10 popular materials used for lamp shades in Australia

If you're unfamiliar with fabrics and upholstery, it's hard to instinctively know what is considered the best material. They need to be robust and functional while having an ornamental and decorative quality. Then there is also the wider styling of the room to consider, with some working well in some situations but not others. With much to consider, it's important to get the lowdown on each so you make the right choice in the right way.

Natural fibres such as linen add an organic feeling to a room. Linen is a popular lamp shade material because of its subtle texture and ability to diffuse light. Linen lamp shades are great for areas that need functional light, such as desks, entryway tables, and living rooms. Most linen shades come in light neutral tones. But, the all-natural fabric holds dye extremely well, making it a great option for adding colour to a space. Halogen bulbs or bright incandescent light bulbs can cause natural and synthetic fabrics to catch fire due to the heat they emit. Be sure to use an LED bulb to avoid creating a fire hazard.

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Classic and dreamy, stained glass isn’t limited to church windows. Stained glass lamps add eye-catching and impactful colour to your interiors. They effortlessly cast rainbows onto your walls, creating a fun and playful interior. The most famous example of these is seen in Tiffany lamps, which have become timeless classics adored throughout the world. If you're after a serious aesthetic but still want to use stained glass, opt for a stained glass lamp with large, uncomplicated shapes in the glass. These provide larger washes of each colour on your walls, keeping the room from feeling busy or cluttered.

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If you’re looking to add a rustic touch to your interior, you can’t go wrong with burlap. Thick, sturdy, and full of texture, this warm-toned woven fabric makes a gorgeous lamp shade material. You can lean into the Boho aesthetic of burlap with a shade of tassels or playful trim. If you’re after a more clean-cut look, choose a plain burlap style with a simple shape. Burlap fabric is best for lamps that provide ambient lighting. The thick fabric does not let much light diffuse through the shade, directing light upwards and downwards.

Punched tin lamp shades give you a beautiful patterned light effect on your walls. They come in thousands of shapes and patterns, often sporting one-of-a-kind patterns, drawings, or even stories. Because of the many holes that light can pass through, many provide bright light suitable for functional areas like desks. Typically, this style uses aged tin, a smokey-black colour with hints of the original warmth. The gorgeous depth of aged tin is just one of the reasons to use metal in your interior spaces.

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Bright and charming, lace is a classic material used for lamp shades. It casts subtle patterns onto your walls, adding texture to the plainest of walls. There are many types of lace that can be used as a lamp shade. Each kind will give you a unique result, because of the different patterns in each type of lace. To modernise this material, choose an angular shape and a dark, simple metal base. The juxtaposition of moods creates a fun, ultra-modern mood that's perfect for any home.

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Crushed velvet are shiny, textured, and glamorous. These ones are surprisingly versatile choices. They work with many design aesthetics, including mid-century modern, vintage glamour, eclecticism, and industrial style. You often find crushed velvet in jewel tones. These colours add richness and vibrancy to your home. If you prefer to steer clear of bright colours, opt for darker neutrals to highlight the sheen of the fabric. You can choose a lighter colour, but you won’t get the full benefit of the textural shine.

Perfect for industrial or mid-century modern homes, denim lamp shades are moody and calm. Darker denim is the most common option, because of the drama and depth the navy tone adds to a space. If you’re decorating with a coastal design style, lighter denim can be a great way to incorporate texture and the soft blues of the ocean. Distressed denim is another fun option, adding a grungy atmosphere to the room. This could be perfect for your teenager’s bedroom or your family’s rumpus.

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Wood veneer is a surprising and effective lamp shade material. With hundreds of textures and colours to choose from, you can be sure you’ll be able to find one that matches the wood in your home. Often, wood veneer create sculptural shapes and unique silhouettes. The sturdy and flexible nature of wood veneer gives lighting designers the chance to play with different forms, creating works of art to display in your home. Each one is just as beautiful as it is functional, as it reflects light effortlessly to brighten up the room.

Leather makes an eye-catching lamp shade material. It pairs well with most lamp holders, making it versatile and easily adaptable. Traditional leather can have pictures and patterns carved into panels of the fabric. The result is a glowing story, perfect for a family library or home office. Modern leather often use white leather to create a sleek, stylish look. This pairs well with bright lamp bases that act as a pop of colour. If you’re after the typical warm orange leather colour, you can use a brass metal base to match an industrial aesthetic.

For a natural, coastal, or tropical aesthetic, rattan or wicker lamp shades are excellent choices. These materials add warmth and texture to a room, creating a casual yet stylish look. Their open-weave construction allows light to filter through beautifully, casting intricate patterns on walls and ceilings while effortlessly complementing both contemporary and traditional décor. Additionally, their lightweight design makes them easy to move and reposition as needed.

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As you can see, these stunning and safe materials for lamp shades show just what can be done when the right choice is made. It also shows how much choice you have and the scope for an original and personal creation. Whether you’re decorating a bedroom, living room, home office, or kitchen, you’ll be able to find the perfect material to complement and complete your interior.

This article was updated on 6th December 2024

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