Vintage lamp shades are very popular with people who want to add some luxury and beauty to their homes without paying the luxury price tag. These lamp shades are made in the image of the Victorian, Edwardian, and Asian styles, among others. Although these lamp shades are remakes of the originals, they retain the same style, feel, and atmosphere of the original lamp shades, but without the price tag.
Vintage lamp shades are made with materials like silk and beads with thick fringes that give it that distinctive Victorian or other vintage era look. Each design has slightly different colorings and shadings such as turquoise, burgundy, jade, and periwinkle, to name only a few colors and then woven through with things like beads and fringe to complete the look.
Not only can you get lamp shades with the vintage fabrics and appearance, but even the wire frame holding it altogether is built in the vintage style, complete with ornate or simple bases and very sturdy materials so that your lamp will last a long time. Each era has its own distinctive patterning and design and any good craftsman will know this and cater the lampshades to fit that style just for you. Some vintage lamp shade crafters even restore antiques so you can have that old lampshade brought back to life for you.
You can find many vintage lamp shades to purchase online and at a few specialty stores, but you have to be very careful not to get knock-offs for an inflated price; be sure to ask after credentials when ordering, look at samples of their work, and ask for any certificates of authenticity. You should also be able to work with the designer to pick out exactly what you want and how you want it to look, that way you’ll get a piece that will fit the room it will sit and you’ll be happy with it.
Vintage lamp shades are not cheap though; they often cost a few hundred dollars or more, but their beauty, timelessness, and the sheer amount of work that goes into each one makes them well worth the cost. You definitely will not be disappointed with your vintage lamp shade and you can be prepared for the compliments you will get for them. Simply put a bit of work into choosing what style and era you want, finding a good craftsman, and then wait for your piece to come in so you can enjoy it.