Bell Shade
The bell shade has a graceful shape that goes well with almost any sort of lamp, from Ted Stiffel’s original minimalist designs to themed lamps. As the name implies, it is narrow at the top where it attaches to the stem and then flairs out into a bell shape. The white shade tempers plain electric lightbulbs and creates a soft glow instead of a glare.
Drum Shade
The drum shade takes its name from its resemblance in shape to a snare drum. It has a round frame with a top and bottom that are the same size, with supports fastening them together. The cloth covering can be white, crème or a textured brown color. Again, the lamp provides a filter for a bare lightbulb of any sort. The darker brown can even tone down an LED light.
Tall Drum Shade
The tall drum shade, like the smaller one, has a top and bottom that are the same size. The sturdy ribs are covered with silk shantung in various colors. This one is suitable for larger lamps on which the small shades might present an unbalanced appearance. It also adds extra protection, because of its size, for very strong lights. It is an excellent choice for any living room.
Square Empire Shade
This “square” is more like a trapezoid. The top square is smaller than the bottom one, and the two are joined by curving wires that give a bell appearance to the assembly. It might be more attractive than a round lamp in settings which feature strong angles and sharp corners. Or it could become a contrast in a setting that has a lot of rounded surfaces.
Pleated Bell Shade
The pleated bell shade doubles up on the softening effect through the use of ridged fabric sides. The fabric looks almost like those paper fans that children love to fold, with its top and bottom edges fastened to circular frame pieces. It can be very attractive with more ornate lamps or delicately grace one of the minimalist stem designs.