Cozy Lighting With Pleated Lampshades

Add cozy lighting to your home while giving your lamps and chandeliers a fresh new look with beautiful, modern floral & block print pleated lampshades.

With the Christmas tree and decorations packed and stored away, I found myself missing the warm, welcoming ambiance of the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree. The twinkling lights of the tree might just be one of my favorite parts of the holiday. They create a cozy atmosphere that can feel difficult to replace once the holidays are over.

However, I think you will find that cozy lighting can still be achieved in your home without the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree by utilizing lamps along with the right lampshade.

In this blog post, I am sharing with you how to easily achieve cozy lighting, how to turn a basic lamp into a sophisticated lamp, how to choose the right lamp shade, and where to shop my favorite pleated lampshades.

How to Create Cozy Lighting

The right kind of lights are essential when creating a cozy home, especially during the winter months when the days are short and we rely more on artificial lighting. The perfect lighting should be warm and inviting to create a cozy, comfortable atmosphere.

• Turn off harsh overhead lights and use table & floor lamps instead. By starting your lighting mid-wall or below you reduce the amount of light and are left with a soft, subtle glow.
• Use dimmer switches. Dimmers are a great way to control the amount of light coming from light fixtures based on the time of the day. Just make sure to use dimmer compatible light bulbs.
• Buy good quality warm white light bulbs. Yes, not all lightbulbs are created equal! These GE LED Reveal Lightbulbs are the only lightbulbs we buy for our home. They provide true, warm white light and are dimmable too.
• Use a light diffusing lamp shade. Light that scatters around the room is cozier than light that is directed in a single spot.

Turning a Basic Lamp Into a Sophisticated Lamp

I’ve loved this Studio McGee lamp since I purchased it last year (I actually just bought another one). A few of the things I love…it’s the perfect size for styling under a cabinet or on a dresser, it’s neutral (can be used in any room), and it’s dimmable. As much as I loved this lamp, it was time to update & refresh the wicker lamp shade to make it even cozier.

I found this block printed lamp shade at Ballard Designs and it checked all the boxes. The block print pattern added the pop of print I was looking to add to our home, the pleated detail added texture, and fabric lamp shade was the perfect for creating the cozy lighting I was craving.

It’s amazing how you can turn a basic lamp into a sophisticated lamp by simply changing the lampshade. A lampshade can change the look and feeling of not only the lamp but the entire space too!

How to Choose the Right Lamp Shade for Cozy Lighting

There are a ton of lamp shade options available online and in stores. Before shopping, narrow down your search by deciding which lamp shade shape, design, material, & color you want to add to your space.

Here are the basics:

Lamp Shade Shapes

• Empire
• Bell
• Drum
• Bowl
• Oval
• Square
• Rectangular
• Novelty

Designs

• Patterned
• Pleated
• Embroidered

Materials

• Linen
• Silk
• Cotton
• Paper
• Metal
• Leather
• Glass
• Chenille
• Acrylic
• Bamboo/Rattan

A general rule of thumb when choosing a lamp shade is if your base is round, a round shade usually works best. A square or angular silhouette works better with a square shade.

Measuring for a Lamp Shade

The lamp shade should be about 2/3’s the height of the lamp base. Proportion of the lamp is key. If a lamp is too tall it will appear top heavy, too short and the lamp will look out of balance.

To choose the right lamp shade width, measure your lamp base and multiply by two. For a round base, measure straight across. Measure diagonally for a square base. The widest part of your shade should be at least a half-inch wider than the widest part of your base on each side.

Don’t forget to consider location. If the lamp is going next to a bed or in a busy hallway, choose a narrower shade to prevent the lamp from being knocked over.

Shop my favorite cozy lampshades here, or by clicking the images below.

My Favorite Pleated Lamp Shades for Cozy Lighting

My Favorite Pleated Chandelier Shades for Cozy Lighting

More Winter Inspiration to Create a Cozy Home

For more seasonal inspiration, DIY’s, and recipes for a cozy winter at home, click here.

Shop Our Home

Links to products featured in this post can be found in our Shop Our Home page. I hope this page makes shopping our home a little easier for you! I earn a small commission when you make a purchase from one of our LTK links. Your support helps me continue to create meaningful content for you!

I look forward to sharing more of my home with you and inspiring you to have a well loved home! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LIKEtoKNOW.it.

Heidi

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