the amazing responses! My decor is pretty neutral/wood/danish modern-esque with splashes of juicy color - definitely not kitsch, though. I have so many resources now, and I'll keep you posted on what I end up getting.

You guys rock.

posted by Alison on 2006-05-23 16:58:52

I SUCK when it comes to lamp shades. I have no clue on how they should look, and even if I think it will work, it ends up looking stupid.

But, I'm playing around at Lamps Plus here:
http://www.lampsplus.com/Products/s_lamp-shades/

Here's what's great about this site. You can sort, and add to your sort the bottom size, the height, the color range, the shape, the price range.

Take your lamp and a measuring tape with you and go to any store that has some lampshades. Try them all on, no matter the color, style. Why? You may find a particular height looks right, or a shape, or a bottom width, etc.

You may find just the right thing by trying on several. If not, you have an IDEA as to what sizes, shapes might work best, and you measure them on the spot. Top width (opening), bottom width (opening) and height.

I personally have a problem with getting too "matchy-matchy" and that's not always the best way to go.

Don't forget you can also get a shorter or taller...uh...metal thingie that has the prongs that go next to the switch and has the screw at the top to hold the lampshade on.

posted by Andree on 2006-05-23 17:49:05

A friend of mine was just mentioning scoring a great lampshade at a thrift shop, so maybe you need to hunt where you started. They didn't even have to buy the base it was with.

You could also make a shade. I've seen the wire frames for sale at craft shops and you add your own paper or fabric covering. That might be an easier way since you only need to find a shape you like.

posted by Allison on 2006-05-23 17:50:16

i shop just shades for all the 3 lamps i bought at thrift shops. as someone mentioned in a previous post bring the lamp to the shop and try on (just as you would in a fitting room at a fashion store) as many shades as you can till you find the right one. the staff at just shades is experienced and helpful. I think a tall cylinder shade would look good with your lamp, however it should not be a perfect cylinder it should have a slight pitch, narrower at the top, otherwise it will always look askew. good luck.

posted by patrick on 2006-05-23 20:54:23

Just another suggestion, on making your own shade.

Unable to comment on whether ready-made or DIY is cheaper, but have found that a drum shape with styrene-based body is relatively feasible for a DIY.

Below are some thoughts on making a drum shade using styrene-based material, based on my very limited experience.

Will need 1 bottom wire ring and 1 washer top.
http://www.lampshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=ls&Category_Code=06_00_WIRE

Suggest pressure sensitive styrene, and laminate your own fabric onto it.
http://www.lampshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=ls&Category_Code=08_01_SHADE_LAMINATIONS

Or one can buy fabric that has already been laminated onto styrene, and the matching trim.
http://www.lampshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=ls&Category_Code=08_02_SHADE_FABRIC

Did not need the special bulldog clips (the glue set pretty quickly in this dry dessert climate), but found the quick-drying property of the glue to be very crucial for making the project easy.
http://www.lampshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=ls&Category_Code=03_00_TOOLS

The tricky parts of the overall project were:
1) figuring out the exact shade dimensions required
2) figuring out how to attach the fabric/styrene to the wire rims (suggest going with the own-fabric-on-styrene option)

How to glue the fabric/styrene onto the wire rings:
Option 1, own-fabric on styrene: Cut styrene to the desired size. Cut fabric to a size that allows for 0.5 inch of overlap on the sides (ie, fabric is 0.5 inch longer than the styrene for each side). Place fabric on styrene to laminate. Form the barrel. Affix the fabric-styrene onto the rings by applying glue to the fabric and wrapping the fabric over the rings. Note: overlaps are only needed for the top and bottom.
Option 2, buy fabric already laminated onto styrene: Cut styrene to desired size. Use glue and some thin tape made of fabric (can make some fabric tape inexpensively by simply cutting a light-weight, thin, flat cotton fabric into 0.75 inch wide strips) to attach the styrene to the rings. Apply trim to cover the fabric tape, to make it look more finished.

Other thoughts:
-- the fabric may have a direction in its weave. So check the weave by shining a light behind the fabric or fabric-on-styrene to determine which direction you want the weave to go on the lamp shade.

Please note that some steps/details have been left out, since I may be addressing an experienced crafter (steps/details such as: calculations, surface area = 3.14*diameter*height, measuring, accounting for any 0.5 recess in the top ring, form barrel first using tape, continue using the tape to hold the form while the glue sets, etc).

I have no affiliation to the store whose links I have provided. There are probably other suppliers like it. Just know that the shipping (due to the importance to preventing damage in transit) may amount to more than the cost of the items themselves (ie, not an insignificant amount).

Apologies for the length of the email. Hope this helps.

posted by ccy on 2006-05-23 23:00:52

Try Just Shades in lower Manhattan.

Susan

posted by susan on 2006-05-24 10:58:22

yes, lampsplus.com has tons of options and you can see what they will look like. but good luck getting anything......ordered in early July and still waiting. Now they say backordered until Sept!

posted by mitzi on 2006-08-07 14:16:38