Shopping for Floral Lamp Shades
Floral lamp shades were once a sign of dowdy, dated decor. However, this design is enjoying a roaring revival, especially when mixed in with eclectic and modern touches. While color and style are important when shopping for floral lamp shades, so is shape and context; look for a lamp shade shape that matches the style of the room, and consider the rest of the decor to see whether that particular shade is a good fit. Keep these tips, and the ones listed below, in mind when you're out hunting for the perfect floral lamp shade.
Country-style and Shabby Chic Shades
Small scale flowers in soft shades are a telltale sign of country style. Look to designers like Laura Ashley, whose wares can be found on Amazon. Shades sell anywhere between $17-$80 depending on style and size. These country-style, shabby chic florals can cover the whole shade or line the bottom or top border. Lampsplus.com is another ideal source for browsing a variety of lamp shade styles, many with a traditional or country style motif.
Updated Floral Shades
For those looking for a contemporary feel, many designs offer larger flowers coupled with modern colors and styling. Lowe's carries a Portfolio Blue Floral Screen Print Drum Lamp Shade for only $14.97, featuring a dark teal background with light teal flowers and white leaf accenting. A traditional print that finds itself in many modern decor these days is the floral damask design in black and white or other colors. A black and white damask shade set atop a turquoise lamp base, for example, is a contemporary twist on a timeless design.
Retro and mod florals look little like their country counterparts. Instead, the focus is on a retro vibe and/or repeat patterns, whether mimicking vintage floral wallpaper of the '70s or repeat patterns of minimalistic, graphically designed flowers. Shadesoflight.com, for example, offers a Mod Floral Drum Lampshade for only $69 in two color ways. Etsy is an excellent source for retro-inspired shades made from fabrics or wallpaper.
Asian-inspired floral lampshades are a smart touch to a contemporary or classic room. Browse stores such as Pier 1 Imports or Cost Plus World Market; at press time, World Market offers a simple but beautiful Flower Accent Shade for a mere $14.99, available in a gray background with yellow floral motif or a brown background with a light blue floral motif. Other shades include embroidered florals and embellished flocked florals with exotic influences.
Children's Floral Shades
Children and teen girls' rooms benefit from a floral lampshade as a splash of color and personality. PBTeen, the teen branch of Pottery Barn, features several styles of floral lamp shades at press time, including the Nouveau Floral Shade ($29-$35) which features mod-styled black flowers on a white background with pops of teal, green, purple, or pink (your choice). The Paisley Pop Drum Shade ($35) is a boho chic version of floral styling, full of detailed flowers and paisley. For younger kids, look to stores like Target or Walmart for bargain-priced options and simple, childlike designs.
