Understanding Lampshade Shapes

The shape of a lampshade has a huge influence on how light moves through a room. Some shapes cast a soft, diffused glow, while others create a more focused pool of light. At Zia Living, our shades are designed to balance form and function — clean silhouettes, natural fabrics and original artwork that work beautifully across different interiors

  • Drum

    A modern classic. With straight sides and a balanced profile, drum shades offer an even spread of light and are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms.

    Shop Drum Lampshades 

  • Oval

    Oval shades are ideal for narrow or compact spaces. Their slim shape fits well on console tables, bedside tables and as wall lights, while still giving a good spread of light.

    Shop Oval Lampshades 

  • Empire

    Slightly narrow at the top and wider at the base, empire shades create a warm, downward glow. They work well on traditional lamp bases and are perfect for reading corners or bedside tables.

    Shop Empire Lampshades 

  • Conical

    With a wider, more dramatic flare, coolie shades direct light downwards, making them great for task lighting or creating a focused pool of light on a console or side table.

  • Scalloped & Decorative Shapes

    Soft curves and characterful edges bring a touch of vintage charm. These shapes add personality and work beautifully as statement pieces in bedrooms, hallways or cosy living spaces.

  • Gathered

    Gathered styles diffuse light gently and add depth to a room. Fabulous for lamps especially when paired with natural fabrics.

Fittings Explained

Pendant / Standard Fitting

A universal fitting suitable for table lamps, floor lamps and ceiling pendants.

Duplex Fitting

A duplex shade gives you two installation options:

Shade Carrier — for table and floor lamps, that creates a stable, elevated position on your lamp base.

Spider Fitting - for hanging as a pendant and allows the same duplex shade to be used as a ceiling light.

How to size for table lamps, floor lamps and pendants.

Choose a lampshade with a base diameter that’s roughly equal to the height of your lamp base.

This simple guideline helps your lamp look well‑proportioned and balanced.

  • Space Saving

    Oval and rectangular styles are ideal for wall lights, narrow console tables,shelves and areas where furniture sits close to a wall or space is limited

  • Small

    Candle clip and drum shades from 15cm to 25cm work well on bedside tables, shelves, wall lights and in compact rooms such as cloakrooms.

  • Medium

    Conical and Empire shades from 30cm to 45cm suit medium/large table lamps, and drum shades work well in bedrooms, snugs and sitting rooms

  • Large

    Drum and conical shades from 45cm to 60cm+ are ideal for floor lamps and open‑plan areas where you need more presence.

  • Statement

    Oversized drum shades from 70cm and above work well in hallways, stairwells/gallery landings and open‑plan spaces where you want height, scale and a strong focal point.

Difusers

A diffuser sits beneath your lampshade when used as a pendant, softening the light and covering the bulb for a cleaner, more finished look. Choose from a plain translucent style or a fabric‑covered version to match your shade.

Ready Made or Made to Order

If you’re deciding between a ready‑made shade and a made‑to‑order one, this quick guide outlines the key differences

Ready Made

Ready‑made lampshades are part of our Curated Lampshade Edit: a range of in‑stock designs that are ready to ship. Each piece is a one‑off or part of a small batch, made using ZIA LIVING fabrics and handmade in Norfolk. Ideal if you want something unique with fast delivery.

Shop The Curated Lampshade Edit

Made to Order

Made‑to‑order shades are created specifically for you. Choose your shape, fabric, size and fitting, and your lampshade will be handmade in Norfolk and delivered within 21 days. Colourways can be custom‑coloured on request, making this the ideal option when you need a precise size, palette or fully coordinated look.

Shop Made to Order Lampshades

How to Order

  • Select Your Design

    Browse our gallery of ready‑made and made‑to‑order designs online, or contact us if you’re looking for custom colouring or a fully bespoke shape, size or trim.

  • Add to Basket

    Enjoy secure checkout with all major cards, PayPal and Apple Pay.

  • UK Delivery

    Made to order lampshades are dispatch within 21 working days from our North Norfolk studio.

    For purchases up to £99.99 delivery is £4.95

    Free UK delivery for purchases over £100

    Headboards and curtains from £35

    Fabric per roll £25

  • We recommend ordering fabric samples before committing, as made-to-measure orders cannot be refunded unless faulty. Select samples on the fabric page, and we’re happy to post swatches so you can be certain of your choice.

About Zia Living

Zia Living is situated in a studio based Norfolk. We design lino print patterns that bring the timeless beauty of handprinted textiles into your home. By combining traditional drawing and printing skills with modern, eco-friendly fabric printing, we can offer flexible colour customisation options to our designs. This means you can finally curate the home interior you’ve always dreamed of—but never quite found, we are able to work with a variety of budgets and project sizes, because we believe everyone deserves a beautiful home. Our commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship means every piece—from blinds and cushions to trays and tea towels—is made with care, attention and respect for the environment. We ship across the UK, ensuring our products arrive safely and promptly.

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Our Collection

Visit & Connect

  • We welcome appointments to our North Norfolk studio and showroom. See samples in person, discuss bespoke ideas and experience our full range of home accessories and soft furnishings.

    Studio & Showroom
    South Creake
    Norfolk
    NR21 9PG
    United Kingdom

  • Thank you for choosing a ZIA LIVING. We love creating pieces especially for your home, and we’d be delighted to see how you style them. If you’d like to share, please send us your photos — they always make our day.

    info@zia-living.co.uk