This $18 IKEA Item Is One of Instagram’s Hottest Trends Right Now
When I first noticed pleated lampshades making a comeback, I’ll admit that I was a little confused. Lampshades like the ones that had been relegated to my parents’ basement years ago were suddenly aspirational and trendy? Yep. Like scrunchies, these ’90s staples are indeed back in full force, and they’re a big part of the grandmillennial aesthetic that’s popping up in apartments and homes everywhere.
I myself have recently hopped on the pleated lampshade bandwagon. These pieces are a nod to classic Danish design and add an instant hit of texture, shadow, and visual interest to a space. I previously didn’t put a ton of thought into my boring lampshades, opting for whatever came with a lamp or was affordable online or at my local Target. If you have an old lamp or lighting fixture that needs a little upgrade though, pleated shades are certainly a way to put some extra personality into a piece, and that’s what I love about them. They’re fun and funky without being super eclectic or too cutesy, and they’re sold in a range of colors. Etsy is a great resource to shop for them (and if you’re not fully sold on these kinds of shades, just take a look at popular Etsy shop, LeKrazyHorse, and prepare to get sucked in!).
As someone who goes wild for any chic, budget-friendly find, I was delighted when I came across the ÄNGLAND table lamp with a pleated shade that’s currently $17.99 at IKEA. For that price, you even get the LED bulb to go with it! Sure, it’s not nearly as stylish as the Hay Matin Table Lamp that’s all over Instagram—especially the version with the lavender shade. However, it’s also less than a tenth of the price of the smaller size Matin Table Lamp, and arguably, might actually provide better task lighting for reading and whatnot, if you want to use it for such on a nightstand or side table in your living room. (Plus, if you really want that lavender color, you can always use paint to customize your IKEA shade however you want!)
If you’re not all about the ÄNGLAND‘s kind of traditional metal base, no worries. You can use the lamp as-is, or unscrew the shade and pair it with a different base, like blogger Madison Veitch did here in her bedroom. She also styled this same acrylic block lamp with the ÄNGLAND shade in her kitchen at one point, too, so it’s a very versatile size. You’d never know the shade was from IKEA—it looks like a far more fancy piece that originally came this way. If you want something bigger—or need a slightly bigger shade to update a lamp you already have, there’s even a floor lamp version, which is available for just $34.99.
Even if the grandmillennial aesthetic isn’t for you, this lamp—and shade—still probably will work in your space. The pleated shade trend, and this piece in particular, definitely bridges that gap between traditional and more modern, transitional spaces.