Back in the early 90's, parents had pleated lampshades in their living room, and as most kids do, I swore off every trend my parents liked as a mild statement of teenage individuality.
But as all trends eventually do, we're seeing a resurgence of empire (tapered) pleated lampshades in home decor, and this time around I'm digging it.
It's been a slow conversion over the last 6 months I credit to falling in love with textural pieces with references to pleating like this cb2 vase and incorporating these handmade paper bag stars in our home for winter that helped turn the tides toward 'the pleat.' Plus, drum shades have had quite a run- 12 years and counting. I'm ready to experiment with another look!
The beauty of lampshades is that you don't have to go out and buy a whole new lamp in order to update the look of your lighting. Just invest in a new shade. I found this tapered shade at a thrift store, and to be fair it was covered with dust and a dead spider, but it was $4.99 and just the look I was after!
Here are some beautiful ways we're seeing the pleated shade trend interpreted.
Image: Bembien
Image: Elisa Strozyk
Image: Oscar Piccolo
Image: Futurist Architecture
Image: Soho House Barcelona
Beyond browsing thrift stores which always seem to have them at great prices, here are some one stop shop spots for finding pleated shades and fixtures.
- Mandarina Pendant
- Vertigo Pendant
- Dancing Pendant
- Double Pleated Shade Pendant
- Le Klint Scissor Sconce + More Vintage Le Klint
- Pleated Shade Table Lamp + More Vintage Pleated Lamps
- Lampshade
- Lampshade
- Box Pleat Shade
- Knife Pleat Shade
What is your feeling on pleated shades? There are no wrong answers. Let's hear it!