Refresh Tired Outdoor Lamp Shades with Replacement Covers
Is your outdoor lighting looking faded and dreary? Over time, exposure to the elements can cause lamp shades to become brittle, discolored, and worn. Replacing old covers with new ones is an easy upgrade that can completely transform the look and feel of your exterior space.
With new lamp shade covers, you can modernize the style of your patio, porch, or yard with just a simple swap. The right covers not only enhance and soften lighting, but also provide protection against weathering to keep your fixtures looking their best. Read on to learn why choosing replacement shades for your outdoor lamps is a smart upgrade for enhancing your home's curb appeal.
Reasons to Upgrade Outdoor Lamp Shades
Outdoor lamp shades take a beating from sun, rain, snow, and dirt. Over time, their material can become compromised, resulting in fading, cracking, and other damage. New covers offer many benefits:
- Protect fixtures from UV damage and moisture
- Prevent glare from exposed bulbs
- Filter and diffuse light for ambiance
- Freshen up worn or outdated styles
- Coordinate with exterior color schemes
- Provide privacy and lighting control
- Extend the life of lighting fixtures
- An easy DIY home upgrade
The effects of weathering slowly degrade lamp shades, causing brittleness and discoloration in the material. Prolonged sunlight exposure can make fabric shades fade unevenly. Temperature fluctuations and moisture lead to cracking in plastic and glass. By blocking and diffusing light, shades protect bulbs and fixtures from damage.
New covers refresh the look of aging fixtures and enhance outdoor aesthetics. They also provide better glare control for safety and comfort. Replacing lamp covers is one of the simplest ways to update old, deteriorating shades for improved functionality and appearance.
Choosing Materials for Durability
Selecting replacement lamp shades for your outdoor space involves considering material durability and weather-resistance:
Fabric
Acrylic and polyester fabric shades withstand sun, rain, and mildew. Look for tightly woven dense material in a heavier weight. Waterproof and fade-resistant fabrics treated for outdoor use will last longer.
Plastic
Plastic polycarbonate lamp shades resist shattering if hit by flying debris. Opt for uv-stabilized plastic designed to handle sun exposure without yellowing or becoming brittle.
Glass
Tempered spun glass lamp shades offer a classic look with durability. The spun glass diffuses light beautifully while resisting impacts from hail or stones. Choose thicker gauge glass for increased strength.
Synthetics
Synthetic weave shades made from vinyl-coated polyester or High-density polyethylene (HDPE) work well outdoors. These easy-to-clean options imitate other materials while providing weather-resistance.
Consider how the shade will be used to narrow your material options. Fortified synthetic or solution-dyed fabrics, shatter-resistant glass and plastic, and weather-treated natural fibers all make good choices.
Factors In Picking the Right Shade Style
Choosing replacement shades to match your outdoor decor takes a few considerations:
Size
Measure existing fixtures carefully to find the same size or choose a new dimension. Mini lamp shades are less than 6 inches tall for lamps. Medium sizes range from 8-12 inches. Choose oversized shades up to 20 inches for dramatic style.
Shape
Common shapes include drum, empire, bell, square, and rectangle shapes. Match existing shades or explore a new silhouette. Rectangular and square shades provide directional lighting. Bell and empire shapes diffuse illumination everywhere for ambiance.
Style
Select understated solids or vibrant patterns to fit your decor. Coastal homes favor nautical stripes and tropical hues. Modern spaces opt for bold geometric designs. Keep shades uniform for continuity or mix-and-match for eclectic charm.
Attachment
Check lamp harp size and type before selecting shades. Spider harps with multiple arms are common. Clip-on shades attach directly to the bulb. Ensure the shade fits properly to stay securely in place.
Lighting Needs
Sheer, light-diffusing fabric shades create ambiance. Opaque materials provide directional task lighting. The density and weave of the fabric determines light blockage. Choose wisely to get the desired illumination.
How to Measure for the Perfect Fit
Achieving an accurate measurement ensures your new shades will fit correctly:
- Measure harp size - distance across arms from outermost points.
- For clip-on shades, measure bulb diameter at widest point.
- Measure lamp base diameter if needed for a flush fit.
- Note lamp shape, harp type, and socket size.
- Refer to manufacturer size charts for guidance.
Record all measurements and details to find shades guaranteed to fit. Ill-fitting shades look sloppy and may not attach securely. Precise measurements allow you to shop shades confidently.
Installing New Outdoor Lampshade Covers
Installing new shade covers is a quick DIY project. Follow these tips:
- Remove old shade and hardware.
- Clean fixture and prep for new shade.
- Install new spider mount or harp if needed.
- Attach new shade to socket or hardware.
- Adjust fit and aim light as needed.
- Plug in and test new shade for proper light coverage.
Check for wiring needs before removing old shades. Unscrew old harps and finials and detach the shade. Wipe down the fixture. Install any new harp hardware ensuring a tight fit. Carefully attach the new shade and adjust the hang angle as needed. Restore power and admire your update!
Tips for Shades to Fit Any Decor
With limitless options, selecting the perfect shade style and color for your space is exciting. Keep these tips in mind:
- Take color cues from surrounding features like plants or furnishings.
- Take lighting needs into account - ambient or directed light?
- Balance shades across an area for harmony or intentionally mis-match.
- Mix elegant traditional shades with casual eclectic patterns.
- Choose muted tones for serene spaces and bold hues for dramatic style.
Visit lighting showrooms to view different shade styles first-hand. Ordering sample swatches can help narrow down colors. With an endless variety to choose from, you can easily find shades that complement your exterior perfectly.
Get the Most from New Outdoor Shades
The right shade covers improve functionality and aesthetics. Here are more benefits they provide:
- Softer, more ambient lighting
- Excellent glare reduction
- Blend seamlessly with decor
- Protect privacy around doors and windows
- Safeguard fixtures against weathering
- Filter sunlight and diffuse illumination
- A budget-friendly refresh for outdoor style
Outdoor spaces need versatile shade covers to handle the elements while enhancing ambiance. The correct shades provide the right lighting effects while protecting fixtures and bulbs. As a quick DIY upgrade, new shades can completely transform the feel of your exterior lighting.