I Tried This Tiny Tweak in an Overlooked Spot, and It Made My Home Look High-End (It’s So Simple!)

Colors and prints instantly make me feel at home, which is why I used to dread picking out lighting for my space. Most of the options I came across looked super similar or were only available in neutral tones; I always felt like opting for a boring lamp that blended into the background was a missed opportunity to show off your personality. 

Once I prioritized setting up my place with essential furniture and kitchenware, I was finally able to satisfy my craving for upgraded lighting. I also didn’t want to be wasteful by throwing out all the plain lamps I’d collected over the years, so I simply sold all the standard white shades that these originally came with to replace them with more decorative styles, and I couldn’t be happier. This was the small-but-mighty investment my home was missing. 

If you’re interested in making the same swap in your own space, U.K.-based lighting company Pooky notes that, as a general rule, “the height of the shade should be about three-quarters the height of the base,” and most lampshades with a diameter of 18 inches will complement any floor lamp. But, like rugs, if you’re deciding between two lampshade sizes, it’s always best to go with the bigger one. Remember to also check if the shade screws onto the part of the lamp that holds the bulb so that you can buy a compatible style. 

Replacing simple lampshades is the perfect small-scale opportunity to play around with bolder materials and patterns, too. Amazon, for one, offers an assortment of affordable rattan lampshades to add a textural touch to your space. 

Or if you’re crafty, no need to buy anything new — consider painting on a design to transform any existing white lampshade altogether. 

Don’t be afraid to go monochromatic and match the base of your lamp to its shade, as well. Given that one lamp I found already had a cozy, bouclé-style texture, it made sense to keep the shade and highlight the fabric even further. 

For more of a custom feel (minus the cost), you can also expand your search to Etsy for some handmade, one-of-a-kind creations that would best match your design scheme. You’ll find a unique selection ranging from pretty floral fabrics to eye-catching gathered options in a variety of sizes and colors. 

Bold hues and patterns aside, balance is the other key to the right lamp and shade combination. In fact, I’m not implying that a white lampshade could never work — just make sure that it’s a step up from the typical boxy styles. I bought a set of dark navy antique lamps with large gold accents in the middle, and I stuck with the original white shades to not overwhelm the design, but they stand out a little more, thanks to the soft pleats. 

All in all, a seemingly mundane lampshade isn’t just a functional lighting accessory — it’s often an overlooked chance for you to spotlight your personality. Get creative, and take this worthwhile styling step!