Decor Guide

You can probably guess the difference between “ambient” and “task” lighting just by thinking about their names: Ambient lighting (also known as general lighting) creates an ambiance, or a certain vibe. It offers an overall illumination of a space, provides visual comfort, and comes from sources like chandeliers, pendant lights, ceiling lights, or wall mount fixtures. Task lighting, on the other hand, is what you’ll want to have when you’re working—reading, cooking, etc. You can use accent, ambient, and task lighting in the same place, but make sure not to mix their functions--otherwise, it can become a bit disconnected.

If you’re unsure about choosing light that glows upwards or illumination that glows downward, have no fear: you can do both. First, it’s best to understand the benefits of each, and the different functions uplight and downlight serve.

Generally, downlights are recessed lights in a ceiling that cast a perfectly ambient, welcoming light. They’re also versatile: Downlights can provide sufficient task lighting, so you’ll see them often in kitchens and other workspaces.

Pendant lights don’t just illuminate a room—they add artistry to your space. So, how low should you go? When hanging pendant lights, keep these tips in mind:

• Consider the space, location, and ceiling size.
• Pendant lights should hang 55 to 70 centimeters above the kitchen bench top or island—measuring from the bottom of the pendant to the top of the bench top.
• In the dining room, pendants should hang 70 to 82 centimeters from the bottom of the pendant to the top of the table.
• A small pendant will get lost in a cavernous ceiling, while a large pendant can “take over” a smaller room—so choose accordingly.
• In the bedroom, installing pendant lights on each side of the bed is the best.

Too bright, too dark—sometimes finding the “just right” feels all wrong. First, think about the purpose of the room. Will you be reading there, dining, or mostly relaxing? Take into consideration the difference between illuminance (measured in lux) and light output (measured in lumens).

The lumen (LM) is a measurement unit describing how much light a lamp or fixture produces, while the lux (LX) is a measurement unit describing how much light covers a given surface area. One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter.

IESNA, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, provides recommended illuminance levels for all types of rooms. Use these values to help find the appropriate amount of light for each space.

• Kitchens: 300-750 lux
• Bathrooms: 100-300 lux
• Dining rooms: 200-300 lux
• Bedrooms: 200-300 lux

You love your new FLOS lamp—so where should you put it?

If your lamp is to be used for tasks—such as reading—keep it close. Place it next to your favorite easy chair, or even by your bed in place of a reading light on your nightstand. Floor lamps provide great, direct light that’s comfortable to work by. Just make sure it’s fitted with a great shade, or the glare may bother you.

If you’re using your floor lamp to create soft indirect lighting—the kind you’d use in a bedroom, nursery, living room, or hallway—it's best to consider the space by “zone.” Consider if it will cast the most light where needed, and how you can place it so that it is in harmony with the rest of the room’s décor, accenting pieces you want the eye drawn to (such as artwork or a mantelpiece). Finally, make sure it is easy to access. (If you’re lighting a project that’s a new construction, make sure receptacles are installed close to all locations intended for floor lamps. Otherwise, you’re at the mercy of a web of extension cords.)

Before you decide which light is right, get to know them:

Pendant Lights: You’ll find these sweet stunners hanging from the ceilings in your favorite rooms—like the dining room, kitchen, and foyer. They’re versatile and offer an ambient glow that is also task-ready. Try them solo or with several in a row.

Bar Lights: For those who favor the more modern, Bar Lights offer an innovative style that is rooted in true utility. Sleek and cool with an industrial edge, Bar Lights are branching out: consider these lights in more modern kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

Side Lights: Don’t get it twisted, Side Lights don’t play second fiddle to any lamp: They are the main event. These featured favorites diffuse indirect lighting to create an intimate, soft, and relaxing atmosphere. They’re the perfect illumination for your most relaxing spaces.

Pendant lights work well in the workspace, like a kitchen counter or office table, offering both ambient and direct lighting. Belt by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec is a great example.

