Modern 20 Inch Lamp Shades

Finding the perfect lamp shades to fit your decor and illuminate your space can feel overwhelming. But 20 inch lamp shades offer a timelessly stylish choice that brings dimension and visual interest to any room.

Let's start our journey into the world of 20 inch shades by understanding why this versatile, medium-scale lighting accessory can make all the difference in tying your living area together. We'll guide you through all the decision factors, preferred placement ideas, style suggestions, and expert decor tips so you can shop with confidence and achieve a layered lighting plan that takes your home decor to the next level.

What to Consider When Choosing 20 Inch Lamp Shades

Finding shades in the 20 inch size hits a decorating sweet spot - not too big or small. But several factors come into play to find shades that work with your existing lighting, dimensions, and decor vision. Assessing these elements first will set you up for lampshade success.

Size and Room Proportions

First, evaluate the lamp itself along with the room's proportions. Measure the lamp harp size - the metal bars that attach the shade to the lamp base. Standard US harp sizes include clip-on adapters as well as common small to extra large harps. Knowing yours will narrow suitable shades. Next, consider room ceilings and furniture scale so shades don't appear too large or small.

Material and Visual Interest

From traditional embroidered linen to modern metallic, lampshade materials make a statement. Bold patterns or soft neutrals? Opaque or translucent? The textures and colors you choose set the tone. Consider adjacent furniture finishes and your color scheme. A dark wood table, for example, pops beside a crisp white 20 inch drum shade with nickel accents. For rooms lacking natural light, lighter shades prevent gloom.

Shape and Design Elements

Dimension comes from thoughtfully combining lamp bases with coordinating shades. Column table lamps suit cleanly tailored empire shades while curvaceous ceramic bases pair nicely with softly pleated coolie shapes. Design details provide further styling opportunities - try swing arm sconces to spotlight art or chandeliers with cascading crystal strands to dress up dining spaces.

Ideal Placement for 20 Inch Lampshades

Strategic lighting placement amplifies your shade's design impact while delivering welcoming illumination. Here are prime positioning ideas for 20 inch shades throughout your home.

Bedside and Near Seating

Bring function and personality to beds and favorite chairs with 20 inch drum or oval bell shades atop compact lamps or sconces. Stimulate productivity in home offices pairing adjustable task lights with patterned parchment shades. Nightstand and reading lights provide cozy, directed glow while vintage table lamps by sofas warmly accent side tables.

Living Spaces and Entryways

Cluster matching table lamps of mixed heights beside sectionals and bonus room chaise lounges for bright, even lighting. Or make a unique first impression welcoming guests with a wire cage shade suspending from foyer beam pendant hardware. Include floor lamps with mica shade inserts to define sitting areas and cast atmospheric uplight on ceiling planes and upper walls.

Kitchens and Dining Areas

Shiny retro cone shades dangling above circular dining tables inject midcentury personality. For eat-in kitchens, bridge modern and traditional with woven abaca empire shades fixed to old-world style brass swing arms. Wired puck lights hid behind fabric drum shades provide task illumination for food prep counters in a softer, less harsh glow.

How to Decorate with 20 Inch Lampshades

Illuminate and elevate your home decor by incorporating these professional designer tricks when decorating with 20 inch lampshades. Follow the guidance below and you'll be styling like a pro in no time.

Coordinate Colors and Textures

A monochromatic color story pulled throughout a space in varying materials creates peaceful, cohesive rooms. Select 20 inch silk shades in blush pink for girly bedrooms. Accent with pillows in pink chenille, velvet frames, and a furry rose area rug. For more casual family rooms, bring in nature with grasscloth shades, jute carpets, linen upholstery, and rattan coffee tables.

Repeat Styles for Rhythm

Install matching lamps and shade pairs or groupings rather than mixing for cacophonous decor. Frame a living room bay window with twin swing arm bronze sconces donning rectangular rice paper shades. Place two slim cherry wood tripod floor lamps with matching open box pleat shades behind the sofa for ambient glow. The orderly repetition establishes natural visual flow.

Highlight Artwork or Architectural Features

Strategically angled light sources effectively spotlight displayed collectibles, floated shelving, textural wallpaper, or treasured family photos. For drama, position adjustable swing arms low behind furnishings aiming upward to graze interesting ceilings with narrow focused beams. Illumination concentrated on subjects attracts attention while downlight prevents damage-causing UV ray overexposure.

Shopping for Stylish 20 Inch Lampshades on a Budget

Outfitting your home with quality lighting updates refreshes rooms without breaking budgets. Follow these savvy shopping tips to secure stunning 20 inch lampshades at affordable prices.

Check Big Box Stores and Online Retailers

Visit home improvement warehouses for excellent lampshade variety often sold in multi-packs which helps cut costs. Check online at mass retailers like Amazon and Walmart where classical drum or modern metallic cylinder shapes start around just $20. Comparison shop for sales or use coupons from craft chains Michael's and Joann's for custom DIY shade projects.

Shop Seasonal Lighting Sales

Timing is everything when securing Shade deals. Late spring through summer, retailers slash prices to make room for new seasonal merchandise deliveries. Mark your calendars for Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends when you'll uncover impressive discounts on lighting essentials both in-store and online.

Try Vintage and Consignment Finds

For one-of-a-kind statement shades that won't break the bank, shop secondhand. Scour thrift stores and antique malls hunting for unusual shapes like geometric octagons or figurative silhouettes. Cool retro originals from the 50s-70s era make fun conversation starters. Ornament 20 inch base metals with trendy reworked fabric in patterns complementary to your room decor.

Caring for Your Shades So They Last

Preserve lampshade splendor and properly care for these lighting elements with routine gentle cleaning and electrical safety checks so they brightly illuminate for years. Follow these homeowner tips to extend useful shade life in style.

Handle with Care

When dusting or moving table lamps with attached shades, grasp the actual lampshade frame to avoid tears or dents rather than grabbing pleats or delicate material. Note metal rings reinforcing upper edges distribute weight evenly. Unclip shades when transporting lamps between rooms or slide temporary protectors over them.

Clean Regularly

Periodically wipe down shades using soft horsehair brushes like those made for hats. Or utilize specialty dusters with extra-long feathers to reach inner pleats and crevices attracting dust. Only spot treat stubborn dirt or grime gently with diluted mild cleaner then let air dry completely before reattaching lamps.

Assess Electrical Safety

When changing lightbulbs or cleaning fixture sockets, inspect the lamp parts. Ensure harp wires have no exposed copper or loosening in their attachments. Check lamp cords for fraying or cracked plug prongs and immediately unplug. Replace damaged wiring right away for fire safety.

DIY and Customization Options for Shades

Unleash your creative spirit and add personalized flair by crafting custom lampshades or giving lackluster ones from around your home a stylish makeover. These easy yet impressive projects makeover lighting affordably.