Lampshades & Lighting Guide – Styling, Sizes & Trends

If you’ve ever browsed for lampshades and felt a little uninspired — the same plain fabrics, the same mass-produced look — you’re not alone. Lighting has the power to turn a simple corner into a place you exhale at the end of the day, but so many lampshades feel generic.

In our Paddington studio, we approach lighting differently. Every lampshade begins with a paintbrush — an original artwork created by our mother–daughter team, printed on natural linen and shaped carefully by hand. Pieces designed not just to light a room, but to uplift it.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know: shapes, fittings, sizing, 2026 design trends, sustainable ideas, room-by-room styling and how to choose a shade that feels you beautifully.

Why Your Lampshade Matters More Than You Think

A lampshade isn’t a decorative afterthought — it’s a mood-maker.

It softens harsh bulbs. It warms the colour of your space. It sets the tone for how a room feels when you walk into it. And when that lampshade is made from original Australian art printed on linen, the light becomes even gentler — glowing through brushstrokes inspired by gum leaves, blooms and landscapes.

Lighting is one of the quietest ways to feel at home.
And a thoughtfully chosen lampshade makes all the difference.

Lampshade Shapes, Sizes & Fittings

Choosing the right lampshade becomes so much easier once you understand how shape, scale and fittings work together. Each element changes the way light feels in a room — from soft, ambient glow to focused, practical illumination. Think of it a little like choosing clothing for a lamp: the right silhouette brings out its character and helps it sit beautifully in your space.

Common Lampshade Shapes

Different lampshade shapes cast light in their own unique way, and understanding these differences makes choosing the right one surprisingly simple. Some shapes feel soft and ambient, others more focused or sculptural — it all depends on the mood you want to create. Below are the styles you’ll come across most often and how they transform the light in your home.

Drum Shades

Clean, modern and incredibly versatile.
Light effect: Even, gentle glow.

Empire Shades

Narrower at the top, wider at the base — the classic silhouette.
Light effect: More downward light, great for reading or bedside warmth.

Tapered / Cone Shades

Elegant and sculptural, adding height and drama.
Light effect: Directional, ideal for accent or task lighting.

Pleated Shades

Rich texture and nostalgic charm.
Light effect: Beautiful shadow lines through the folds.

How to Choose the Right Lampshade Size

There’s a simple rule we use in the studio:

Shade diameter ≈ width of the lamp base at its widest point

Shade height = 60–70% of the lamp base height

This keeps the whole silhouette balanced — not too top-heavy, not too small.

Quick Size Guide

If you need help, our guide on how to measure & fit the perfect lampshade will walk you through step-by-step instructions.

Understanding Lampshade Fittings

Most Australian lamps use E27 or B22 standard fittings, and Bowerbird’s shades are designed to suit these. Other fitting types you may encounter more broadly include:

European fittings- Often a little smaller and common in imported bases. A reducer ring usually makes them compatible.

UK fittings- Older British lamps sometimes need deeper frames. Reducer rings are generally the answer here, too.

Clip-on fittings- These attach directly to the bulb and are perfect for small lamps or chandeliers.

Spider/harp fittings- Mostly found on American or vintage lamps, and easily adapted if needed.

If you’re unsure which fitting you have, feel free to send us a quick photo — helping people match the right shade to their lamp base is one of our favourite parts of the job.

2026 Lampshade Trends: Pleats, Drama & Vintage Revival

Across Australian interiors, lampshades are becoming more sculptural, expressive and beautifully textured. Here’s what’s appearing in design magazines, home shows and trend forecasts:

Sculptural Pleats & Luminous Gaps

Pleats are back, but with a twist — rippled folds, irregular spacing, even negative-space cutouts that allow light to escape between the ridges. These designs create soft, architectural shadows and turn lighting into art.

If you love texture and movement, keep an eye on our upcoming pleated lampshade collection.

DIY & Up-cycled Pleated Shades

Design lovers are rediscovering old lamp frames, re-covering them with linen or patterned fabric.