Don’t go dicing in the dark—find the right light for your food prep areas and get ready to cook up a masterpiece.

Pendant lights are ideal in kitchen spaces: They offer the direct lighting that’s perfect for tasks, and they add an interesting element to your décor. Consider a large, breathtaking dome light or a row of smaller, sleeker pendants with clear glass shades.

LED lights are a “cool” option for the kitchen—literally. Because they don’t emit heat like other less efficient light sources, you can comfortably use them no matter how steamy your soufflé gets. Also, since LED fixtures are generally designed to be shatter-free, they can be a safer option. Consider lining the underside of your cabinets with efficient LED fixtures instead of fluorescent bulbs. (Bonus: Some LED lighting is equipped with dimming and color adjustment capabilities.)

Mixed lighting is a great option for kitchens—a mix of uplighting and downlighting from sources like wall sconces, pendants, and under-cabinet lighting allows you to customize lighting for your needs at any given moment.

Light—and any room it shines it—looks best coming from a clean source. Cleaning glass lampshades can feel tricky, but a few easy tips will keep you in the clear.

• Honor the Intricacies: Your glass shades are special and detailed, with delicate parts and exquisite elements—so don’t clean them the same way you would your favorite chipped coffee mug.
• Get Macro About Micro: Microfiber cloths are versatile, superior, and worth the investment—they clean carefully without scratching any surface.
• Be Water Wary: Don’t submerge the lampshade in soapy water, since you can potentially damage fine details and metallic parts.
• Be Factual About Fluids: Harsh fluids like ammonia, alcohol, and acidic cleaning agents can damage glass shades permanently. Instead, use furniture polish or lemon oil cleaning wax to preserve fine details.
• Spray Away: Never spray cleaners (even water) directly on the lampshade. Instead, spray your microfiber cloth and wipe the shade gently. Then, dry with a separate piece of microfiber.
• Bonus Tip: Stay safe by turning off your circuit breaker to avoid any electric shock.

It’s about more than just a light bulb: Incandescent and LED offer different types of lighting performances—and each has benefits (and drawbacks) that are uniquely its own.

The hallmark of incandescent lighting is a warm white output with perfect color rendition. It matches the quality of daylight, which makes it perfect for illuminating decorative features or fine art. The traditional rounded bulbs also offer a design element within a light fixture. However, incandescent bulbs fall short on energy efficiency—using more than five times the energy of LED bulbs during a service life that’s generally less than 1,000 hours. In addition, they generate heat. If your space uses air conditioning, the extra heat released by the bulbs will increase the cooling load and your energy expenses.

It’s soft from one angle and glaring from another—light intensity can seem tricky, but it’s really all about how you look at it.

Lighting intensity is the brightness of a light, specifically from a given direction. The brighter, or more intense, a light is, the more energy is present. Technically, light intensity is the rate at which energy from the light hits a surface. So, you may notice that intensity varies for the same light source based on where you’re standing, and on other spatial variations.

A highly specialized device called a goniophotometer measures intensity, and yes, that’s a real thing. Luckily, you won’t need your own to measure intensity—manufacturers supply lighting intensity curves along with their product specifications.

To understand secondary lighting, let’s have a primer on primary lighting.

Primary lighting refers to objects that produce their own light-- anything with a light bulb in it, regardless of type.

Secondary lighting refers to objects that reflect primary lighting. For example: Assume an architect uses only uplighting in a room. The downlighting effect is achieved through the reflection of the uplighting on the ceiling. The ceiling is your secondary lighting source. The point is, whenever you use the reflection of lighting on objects and surfaces, that is secondary lighting.

So why is secondary lighting so important? A room that’s lit only on the floor may feel cavernous or dark. In the example listed, the architect used the ceiling and walls as a secondary lighting source to illuminate the room overall.

Designer exterior lighting not only enhances the look of your home but also provides practical benefits such as improved visibility and added security. Lighting can effectively illuminate outdoor areas without the need for direct illumination.

