Amp Up Your Room With Colorful Lampshades

I have nothing against white or off-white lampshades. They work well in almost any setting and are often just the right thing. But they are almost never the only thing.

In the famous words of Al Pacino, “Say hello to my little friend” … the colored lampshade.

In this punchy panoply of vibrant hues, the brightly colored shades blend in well, mirroring the colors of the upholstery and accessories. White would actually be jarring in this context.

Clearly there are interiors where a colored shade is definitely more right than a white one.


If you’re a little nervous about using a colored lampshade, black is only a “shade” more daring than white. But notice how the black shades make all the difference in this handsome entry hall. White would have worked, but black adds extra richness, weight and a little glamour.


Add red to your list of basic safe-bet lampshade colors. It adds undeniable vitality and verve while remaining as neutral as white, cream and black.


But don’t be afraid of other colors. Imagine this room without these neon-yellow shades.


Or this kitchen without the tangerine shades. What a fabulous color for over the bar! Doesn’t it make you hunger for persimmons, mangoes and butternut squash?


Shiny kelly green that purposefully and happily does not match the other greens in the room introduces both oomph and whimsy, while very successfully drawing your eye to the landscape.


And then there is deep turquoise. If this shade were white or cream, it would not be worth noting.


Notice how this soft pewter shade melds with its textural base while quieting the brightly colored chest in just the right way. If you are leery of bright shades, don’t automatically revert to white or cream. Instead take baby steps and start with rich neutrals like this one.


Silver-lined purple lampshades are essentially neutral in this very sleek urban setting high above the city; white or cream would really have been out of place.


Bronze is another spectacular neutral. The shades on this chandelier add depth — even gravitas — while maintaining an elegant palette.


If the previous great shades have really inspired you, consider mixing your shade colors. See how this concoction of pastel shades creates an absolutely enchanting, unique chandelier.


But don’t stop at solid colors. Who would’ve thought of using zebra stripes or an African safari as a motif for this entry? But what a great touch. Lampshades can sport an amazing variety of designs and materials …


… like these lighthearted shades that complement and enhance the bohemian feel of this room.


Or this sprightly shade that provides the unifying factor in this colorful, eclectic entry.


A patterned lampshade can be oh so subtle, as well. These neutral-hued geometric shades create a layered appeal without diminishing the serenity of this bedroom …


… while the awesome texture and moodiness of this shade make it magically complement the table and the nubby fabrics, and punch up the wow factor of this design.


An African-style woven fabric in a neutral palette gets a new and important purpose when it becomes a shade with an eye-catching size and shape. If you have a fabric you adore, why not have it made into a lamp shade?


We’re allowed just a peek at the rich geometric design on this shade, but its impact makes the case for colored and patterned lamp shades.

So the next time you have an itch to perk up a room, think about changing that white lampshade. It’s a small investment of time and money that can have a big impact.

More: How to Choose a Lampshade

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