FAQ & Policies

Bespoke work comes with questions - about process, about timing, about what to expect.

Answers to the most common questions are provided below. If your question is not addressed here, please send us a note, we are happy to help.

Getting started

  • Ready-made shades are produced for the broadest possible market — which means compromises in scale, color, and texture. A bespoke lampshade allows each of these elements to be tailored specifically to your lamp and your room. The result is lighting that feels considered and personal, rather than simply placed.

  • Yes. Lamplit Atelier can work with fabrics you supply, or source materials on your behalf. Brenda can also work with your interior designer's preferred trade suppliers.

  • Yes — collaborations with designers are welcome! Interior designers bring a holistic view of a space that can elevate the result, and we are happy to work within the broader design process from specification through to fulfillment.

    Trade enquiries are welcome.

  • The custom lampshade process begins with a conversation to discuss design and cost. Get in touch.

    Upon finalization of the design and payment of a 50% deposit, materials are ordered and hand-crafting begins.

    When your shade is complete and the balance has been paid, the shade will be shipped or delivered.

  • The following details are helpful:

    For table and floor lamps:

    • Photographs of the lamp without a shade, taken level with the center of the base — not from above

    • Lamp measurements: width at widest point; height of base from bottom to top (excluding neck, socket, and harp hardware); neck height if any; socket and harp hardware height; total lamp height

    • If the lamp sits on a narrow table, include the table dimensions — to ensure the shade won't extend beyond the table footprint

    For pendants:

    • Room dimensions (length × width)

    • If the pendant will hang over a dining table, table dimensions (length × width)

    For all projects:

    • Photographs of the room

    • Photographs or swatches of existing fabrics and paint colors — in the target room and any adjacent spaces

    • Lighting intent: mood lighting or general illumination? A primary light source or an accent?

Design and materials

  • Size and proportion are established early in the process.

    We offer the following general sizing guidelines:

    However, while guidelines or rules of thumb can provide a useful starting point, sometimes departing from such guidelines can better serve both the lamp and the room.

    A few factors that can affect sizing:

    • Certain fabric patterns favor a minimum or maximum shade height, which may interact with the proportional relationship between shade and lamp base

    • Maximum ring diameter may be constrained by fabric bolt width — rings larger than 16" require bolts with at least 52" of usable width or railroaded fabrics

    • Shade height should be considered in relation to the decorative neck on the lamp base, if any

    • The bulb should sit centered both vertically and horizontally within the shade — harp height can be adjusted or extenders added if needed

    Before materials are ordered, Brenda asks clients to create and photograph a simple physical size reference — an existing well-proportioned shade, or a cardboard mock-up. This process takes minutes, removes all guesswork, and protects your investment.

  • Lamplit Atelier creates drum (cylinder), tapered drum (empire), rounded rectangle, rounded square, and tiered drum lampshades.

    Round shades tend to suit round bases, while square or rectangular shades complement square bases.

    Drum shades throw more light upward for an ambient, room-filling effect. More tapered shades, in contrast, produce a more intimate downlight effect.

  • Materials are chosen not just for their color and texture, but also for how they interact with light. Heavy or dark fabrics and solid metallic linings concentrate light upward and downward, while lighter fabrics allow light to pass through, producing broader illumination and resulting in a beautiful backlighting effect that can show off patterns.

    The best way to understand how a fabric will perform is to hold a sample up to a light source in the evening — this gives an accurate sense of its opacity or translucence, and any backlit effects.

    Lining options:

    • White

    • Cream linen card

    • Brushed copper or gold metallic — some reflectivity

    • Embossed copper or gold metallic — matte finish, no reflectivity

    • Coordinating wallpaper

    • Coordinating fabric

  • Trims deserve attention!

    From subtle edgings to tassels, fringe, and embroidered bands, trims can unify design elements, elevate restrained styling, or introduce movement or drama. The effect can transform a handsome shade into a true statement piece.

  • Lamplit Atelier stocks rings for US harp and finial fittings and can also create shades for UK/EU or UNO-style fittings.

  • Not at present, though this may change as our design work evolves.

Timing, pricing, and shipping

  • Custom orders typically run four to eight weeks, depending on material availability and studio schedule. Timelines for larger project orders can be discussed at the outset.

  • Bespoke pieces involve individual design work, carefully sourced materials, and hand-crafted production. The result is lighting that is far more personal — and far more considered — than mass-produced alternatives.

    Cost estimates are provided as part of the design conversation, so the process unfolds in alignment with your budget.

  • Yes. Please get in touch to discuss the scope of your project.

  • Throughout the continental United States.

  • USPS and UPS — selecting the most cost-effective option at the time.

    Tracking information is provided for each shipment.

Product and safety policy

Lamplit Atelier lampshades are made by applying fabric, textiles, or wallpapers to PVC backing mounted on galvanized rings. The PVC backing is manufactured in the UK, has passed the Glow Wire Test at Lighting Association Laboratories, and complies with BS EN 60598-1-2008. It is UV-stabilised to prevent yellowing and receives an anti-static treatment. Wire rings are manufactured in the US.

Lamplit Atelier recommends LED bulbs, which produce significantly less heat than halogen alternatives. Shades are not suitable for use with an open flame.

Customer-selected fabrics, papers, and trims may come from a variety of sources. Lamplit Atelier cannot accept responsibility for the safety or performance of customer-supplied materials.

Returns, damages, and cancellation policy

Custom orders
Custom lampshades are made to order and cannot be returned. The mockup process is designed to ensure that proportions are confirmed before materials are ordered — protecting your investment and the integrity of the finished piece.

Cancellations are accepted up to 14 days after an order is placed. The deposit will be forfeited due to materials already ordered; no balance will be due. To cancel, please contact us.

Stock shades
Returns of stock shades purchased from this website are accepted up to 14 days after delivery. Items must be returned in their original packaging and be returned in new condition to qualify for a refund. A return shipping label will be provided. Return shipping costs will be deducted from the refunded amount. Please include your name and order number in the returned package.

Damaged items
If your shade arrives damaged, please contact us within 2 days of receiving the shade, providing your name, order number, and photographs of the damages.

***Colors displayed on screen may differ from their appearance in your room.
***Fabric patterns may not align along seams.