Installing lights near your pool, steps, and doorways can transform the appearance of your home's façade by highlighting carefully planned design elements such as a stunning doorway or stone path, darkened windows, and flower beds.

Before you go and light up the neighborhood, here are some things to consider:

• Make sure you select products, like the outdoor designs from FLOS, that have enclosures rated for outdoor use. That means they’re dustproof, corrosion resistant, and watertight- so they’ll stand up to the elements. (Shopping tip: Ask for a design that features a NEMA 4X enclosure.)
• Ensure that no light is projected in unwanted directions. No need to annoy the neighbors. (The same is true for uplight- you can unwittingly disturb nocturnal animals).
• In residential settings, warm colors work best for modern outdoor lighting. Since cool colors can make it hard for people to fall asleep, avoid white/blue illumination–sleep deprived neighbors aren’t the friendliest. (And, they can be affected by the light even if they aren’t receiving the beam directly.)

As with any lighting design, you’ll want to consider the style of your home when choosing exterior lighting sources.

It says it right in the name: the hospitality industry specializes in making guests feel comfortable, welcome, and, well, right at home.

The hospitality industry prioritizes guests' comfort and utilizes lighting control to achieve this. Hotel guests can adjust the lighting to suit their preferences, even accommodating jet lag.

Incandescent lighting is commonly used in hotels and restaurants for its natural feel, but warm white LED lights with a high CRI offer a greener option. Decorative lighting can be incorporated into interior design, such as wall patterns and luminous textiles. Task, accent, and direct lighting provide a well-rounded lighting experience for guests. LED lights offer unparalleled customization and design flexibility and can adapt to any lamp shade while delivering any color output.

Discover the latest portable table Gustave by Vincent Van Duysen, specially designed for hospitality.

Human Centric Lighting (HCL) delivers light in a healthy way for both visual and non-visual reasons.

Negative effects such as glare can damage human sight with prolonged exposure. Our brains are affected by light in two ways: for visual path and to adjust our body clocks.

HCL acknowledges these factors and suggests color temperature preferences such as 4,100K for concentration, 2,700K for relaxation and better sleep, and above 5,000K for energizing activities. LED lights allow us to experiment with the effects of light on our mood, energy level, health, sleep quality, and comfort.

Even the smallest rooms dream big—so show them the light!

Light is the best way to make a space seem bigger than it is. Maximize the availability of natural light by making any window a focal point of the room, and opt for light and neutral paints that won’t absorb the your glow.

Next, get tricky. Mirrors and other décor pieces can deflect and magnify light, so place them near to any light sources.

Next, look up. It’s important to light the whole room-- including the ceiling and walls--to avoid the “small cave” effect.

Finally, consider lights that pull double duty: artistic light patterns or luminous textiles, or LEDs that run under the counter or along flooring—all offering illumination without commandeering space.

Lighting your space is a deeply personal experience that ultimately comes down to preference. Here are a few tricks to getting yours right:

Choose Your Hue: Are you looking for a more energetic environment that’s suitable for work? Opt for bright, white light. Want a mellower mood? Lights that mimic warm, golden incandescent light will help you set a relaxed tone.

Do a Dimmer: Your mood changes often, and so should your light. A dimmer will help you adjust the light in your space based on your need and your desire at any given moment.

Use Your Phone: Smart bulbs and other innovations have made it easy to control lighting right from our phones. Going from a news show to a romantic movie? Dim your lights without getting up off of your couch.

Automatic Lighting Controls: The best thing about technology is that it is starting to know us better than we know ourselves. “Smart” controls within your home may seem futuristic, but they’re actually quite common. They’ll learn your habits and adjust accordingly--from dimming lights when you’re less likely to use them to increasing them as the day goes on.

