Bespoke Empire Lampshade

I was recently approached by a client who owned a beautiful lamp base featuring an intricate dragonfly design. Unfortunately, the original shade was dated and damaged, and it no longer did the piece justice. They asked whether I could create a bespoke replacement that would complement the base and restore the lamp’s impact within the room.

The first step was to source a fabric that complemented the lamp’s colours and character. After an in-home consultation and exploring a range of options, we selected a Belvoir recycled fabric in Seafoam. Its subtle blue-green tones worked perfectly with the detailing on the base.

With the design direction agreed, I created a custom empire shade tailored precisely to the proportions of the lamp. This involved drafting a bespoke template, refining the profile to achieve the ideal silhouette, and constructing a full mock-up to ensure a perfect fit. Once the final shape was approved, I cut and assembled the lining and fabric before completing the final hand-finished shade.

The transformation was immediate. The new shade not only enhanced the lamp but also highlighted the beautiful dragonflies on the base, turning the piece into a striking focal point in the room. The client was thrilled with the result and subsequently commissioned a second empire shade for their lounge, also finished in the Belvoir Seafoam fabric to create a cohesive, refreshed scheme.

If you have a lamp in need of updating or would like a bespoke shade that perfectly suits your décor, I would be delighted to discuss your requirements. A new shade is a simple yet highly effective way to revitalise both a lamp and the space around it — change your shade, change your space.