Drum lamp shades are one of the most useful and classic choices for decorating.  Their shape works well in contemporary or tradition decorating, and these shades can be found in various shapes and sizes to fit your lamp.  They're some of the most basic shades there are, available in almost every material, color and finish.  If your home needs a clean accent for its room lighting, this is an excellent choice. (Continue reading below...)

 

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However, there's more to a drum shade than just a cylinder.  Regular drum shades have completely straight sides, but the modified drum is narrower at the top.  Bell drum shades have a graceful curve to their sides, and notched shades are also available.  Lamp shades of this kind may come in deep forms, or in a shallower form called the Bouillotte shade.

 

This is a very functional type of lighting shade because it diffuses light not only outward through the fabric that makes it up, but also up and down.  Light can bounce up to the ceiling and be reflected to illuminate the rest of the room.  Drum shades tend to be somewhat larger than other types of lamp covering.  This allows a more powerful bulb to be used, which also increases the output of light.

The peak of drum shade popularity was between the early 20th century and the 1980s.  After this, they lost popularity for several decades.  However, they're coming back, and you'll see many different decorating schemes that make use of the drum style lamp shade.  They're coming back in home magazines, advertised as the next new thing, and there are varieties available for use in just about every room of your home.

 

Drum shades work well on most types of lamps.  Their versatility is one of the things that makes them so appealing.  However, there are some lamps that look their best with a drum lamp shade.  These include antique porcelain and crystal lamps, vintage "George and Martha Washington" styles, as well as just about any vintage lamp from the 1950s through the 1980s.  Some ornate metal lamps are also best with a drum shade, as are reproductions of any of these older lamp types.

 

Just remember to take more than shade shape into account.  A drum shade might look great on your lamp, but you must make sure to get the correct size, material, and look.  A lamp with a too large shade looks strange, and one with a shade that's too small is a fire hazard.  Choose materials that go with the style of the lamp, and remember to think about the aesthetics of the room over all.

 

In addition, you'll need to remember that there are several different types of lamp shade attachment.  Small lamps may use what's called a clip on shade - one with a wire arrangement that rests on the bulb itself and holds the shade up.  These are great for little lamps, but don't try putting a big drum shade on this way.  This kind of fastener isn't strong or stable enough for that kind of use.  A harp fitter shade, with a special piece of hardware for attachment, is much more stable and better for use in big lamps.  Avoid Uno style lamp shades unless your lamp is an antique - these are often poorly made and can be fire hazards.

 

If you're interested in the latest styles, or you just want lighting shades that will stand the test of time, drum styles are a great choice.  Drum lamp shades are available for almost any lamp and to go with nearly all decorating styles.  Check out your options today.