When it comes to lighting your RV, you’ll need to consider a few things:

• Light fixtures. Older mobile homes will be more compatible with incandescent bulbs, which offer that golden-retro vibe but are far less efficient than LEDs. Consider updating your RV’s
• The need for versatility. Track lighting is a great way to offer a bit of light without illuminating your space (and giving a front row seat to the happenings inside to other drivers on a dark road). Dimmer switches allow you to customize central lighting based on your need and mood. Small, direct light fixtures allow riders to personalize their own use at any given time.
• Your outside space. If you’re setting up the grill (or just a place to chill) outside when you’re parked, a mounted light or track lighting will be essential to your experience.
• Outside light changes. Unlike a stationary home, an RV will need more or less light depending on the area it’s moving through. Consider light sensors that adjust accordingly, or different styles of light (including uplighting or downlighting) that will fit different light needs.
• Your taste. As with any other home, your light fixtures should reflect your taste and style. And RV is a unique home—your lighting should be equally so.

As with any space, commercial spaces need to set the right mood, and lighting is a key part of that. Here’s why:

Customers should be, first and foremost, comfortable. They should have enough light to see details without feeling the stress of too much brightness. Brighter overhead lighting is a good way to achieve that level of comfort: It enables those in the space to see what they need to, without a feeling of overwhelm.

Lighting affects energy. White light lends to more energy—which is why you’d want it in your gym or office space. A more dim light—like that at a restaurant—promotes relaxation, and allows a customer to feel more “off duty.”

Bad lighting is bad for business. A poorly lit dressing room that doesn’t allow a customer to see what they’re trying on can be frustrating, and it will inform their experience in a way that means they may not return. In the same way, a too-dark office can create obstacles for employees to work around. Whenever possible, lighting should facilitate whatever business is happening in your space.

Lighting should be suitable for the projects being sold. For example, high color temperatures (daylight white, >5000K) are recommended for showing off luxury items with fine details. Lower color temperatures (warm white, <3000K) are better for products with red, orange or yellow tones (fruits, for example, or some clothing).

Accent lighting is useful in commercial settings a well. For example, retailers can draw attention to specific products - the latest fashion trend or seasonal products like Christmas decoration.

Beautiful lighting is as essential a part of your design plan as your wallpaper or flooring. When it’s done right, it feels like an integral, organic part of a space. Done wrong, and it’s all too noticeable—in the worst way. Here are a few pro tips for lighting your space.

Consider Each Space: To determine the best light, first decide what you’ll be doing in each room. Workspaces like kitchens benefit from direct lighting (think pendants over counters, LED lights under counters) while spaces meant for relaxing (that cozy bedroom) will do better with ambient, soft, and dimmable lighting.

Opt for Variety: Choose different types of light sources in varied locations—sconces, pendants, direct lighting, accent lights, and a mixture of up- and downlighting will illuminate rooms without lending to eyestrain or “fatigue.”

Light the Whole Room: A room that’s not lit to the ceiling will have a cave-like feel that’s the opposite of cozy. Choose lights—or a combination or light sources—that illuminate all the way up. To that point, lighting large surfaces (like walls) will add to the overall brightness of a room.

Be Direct: Use direct light in task areas where you need it—such as the space over a kitchen counter or in the bathroom.

Utilize What You Have: Accentuate natural light by choosing window treatments that don’t obstruct it. A few well-placed mirrors will boost light that comes in from the outside.

Light What You Love: Spotlights on art work, accent lights illuminating frames—the best way to draw attention to the décor you love in your space is to light it right.

Do Right by Dimmers: Dimmer switches are easy, affordable ways to personalize your light output based on need and desire.

Lights illuminate our surroundings and set the mood – but lights that stand on their own fascinate us. A soul reason, why we love gazing at the moon; and why we get captivated by the golden lights of fireflies. You may not have a firefly or moon at your bid or call, but a piece of art that stands on its own with celestial independence? Yes, that would be splendid. This is what the magic of contemporary lights does – it’s your little something that gleams of magnificence. Inspired by nature, they are designed to make life simple.

