Silk or softback lampshades are made with a softer fabric stretched over a wire frame with an inner liner. They are an elegant, timeless lampshade style, and their internal wires allow for complex designs that include bells, scallops, pleats and more. Here is a breakdown of the most common silk lampshade shapes to help you find the right one for you.
The Bell
Bell Lampshades are one of the original silk shapes. It is a timeless and versatile design built on a frame of interconnected wires. The Bell flares out from a smaller top to a large base to create a graceful silhouette. Look for scalloped edges, cut corners or galleries for even more elegant variety. It offers diffuse, downward-focused lighting perfect for your favorite reading spot.
The Cone
The Drum
Silk Drum Lampshades are a mid-20th century classic regaining popularity. The top and bottom are nearly equal in diameter. Silk drum styles differ in height from short and shallow drums all the way to tall, narrow cylinders. They reflect light upward and downward, making them ideal for floor lamps and tall table lamps
The Empire
Known as “The Workhorse,” the silk empire lampshade is one of the oldest lampshade designs. Traditionally, the silk empire is characterized by a top opening that is 1/2 the diameter as the bottom. The downward light is perfect for task or reading lighting. Available in classic, cut corner, scallops, twist and other styles, it fits with a wide range of decors.
The Square
While silk square shaped lampshades are characterized by four equal sides, there are many variations. Square lampshades can have straight sides or curved sides, small, medium or large openings at the top, and pointed corners or cut corners.
The Rectangle and the Oval
Silk ovals and rectangles offer a narrower frame than their drum or square counterparts. This allows them to be used in tight spaces like the edge of a table or the corner of a room. Match your personal style with options including scallops, curves, flairs and more.
Even More Shapes
Like their names imply, hexagon and octagon offer even more sides for your silk shades. These offer modern looks to feature bold fabrics and patterns. If you need help choosing the perfect lampshade shape, check out our 5-step guide or contact us at the store