Reusing existing frames can significantly reduce environmental impact — up-cycling is one of the most sustainable ways to update lighting.

You’ll find a full tutorial in our eco-friendly lampshades & up-cycling ideas guide.

Dark Drama Shades

Deep charcoal and matte-black pleated lampshades are trending for 2026. They add a theatrical mood, especially when paired with warm bulbs and natural materials like timber or ceramic.

Vintage Revival & Floral Pleats

Retro bases are being matched with floral pleated shades — a nostalgic blend that feels both homely and expressive. It also pairs beautifully with our Australian botanical prints.

Layered Lighting & Dual Lamp Zones

Layering two lampshades in the same space — one small, one large, or one patterned, one plain — creates visual echoing and enhances ambience. 

Material & Sustainability Guide

When choosing a lampshade, material matters just as much as shape.

Linen

Our favourite — breathable, natural, and softly textured. Diffuses light beautifully and feels calm, organic and timeless.

Cotton

Clean, crisp and versatile. A great alternative for tighter budgets.

Silk

Luxurious glow, smooth finish. Beautiful in formal spaces, but less durable than linen.

Why Natural Fibres Make Better, More Eco-Friendly Lampshades

Natural fibres — like linen and cotton — are kinder on both your home and the environment. They’re breathable, renewable and biodegradable, which means they leave a much lighter footprint than synthetic materials. Because they aren’t heavily processed, natural fabrics also diffuse light in a softer, more organic way, giving your room a warm, calming glow. Their subtle texture brings artwork to life, and they age beautifully, developing character rather than wearing out. For anyone wanting lighting that feels gentle on the planet and gentle in the home, natural fibres are a thoughtful and enduring choice.

Styling Lampshades for Every Room

Lighting is the quickest way to shift the mood of a room. Here’s how to choose lampshades that feel intentional and beautifully layered.

Living Room

Choose a shade that ties your colour palette together. Botanical patterns bring softness and a sense of nature into shared spaces.

Bedroom

Soft, warm tones work beautifully. Linen shades are especially calming when you switch your lamp on at night.

Reading Nook or Home Office

Empire or tapered shapes give focused light. A patterned shade adds warmth to a practical space.

Mix & Match Tips

• Keep shades at similar heights in the same room
  

• Pair a patterned shade with a simple lamp base
  

• Use two lamps to create soft ambient zones

Caring for Lampshades

A little care goes a long way.

Linen & Smooth Shades

– Dust weekly with a soft brush
– For stains, spot clean with gentle soap
– Keep out of harsh sunlight to prevent fading

Pleated Shades

– Use a soft paintbrush to dust between folds
– Avoid spraying cleaners directly onto pleats
– Keep pleats crisp by brushing from top to base

Shop & Custom Order Options

Every lampshade begins as an original botanical painting, printed on high-quality linen and handcrafted by our small Brisbane team. If you’re exploring new lighting for your home, you can browse our full Lampshades Collection, choose from a range of Australian botanical artwork designs, and mix and match shades with your favourite lamp bases to create something beautifully personal.

FAQs & Resources

Where can I learn more about pleated shades?

Explore our supporting pages:

• Pleated Lampshade Trends 2026 – Sculptural, Floral & Vintage

• Eco-Friendly Lampshades & Up-cycling Ideas

• How to Measure & Fit the Perfect Lampshade

• Brisbane Lampshades – Handmade Lighting Near You

Can modern bulbs be used in vintage lamp bases?

Often yes — many vintage bases can be adapted to standard bulbs with the right fitting.

How do I know which fitting my lamp uses?

Check the opening at the top of the lamp base or compare it with an existing shade. A quick photo helps too.

What’s the easiest way to refresh an old lamp?

A new lampshade — especially one with natural texture or artwork — can completely transform the look.

Are linen lampshades easy to maintain?

Yes. A soft weekly dust is usually all they need to stay bright.