You may not have a firefly or moon at your bid or call, but a piece of art that stands on its own with celestial independence? Yes, that would be splendid. This is what the magic of contemporary lights does – it’s your little something that gleams of magnificence. Inspired by nature, they are designed to make life simple.

Here’s Why Wireless Lights Are Just Simply Irresistible

• Versatile: Adaptable according to your preference, you can carry wireless lights wherever you want. Wish to read while on a backpacking trip with no lights – let wireless lights be your knight in shining armor or may we say light in shining armor?
• Visually Pleasing: The magnificence of wireless lights will elevate the beauty of your room – it simply stands by itself, providing an aesthetic balance with maximum visual comfort.
• No Hassle of Wires: As you might expect, the primary purpose of designing a wireless light is to make lights independent of electricity. Once charged you don’t have to fathom about the electric cables, an obvious step up in the world of innovation. So, the next time you’re nestled in the comfort of nature with your loved ones, don’t forget to carry some beautiful wireless lighting.
• Effortless: They cast a pool of direct light wherever they go – a small wireless portable lamp can instill the essence of minimalism and comfort. Moreover, you can even control the intensity of the light with just one click.
• Customizable: Personalize it according to your mood, taste, or event – you can even place the wireless lighting on the floor, on the table, next to your bed, or in your garden, to add that little “something.”

How do modern lights include wireless lighting techniques?

The right lighting can transform your space and add various colors and textures to the room. Contemporary lights can be a perfect choice to beautify your homes - Innovative, smart, and fresh, we often wonder how these lights work the way they do.

• Smart LED or light-emitting diode lights connect to an internet hub or to a rechargeable battery that in turn can be connected to any mobile device or computer for power.
• These lights can be controlled from a centralized location, be it your computer or smartphone.
• Some wireless LED lights can even be connected to your device via Bluetooth while others are stand-alone pieces that operate on their in-built programming to perform certain functions.
• The one thing they do have in common is that these aren’t just your average LED lights; they’re called smart for a reason. Marvelously energy efficient, these are the next-generation lighting solutions, poised to transform your home in so many ways.

There’s More to Wireless Lighting Control Systems

Breathing new life into the lighting systems with state-of-the-art technology, wireless lightings bring in an essence of customization, that suits your moods and needs –

• They can be dimmed: These dimmable LED smart lights can be operated via dimmer switches or your smart device with the associated app – Making a conducive environment for various activities, like reading, studying, or relaxing, while also helping you save energy.
• Cool down or warm up your space with color temperature control: Take dimming a step further with color temperature control. Whether you prefer a cooler light over a light blue or want to warm it up to a golden yellow – it’s all in your control now. Match the tone of your light with the occasion and even use it to compensate for the not-so-ideal wall color you’re not happy with.
• Wake up to some soothing light: With soft beams that get brighter and brighter, a wireless light alarm gently rouses you without waking up your spouse or baby. With just the click of a button, you can customize this experience and have a splendid morning every day!

Creativity that’s channelized into lights is truly a symbol of artistic divinity and dedication. LED creations make room for style and comfort in our homes with the added benefit of saving energy. Modern wireless lighting options are so convenient and easy to install, no wonder they’re at everyone’s fingertips, revolutionizing the way we light up our lives.

Have you ever felt that your lights are too bright for a movie night or too dim for studying? Thanks to light dimmers, you can tone down your lights without switching them off completely. Whether you’re studying or relaxing after a long day of work – dimmable lights let you alter the light settings to suit your mood.

What is a Light Dimmer?

Dimmers are devices that are connected to a light fixture to lower or increase the brightness of the light. Or, in other words, a light dimmer lets you modulate the intensity of light depending on the purpose. You can set the mood and visual appearance of your space with the help of light dimmers – introduce different hues that blend with your interiors and encounter magic. Modern dimmable lights can be very efficient when it comes to revamping your interiors or just altering the vibe of your space – whether office, living room, or your own bedroom. These lights are often renowned for their calming and romantically soothing effect.

Why Switch to Using Dimmable Lights?

