It’s probably been quite some time since you’ve heard anyone praise the power of pleats, especially when it comes to lampshades. But when blogger extraordinaire, Emily Henderson proclaimed pleated lampshades were back earlier this summer (and we subsequently ran into this stylish PR exec’s whimsical New York apartment), we listened. After giving the trend a try, we have to admit—pleats are pretty near perfect. Casting off their traditional rep, pleated lampshades are cropping up in fun and funky fabrics this time around, making them perfect for those who desire a room that marches to its own distinctive beat. Whether fashioned from a yummy print or a bold-colored solid fabric (which will emanate the coziest of glows come sundown!), pleats have the habit of looking decidedly custom.
Pondering a pleated lampshade, but craving more insights on how to use them? We’ve gathered some tricks of the trade below!
3 WAYS TO WORK THE PLEATED LAMPSHADES TREND
#1: LAYER ON COLOR & PATTERN
If you thought throw pillows and drapes were the only way to make your space pop with pattern and color, consider a pleated lampshade. There’s something undeniably pretty and eye-catching about a shade where the fabric has been gathered into pleats. Master maximalist (and pleated shade devotee) Miles Redd used them above to layer additional textural notes into his design. Consider it maximalist style made easy.
#2: TOP OFF A CHANDELIER
There’s something enticingly old school about a flame-bulb chandelier topped with tiny white lampshades, but to make the classic look feel fresh, try topping your chandeliers with pleated shades in pretty patterns. With pleated lampshades, a brass or iron chandelier will go from feeling uninspired to looking straight out of an English cottage, while a wicker chandelier will instantly adopt a Palm Beach beat. Among our best tips for this look is to choose pleated shades in darker-colored fabrics or prints, which will ensure your chandelier light reads like candlelight.
#3: TEACH AN OLD LAMP NEW TRICKS
Have a favorite lamp that you’d tote to the ends of the earth, but never actually plug in because it feels more than a bit past its prime? If so, a pleated lampshade can give it a new lease on life. When perched atop a relic like a ceramic figurine lamp or a less-than-novel swing-arm lamp, a pleated shade will play to your lamp’s antiquity while adding a quirky, haute bohemian edge.
Lead photo by Simon Bevan, courtesy of Ben Pentreath Ltd.