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Tips and Ideas for Choosing Paper Lamp Shades

Paper Lamp Shades

Have you ever heard of paper lampshades? Perhaps you have had some yourself? Well, there are a lot of interesting designs, colors, and shapes that can change an ordinary light into something cool, unique, or even extravagant.

If you are interested in finding out a lot more then you have come to the perfect place.

Let’s gets started!

What Are Some of The Pros of Paper Lamp Shades?

There are tons of great things that can be done with paper lamp shades.  They can be inexpensive, easy to make and just downright stylish! Paper lampshades can really add a perfect touch to a room.

Ten Thousand Villages Marbleized Paper Lampshade 'Sand Swept Lampshade'

The great thing is that they can be fit to a person’s specific style or taste. Paper lampshades are another way in life that one can express who they are.

Quasimoon 14FLP-WH 14 White Fine Line Even Ribbing Paper Lantern, 14 Inch, White Fine Line Premium Even Ribbing

Here is a list of some of the pros that paper lamp shades have to offer:

  • Adds an alternative to traditional lamp shades.
  • Can be used on ceiling fixtures, lamps, and much more.
  • Any color can be chosen.
  • Adds unique style and taste to a home.
  • Can be a fun craft.
  • Dims lighting for a cool and gentle touch for relaxation.
  • Any design can be used.
  • Direct light exactly where you want it without paying tons for installing particular fixtures.
  • Can be inexpensive.

Ikea 701.034.10 Regolit Pendant Lamp Shade, WhiteLuna Bazaar Cocoon Premium Paper Lantern Lamp Shade

The list goes on and on. Paper lampshades truly have a lot to offer. They definitely give an alternative to the traditional lamp shades. At thespruce.com there is some examples of paper lamp shades.

una Bazaar Cocoon Premium Paper Lantern Lamp Shade (10-Inch, Chartreuse Green)

What About Some Cons?

With everything in life, there seems to be a downside. Paper lampshades may not be a perfect fit for everyone. There are some things that one may want to consider for opting to use paper lamp shades. It is always good to try a product out before purchasing a lot anyway, but here are some of the cons to paper lampshades below.

  • The light bulb fixture must be in good condition. – If the light bulb fixture is in poor condition it can cause a spark and result in a fire. These should be checked regardless.
  • Not any material can be used. – It is important to note what material can be used when making a paper lamp shade. Some materials can be too heavy, while other materials can cause a risk of a fire.
  • Can be more fragile and does not add a lot of protection for the light bulb itself.

Distressed Faux Paper Lamp Shade

The Different Styles of Paper Lampshades

There are a lot of different styles that can be made when considering a paper lamp shade. There are Chinese Lanterns that add a romantic or even relaxing touch. Then there are kid themes that can be made. Even classy styles can be found in paper lamp shades. Yes! Never underestimate paper.

Luna Bazaar Beehive Design Paper Lantern Lamp Shade (17-Inch, Mango Orange)

Brownfolds Paper Origami Lamp Shade; Vanilla Bliss Single Pack Pearl GoldBrownfolds Paper Origami Lamp Shade; Vanilla Bliss Dual Pack Pearl Gold2 Ikea Vate Pendant Lamps

Think of a design that would fit the room specifically. Is it a kid’s room? There can be kid styled paper lampshades that fit the room. What about dinner? Want paper lampshades over the dining table? Any style or color is possible. The ideas are endless.

Adesso 4162-12 Orb 24 Large Pendant, Natural, Smart Outlet Compatible

More styles can be found at wayfair.com.

Can They Be Replaced Easily?

Let’s face it, all things are bound to break down over time. It is important to note if something can be replaced or not. Paper lampshades can be easily replaced. As long as the paper lamp shade that was purchased is still in stock, then there should be no problem ordering a replacement.

White Round Paper Lanterns Lamp Shades Metal Frame Great for Outdoor or Indoor Use,Parties

Can Paper Lamp Shades Be Made at Home?

A lot of people enjoy doing crafts. Paper lamps shades can be a graft too. Not only is it fun, but it is creative. Paper lampshades can indeed be made at home. However, it is very important to make sure that the material being used is safe for use as a paper lampshade. Below is a list of material that can be used to make those paper lamp shades.

  • Pressure-sensitive styrene or adhesive styrene should be used for an inner layer. This prevents the outer material from touching the actual light bulb.
  • Fabrics that can be relieved of any wrinkles is recommended for the outside layer of the paper lamp shade.
  • Canvas
  • Linen
  • Cotton

For more information on making paper lamp shades, you can check out this YouTube video.

Can Paper Lamp Shades Be Cleaned?

Depending on what the material of a paper lampshade will determine what kind of cleaning steps will be taken. For the most part, dusting will keep the lampshade clean. Paper lampshades, like any shades, do not generally come in contact with anything except dust.


Paper lampshades can really light up the room or dim it.  If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below. Thanks!

Photo: Paper Lamp Shades
Photo: Ten Thousand Villages Marbleized Paper Lampshade 'Sand Swept Lampshade'
Photo: Quasimoon 14FLP-WH 14 White Fine Line Even Ribbing Paper Lantern, 14 Inch, White Fine Line Premium Even Ribbing
Photo: Ikea 701.034.10 Regolit Pendant Lamp Shade, White
Photo: Luna Bazaar Cocoon Premium Paper Lantern Lamp Shade
Photo: 4X Generic GEN75465 12-Inch Paper Lantern Lamp Shades, White, 12-Pack
Photo: una Bazaar Cocoon Premium Paper Lantern Lamp Shade (10-Inch, Chartreuse Green)
Photo: Distressed Faux Paper Lamp Shade
Photo: Luna Bazaar Beehive Design Paper Lantern Lamp Shade (17-Inch, Mango Orange)
Photo: Brownfolds Paper Origami Lamp Shade; Vanilla Bliss Single Pack Pearl Gold
Photo: Brownfolds Paper Origami Lamp Shade; Vanilla Bliss Dual Pack Pearl Gold
Photo: 2 Ikea Vate Pendant Lamps
Photo: Adesso 4162-12 Orb 24 Large Pendant, Natural, Smart Outlet Compatible
Photo: White Round Paper Lanterns Lamp Shades Metal Frame Great for Outdoor or Indoor Use,Parties

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