• Set the Ambiance: Depending on your mood; you can alter the lighting – create a dramatic effect or a subtle romantic atmosphere. For example, soft lights are perfect for festive feasts in the dining area, bright lights are most favorable for active activities and you can further dim them to the desired glow.
• They Blend Like a Charm: Modern designer lights can blend with your interiors and often enhance the beauty of any space. These lights are also designed to serve as decorative ornaments for contemporary homes and offices.
• Personalized Control: Eyestrain and fatigue are often caused due to wrong lighting – with dimmable lights; you can control the intensity of your lighting décor.
• Eco-friendly: Dimmable lights are sustainable lighting options and help save energy by up to fifty percent.

How Should You Choose A Light Dimmer? Here are some light dimmer options:

• Single-Pole Dimmer: A single-pole dimmer is your all-in-one control switch – used for both switching on & off, and for dimming or brightening your house lights.
• Three-way or Four-way Dimmer: This setup includes one dimmer and two or more ON/OFF switches for multiple lights in your home at different locations.
• Plug-in Dimmer: A plug-in dimmer goes with dimmable table lamps, portable lighting devices, and small dimmable lights.
• Multi-location Dimmer: In this setup, multiple switches allow complete dimming control across various locations of your house. This kind of setup is also suitable for relatively bigger workspaces.

Once you find your preferred dimmer, the step would be to identify its compatibility with the light bulb. Finally, all that’s left to do is to select the dimmer switch - whether touch-sensitive, rotatory or toggling. Dimmable lights illuminate magnificence and can be adjusted according to your styling preferences. They even add up to the state of mind, so choose wisely!

Aesthetics are easy to put together in a space but what about marrying its ambiance with convenience and utility? This is just what the ADA compliance for lighting and fixture helps with – a perfectly lit-up space that is accessible to all.

What does “ADA Compliant” mean?

ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act – it was passed in 1992 to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities. Among other things, the ADA lays down construction standards that must be followed by architects, especially when designing and laying out a public space, which include lighting fixtures, doorways, ramps, steps, windows, sinks, etc.

Understanding ADA compliant lights

• While installing lights in buildings, contractors need to adhere to ADA standards.
• Wall sconces and wall lights need to comply with the universal design principles – light fixtures should be accessible to all individuals.
• ADA compliant lights have a thin profile that enables them to fit in aisles, passageways, hallways, bathrooms, and several other small spaces.
• Wall scones placed 27’ to 80’ inches above the floor cannot project out beyond these four inches into any hallway, walkway, or corridor.
• Additional wall scones need to stick tightly to the wall to help disabled individuals pass through passages without much hindrance.

What are ADA signs and where are they required?

ADA compliant signs are another significant part of ensuring that your building is ADA compliant – all public spaces and buildings are required to have these signs. Signs are typically placed near areas pertaining to safety, like elevators, stairs and fire exits, to prevent accidents and make spaces accessible to people with disabilities.

So why do lights have to be ADA compliant?

To accommodate an area for disabled persons. The ADA has laid down certain standards for how far out the fixtures can protrude and how high off the floor it should be fixed. For example, modern wall sconces that are ADA compliant would not extend beyond 4 inches from the wall. They would also be between 2 feet 4 inches and 6 feet 8 inches above the flooring of the room. In some cases, sconces that extend further than 4 inches can be mounted, provided they are fixed higher than 7 feet (84 inches) from the finished floor. These guidelines ensure that all fixtures are safe and provide maximum clearance. So, when designing public spaces, ADA compliant wall lighting is essential for making the area safe and accessible to everyone.

How will ADA compliance affect your lighting choices?

Adhering to ADA compliance when dealing with lights will automatically affect your buying options. Once you have your design in place, fixtures and faucets are next to follow. For instance, when selecting the right wall sconce for your space, you will have to ensure that you are buying the correct size i.e. not more than 4 inches in depth. You will have to pay close attention to ADA guidelines when choosing your product.

