Lampshades are decorative lamp covers. They are used to diffuse and direct the light coming from a lamp or bulb. Shades can be conical, cylindrical, or other shapes. They can adapt to table, desk or floor lamp models. Suspended lamp models are also very popular. Some lamps come with their own shades; others can be outfitted with curtains that can be purchased at home decor stores. Shades can also be customized to fit lamps of all sizes.
Some lamps come with their own shades; others can be outfitted with curtains that can be purchased at home decor stores. Shades can also be customized to fit lamps of all sizes. Many artists specialize in custom made lampshades.
Lampshade craftsman’s manuals are also widely available in the market. These contain instructions for creating complete lampshades from scratch. They also have techniques for improving or repairing lampshades that you may already have at home. A common technique for renovating old lampshades is decoupage or pasting patterns over existing plain lampshades.
Lamp shade maintenance
The lampshades are quite easy to maintain. Before attempting to clean your lamp and shade, be sure to unplug the cord first. Remove the lampshade. If it is made of fabric, please use detergent and warm water to wash it (check if the fabric is color safe). Just soak the shade in soapy water and then rinse with clean water. Use only mild detergents; dishwashing liquids are fine. Fabric will stretch and sag while wet. It should be tightened again when it dries. To dry, hang over a bathtub or hang on an outdoor clothesline. You can also blot with a thick bath towel until almost dry and place it back on the lamp. The heat from the bulb will finish drying it. If you are cleaning a plastic, plastic coated, laminate, parchment or fiberglass shading, simply wipe it off with a soapy cloth or sponge. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and then dry.