Beautifully Crafted, Bespoke, Soft Lampshades

"Beware of lampshade makers who say their soft lampshades are "hand-made" - what they mean is they are glued together, by hand!" - The Lampshade Lady

All my soft lampshades are hand-sewn to the frame and they are made to your specification: they are unique and quite simply incomparable to any other lampshade you can buy. 

I start the process by binding the frame; then I make, fit and hand-stitch the cover (or “outer”) to the frame, then the lining and neateners are sewn to the frame before, finally, sewing the self-trim or manufactured trim around the top and bottom rings. Each lampshade has at least six layers of hand stitching (three around the top and three around the bottom).

The lampshade cover can be made in a variety of fabrics including silk, damask, velvet, linen and cotton. I recommend lining traditional lampshades with silk - a natural fabric that looks sumptuous, reflects the light and is naturally fire resistant.

At my studio there is a good selection of traditional lampshade frames (new and pre-loved) suitable for table lamps, standard lamps, pendants and chandeliers as well as half frames for table lamps and wall lights. I also supply traditional frames which have been made to your requirements.

Try the online designer tool

Some hand-sewn, lampshades can be designed and ordered using The Lampshade Lady's online lampshade designer tool: please select the "shop" tab at the top of this page and follow the instructions - you can opt to supply your own fabric. If the shape or size you require is not listed in the online shop please make an appointment to visit the studio or telephone or email with your requirements.

Lampshades of Distinction: Made in Kent

I make all the lampshades at my studio at Shottenden Manor Farm, Westwell, Ashford, Kent TN25 4JR.

The Lampshade Lady is renowned for exceptional, high-quality lampshades. You will experience an entirely different level of luxury with my bespoke hand-sewn soft lampshades (hand-sewn lampshades are completely different from mass-produced “handmade”, glued-together lampshades).

Most of my work is for the trade and I have made lampshades for London restaurants, country hotels, private members clubs, private residences, yachts, high-end retail and residential property developments. I also work with lighting designers and for film and television productions. I welcome commissions from discerning individuals seeking truly unique and special lampshades.

Visitors are welcome to visit by appointment - there is ample free, on-site parking and the location is easy to find - here is a link to my studio:  https://what3words.com/shell.joys.issuer

Please call or email to make an appointment to visit The Lampshade Lady.

Re-covering, Re-lining and Replacement Service

"Restoring lost beauty to older lampshades is one of my specialities. I use the same high-quality materials for re-covering lampshades as I use when making new lampshades." - The Lampshade Lady

I am delighted to re-cover lampshades, restoring them to their original beauty. I can have copies made of damaged lampshade frames.

Some traditional lampshades look great on the outside but are being let down by a tatty lining: I can re-line your traditional lampshade, giving it a new lease of life.

Perhaps your lampshade is in good condition but the trim needs updating: I can replace the trim so your lampshade is more in-keeping with your decor.

Re-covering traditional, soft, lampshades

Your lampshade will be re-covered using the traditional, hand-sewn method. First I strip the lampshade back to the frame before binding the top and base rings; then I make, fit and hand-stitch the cover (“outer”) to the frame, then the lining and neateners are sewn to the frame before, finally, sewing the self-trim or manufactured trim around the top and base rings: each lampshade has at least six layers of hand stitching (three around the top and three around the base).

If the original trimmings are in suitable condition they can be re-used.

Re-lining traditional, soft, lampshades or changing the trim

Some traditional lampshades look good on the outside but need a new lining. I offer a re-lining service for traditional lampshades. In order to do this I will remove the trim and lining, then I make and fit the new lining before replacing the trim. 

Perhaps your traditional lampshade is in good condition but the trim is letting it down - I can change the trim.

Re-covering rigid, card-backed, lampshades

The ring-set or frame can be re-used so your rigid lampshade keeps the same fitting and is the same shape as before. If your lampshade is made on a ring-set and you would like to change its height I can do that when I re-cover it. 

Most card-backed lampshades are made by laminating the fabric or wallpaper outer to the lampshade lining therefore I cannot simply replace the lining or replace the outer. The ring-set or frame will be stripped before being re-covered using the materials of your choice and there is the option of adding trimmings. 

I also replace the stand-alone PVC or parchment inserts in lampshades.

Premium Quality Lampshades

A beautifully made lampshade takes a lot of skill, patience and time - luckily this is not just a job, this is a passion!

I am a master-craftswomen - skilfully making and repairing lampshades to the highest standard. I have years of experience guiding clients through their selection of lampshade frames including the shape, size and fitting before helping with the choice of fabrics and trims.

My ethos is "quality not quantity" and I have worked hard to make The Lampshade Lady a trusted and respected brand at home and overseas. Working with discerning clients, the personal service results in outstanding lampshades offering premium quality and style: the testimonials and gallery pages are testament to this.

Hand Crafted, Card-Backed Lampshades

"Usually my rigid lampshades are made with fabric folded over the seam and hand-rolled edges, however, there are a number of other options to think about. We will talk about the options before you decide." - The Lampshade Lady

All my rigid lampshades are completely bespoke. You can choose from a number of different styles including plain, with the fabric rolled over the rings; with contrast trim rolled over the edges; with scalloped or shaped edges; with leather, rope or ribbon lacing. 

I use specially designed, fire-resistant lampshade lining card which is available in a variety of different colours and finishes. I also stock parchment and embossed card for rigid lampshades.

I also make rigid lampshades on full frames. These are usually bowed or tapered shapes. They have fabric covered panels and the joins (at the struts and over the top and base edges) are covered with fabric or trim.

At my studio there is a range of lampshade frames and ring-sets together with a selection of fabrics and trimmings to choose from or, if you prefer, you can supply your own. I also supply bespoke frames and ring-sets - your choice of style, size and fitting.

Try the online designer tool

Some rigid lampshades can be designed and ordered using my online lampshade designer: please select the "shop" tab at the top of this page and follow the instructions - you can opt to supply your own fabric or wallpaper. If the shape, size or fitting you require is not listed in my online shop please make an appointment to visit the studio or telephone or email with your requirements.

Lampshade Fabrics and Trimmings

I have a good selection of carefully sourced fabrics and trimmings at the studio.

Most of the fabrics are plain and include many different types of fabric including different weights of silk, satin, chiffon, velvet, linen and cotton from renowned fabric suppliers. 

The trimmings, which have been carefully selected for use on lampshades, include gimp, tassels, fan edges, fringes, ropes, velvet ribbons and grosgrain.

Sample fabrics and trimmings are available for a small charge. If you use my fabric and trimmings the sample charge is deducted from the cost of the lampshade.