FLOS USA has designed a number of contemporary ADA compliant lights that are suitable for homes and offices. So, if you are looking to renovate, or decorate for manufacturers that have a good reputation and can guarantee that their products meet ADA standards.

The Takeaway

ADA compliance should be taken very seriously as it may pose an inconvenience or added cost to businesses later – a lawsuit or a hefty fine – which could hurt your reputation and in turn your business.

And regardless, wouldn’t you want your space to be accessible to everyone?

Choosing the right lampshade is all about – style, scale, support, and lamp base to ensure that it fits the right place and occasion. Your lampshade should not overwhelm the ambiance; it needs to sufficiently light up your surroundings while also serving as a piece of art. We’ve compiled a list of things you need to keep in mind while choosing the ideal lampshade – let’s go through them.

What are the different types of lampshades?

• Drum or cylinder-shaped lampshades – They will elongate and modernize any lamp with their classic cylindrical shape and a slight taper. The light through these shades spreads from top to bottom, leading to a diffused ambiance glow. If the cylinder is shallow, more light can escape through its edges. These shades are suitable for tabletops or seating areas.
• Empire or coolie lampshades – These shades give the lamp a sense of symmetry as they are perfectly proportionate. Empire shades emit less light from the top but more from the bottom, creating a wider spread. They go well with an urn-shaped base for a soft environment.
• Bell lampshades – Elegant and dramatic, bell lampshades have qualities of both a drum as well as a coolie lampshade. The top is constructed to emit focused light, whereas the bottom is quite spread out to give maximum diffusion. They are best for traditional home décor, and you can also pair them with curvy, rounded, as well as a petite lamp base.
• Hardback vs. Softback lampshades – Hardback shades do not allow light to pass through the sides. They are made of either metal or plastic, making them easy to clean. These shades are ideal for reading areas that require more concentrated and bright light.

Softback shades are made from either paper or fabric that allow diffused light to pass through partially while still giving a focused light from top and bottom. Softback shades may require more maintenance for keeping the shape intact. You may also see the frame as a dark shadow or the glow of bulb prominently through the shade.

How do I choose the perfect lampshade?

Not sure how to choose your perfect lampshade? These tips may help –

• Purpose – Are you looking for a shade with focused light or diffused light? Former one may be suitable for study or living room whereas the latter may suit your bedroom. You may want a small lampshade for less spread or a large lampshade for a greater spread of light. Always select the color that suits the theme of your room.
• Placement – Will you place it on the floor or a table? Will you hang the light from the kitchen ceiling? If you place it on the floor, you may want to ensure that the light of the bulb does not hit your eye when you sit underneath.

Are lampshades interchangeable?

Yes, they are. However, consider the following things before changing –

• Size – It is calculated using width across the top, width across the bottom and height measured across the slant.
• Fitters – Ensure that your lamp has a spider/ harp fitter, clip-on fitter, or uno fitter. Spider fitter sits directly over the lamp’s harp (‘U’ shaped metal part that protects the bulb. Clip-on fitters attach directly to the bulb without the use of any other accessory. Uno fitters are secured by a threaded ring under the light bulb.

What are the lampshade materials and safety concerns?

The most common material includes :

• Fabric or paper
• Plastic, metal, or glass (tiffany)

Lampshades are built to be fire-resistant. However, synthetic or paper shades are susceptible to fire or discoloration when the lamp is hot. You may want to choose cotton fabric shade instead. Before buying, ensure that an inner material called styrene exists to protect the outer fabric from the heat of the bulb. Choose the bulb of adequate wattage to prevent overheating. Always try opting for an LED, instead of an incandescent bulb.

How to clean lampshades?

Cleaning lampshades depends on the material:

• Fabric shades can be cleaned by a soft sponge lamp cleaner or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
• Paper shades can be cleaned by using a dry microfiber towel.
• Plastic and metal shades can be cleaned by damp cloth and detergent.

Browse the designer lamps that you must have to light up your space the way you want.