Where To Find Well Made Lampshades

Where does a shopper have to go to find a decent lampshade in this town? Felicity Stone has the answer.

SHOPPING AROUND | Lamp shades are not something I shop for often, but when I do, I find myself frustrated by the poor selection and quality out there. My particular peeve is shades with plastic backing, which not only becomes brittle and cracks over time but also looks so, well, plastic.

Recently I had been looking for replacement shades for a couple of midcentury lamps. The existing shades, made of burlap backed with cardboard, were getting a little tired and wonky, and they didn’t cast enough light for my living room—although unlike today’s plastic-backed shades, the vintage cardboard backing was in good condition.

I thought that a clean-lined drum shade would suit the style and era of the lamps and my home. Unlike a few years ago, there are now lots available ranging from $26.49 for Debbie Travis Empire (slightly sloped) shades at Canadian Tire to $40-$50 at lamp shade and lighting stores. All have plastic backing.

Shade Heaven

Then I wandered into HomeSense and discovered that it carries separate lampshades. That day there were drum shades in linenlike fabric, and not only were they lined with fabric rather than plastic, they ranged in price from just $12.99 to $16.99 for 10-inch-high shades 12-15 inches across. I didn’t have my lamps with me, and HomeSense stock turns over quickly, so I purchased several and took them home to try out with my lamps in my living room.

The next week there were more to choose from, hard-backed rather than soft-sided but with fabric inside and out, and they were gorgeous—a black and silver tweed drum shade with gold silk lining, a textured grey Empire shade with silver grey lining—ranging from $12.99 to $19.99. I eventually settled on plain off-white cotton-covered drum shades for $12.99 each—and they have cardboard backing, which is not only functional but suits the vintage of my décor. There were other styles and colours as well.

Of course, with HomeSense there is no guarantee what it will have on any given day, but it’s worth taking a look—or two or three. HomeSense staff recommends that if something catches your eye, you should grab it before it’s gone. The returns policy is 10 days with receipt. —Felicity Stone

For location of homeSense nearest you visit www.homesense.com

Photo: HomeSense lampshades, Casey Phaisalakani