How to Choose the Right Lampshade for Your Space
Elevate your interiors with the perfect blend of form and function.
Whether you're curating a cozy reading nook or styling a statement ceiling light, the right lampshade can transform your space from ordinary to extraordinary. At Velosa-Roche Interior Design, we believe lighting is more than illumination—it’s atmosphere, artistry, and intention.
Here’s how to choose a lampshade that complements your space, enhances your mood, and reflects your personal style.
1. Consider the Purpose of the Light
Start with function. Ask yourself:
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Is this for ambient lighting, task lighting, or accent lighting?
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Will it be used in a living room, bedroom, hallway, or workspace?
Tip: For reading corners, opt for table lamps with soft-glow shades. For general ambience, ceiling lampshades with wide openings diffuse light beautifully.
2. Match Your Interior Style with our Lighting Collection
and Retro Lighting Collection
Your lampshade should echo your design language:
| Interior Style | Recommended Shade Style |
|---|---|
| Retro 1970s | Bold prints, warm tones, flared shapes |
| Minimalist | Neutral colours, clean lines, natural fibres |
| Luxe Modern | Metallic accents, velvet textures, sculptural forms |
| Boho Chic | Woven materials, fringe details, earthy hues |
Velosa-Roche Interior Design Tip: Our Brown Orange Retro Lampshade pairs beautifully with walnut furniture and warm-toned textiles.
3. Get the Proportions Right
Balance is key. A shade that’s too large overwhelms; too small, it looks awkward.
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Table lamps: Shade width should be roughly equal to the lamp base height.
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Floor lamps: Choose wider shades to anchor the verticality.
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Ceiling fixtures: Consider room size and ceiling height—larger rooms can handle bolder shades
4. Play with Texture and Material
Materials influence both light diffusion and mood:
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Cotton, linen: Soft, natural glow
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Silk, velvet: Luxurious, dramatic lighting
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Metal, glass: Crisp, modern illumination
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Woven fibres: Earthy, bohemian feel
Eco-conscious shoppers: Look for sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled fabric, or upcycled vintage bases.
5. Don’t Forget the Colour Palette
Your lampshade should harmonize with your room’s palette—or intentionally contrast it.
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Neutral tones blend seamlessly
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Bold colours create focal points
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Patterned shades add personality and depth
Design Insight: A warm-toned shade (amber, terracotta, ochre) casts a cozy glow, ideal for evening ambience.
Final Thought: Choose with Intention
Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in interior design. The right lampshade doesn’t just light a room—it tells a story, sets a mood, and invites people in.
Explore our to find pieces that speak to your space and style. Or our Lighting Collection