(Back to Lamp Shades)
W.N. DE SHERBININ, located in Danbury CT, carries a great wealth of lamp parts as well as shades. Part of its large stock of parts is devoted to restoring or creating the Victorian glass-shaded, chimneyed lamps treasured by wealthy housewives and modest farm families. Looking at DeSherbinin’s stock of finials—grand, elegant, and just plain fun (what better than a fish-finial for the lamp in a fisherman’s den?)—is like a trip to a jewelry store.

DeSherbinin’s shades, on the other hand, tend toward classic shapes, fine materials, and solid, rich colors. By and large, fringe and frippery are left to other designers. DeSherbinin’s shades will adapt to many decorating schemes and locations because of their classic lines, and the quality of their construction will make them part of decor for a long time.

Located in St. Joseph MO, LAKESHORE STUDIOS combines quality lampshade design with recognition that every room and every home possesses a unique “personality.” Lakeshore offers a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to make uniqueness possible. Color is a particular concern, and Lakeshore is an excellent source for the contemporary color-palette.

Further, Lakeshore takes that philosophy to the next lever with its C.O.M. program: “customers’ own material.” Homeowners or decorators can provide fabric chosen especially to harmonize with their decorating scheme. How best to pick up the zingy melon thread in the drapes without blanketing the room? Lakeshore works carefully with customers to achieve just the look they want. In their words, “It’s your vision—we just make great lampshades!”

CANTERBURY/ROSEART reflects the merger of two long-established lampshade manufacturers. Now located in Ft. Lauderdale FL, the company is unusual in not currently having a commercial website. Canterbury/Roseart shades are clearly meant to be seen, not just glanced at in passing! The company maintains showrooms in both Ft. Lauderdale and Dallas TX, along with a nationwide reputation for excellence and creativity.

Florida origins can be seen from time to time in bold stripes or flashes of tropical color, along with innovative and occasionally sassy shapes. Shape is a hallmark of Canterbury/Roseart shades; one can choose from a stock of approximately 250, along with a wide range of fabrics.

If you’ve done any travelling, you’ve probably spent more time with GENESIS lamp shades than you realize. This Albertville AL company has supplied shades for many years to 25-30% of the hotel and hospitality industry. Part of this experience has made Genesis particularly sensitive to the qualities and intensities of light provided by its shades.

Entry into the residential market is more recent but equally successful; Genesis offers a broad line of classic shades. Part of “going residential” has involved broadening its color-palate as well. Genesis makes great efforts to stay on the crest—or slightly ahead—of fashionable color-waves, even travelling to do “hands-on” color-work with materials suppliers. (There’s a good chance their travelling staff stays in hotels lighted by Genesis shades!)

ROYAL DESIGNS, INC. of Marietta GA takes “uniqueness and quality” as its watchwords. The Royal Designs line includes occasional furniture, lamps, wall décor, and accessories as well as shades. While it is hard to generalize, items tend to reflect strong, rich materials, and assertive design. “Uniqueness” shows itself in many ways. Royal’s website shows a handsome tailored shade welcome in any traditional décor, alongside a lavishly-layered Victorian fantasy shade that will define a room all by itself.

Royal Design shades will definitely set a tone that may influence other choices in room décor. They constitute a good argument for putting lighting high on your decorating list, rather than down in the “go-with” category. Shades are available alone or with lamps.