Empire lampshades in different colours, sizes and pleated finishes

Empire Lamp Shade

Empire Lampshades

Find an Empire lamp shade to suit your interior, with a wide choice of fabrics, colours and finishes.
The classic tapered shape suits both traditional and contemporary interiors. Whether you need a bedside shade or a larger floor lampshade, explore the options across our collection.

Each shade is handmade to order in Devon. Before ordering, check your chosen design for its available sizes, fabrics and fittings.

60+ YEARS OF CRAFT

Empire lampshades in different colours, sizes and pleated finishes
Handmade in the UK
HANDMADE IN THE UK Each Empire lampshade is handmade to order using quality materials and expert craftsmanship.
Handmade in the UK
100+ FABRICS & COLOURS Choose from Brushed Cotton, Faux Silk, Velvet or supply your own.
Handmade in the UK
MADE TO YOUR SPECIFICATION Choose your preferred size, fabric and lining to create a perfect finish.

― Empire Lampshades ―

Browse Empire lampshades for table, bedside and floor lamps, alongside smaller candle shades. Selected designs also offer pendant fittings. Check each product for its available sizes and options.

― Handmade in Devon for 60 years ― 

Empire Lampshades for Every Interior

Empire lampshades have remained a popular choice for generations. Their classic tapered shape creates an elegant shape that complements a wide range of lamp bases and interior styles. As a result, they are often considered one of the most versatile lampshade designs available.

At Imperial Lighting, we manufacture Empire lampshades by hand in our Devon workshop. Customers can choose from a wide selection of fabrics, colours and lining options. This allows you to create a lampshade that perfectly suits your home and personal style.

Empire lamp shades work particularly well on table lamps, standard lamps and bedside lamps. Their shape helps direct light downwards while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. In addition, they pair beautifully with both traditional and contemporary lamp bases.

Why Choose an Empire Lampshade?

Every lampshade is made to order using quality materials and skilled craftsmanship. Whether you prefer a simple brushed cotton finish, luxurious velvet or decorative trim detail, our Empire lampshades offer a timeless lighting solution for any room.

Key Benefits

  • Handmade in the UK
  • Classic tapered Empire shape
  • Suitable for table lamps, floor lamps and bedside lamps
  • Wide range of fabrics and colours
  • Optional linings and trims
  • Made to order for every customer

This versatility makes Empire shades suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways and hospitality settings. They complement traditional interiors beautifully. However, they can also bring warmth and character to more contemporary spaces.

Fabrics For your Empire Lamp Shade

Fabric choice can dramatically influence the finished look. Linen and cotton fabrics create a relaxed and understated appearance. By comparison, velvet fabrics add texture and luxury. Decorative trims can also introduce additional detail and personality.

Empire Lamp shade Lining Options

The lining affects how your shade distributes light. White PVC gives the brightest output, while natural cotton creates a softer glow. Metallic linings are opaque, directing light through the top and bottom openings. Available linings vary by design.

Your bulb also makes a big difference to the tone of the light. Warm white bulbs around 2700–3000K create a warmer glow, while higher colour temperatures give a cooler tone. Consider both your bulb and lining when choosing the effect you want.

Explore LED bulbs and lighting options from Kosnic to find out more.

If you need help selecting the right Empire lampshade, our experienced team can provide advice and fabric samples to help guide your decision.

HANDMADE · BESPOKE · BRITISH

Design Your Perfect Empire Lampshade

Create an Empire lamp shade to suit your lamp and interior. Choose your size, outer fabric, lining and fitting through our Shade Builder. Your shade will be handmade to order in our Devon workshop.

✓ Choose your size
✓ Select your fabric
✓ Choose your lining
✓ Handmade to order in Devon

― 1 ―

EMPIRE SHAPE SELECTED

― 2 ―

CHOOSE SIZE

Choose the size of your lampshade

― 3 ―

PICK FABRIC

pick your fabric for your lampshade

― 4 ―

ADD LINING

image showing that you can customise your lining

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Empire lampshade?

An Empire lampshade features a classic tapered shape, with a smaller top diameter and a wider bottom diameter. This elegant design has remained one of the most popular lampshade styles for many years.

What fabrics are available for Empire lampshades?

Our Empire Shade Builder offers plain cotton, brushed cotton, velvet and faux silk. Fabric choices vary across other designs. If you want to supply your own fabric, contact us first so we can assess its suitability.
Request free fabric samples to compare colours and textures at home.

What lining options do you offer?

Lining choices depend on the design. Our Empire Shade Builder offers white PVC, natural cotton and metallic finishes in gold, silver, copper and champagne. Other Empire styles have their own lining options or construction. Check your chosen product page before ordering.

Are Empire lampshades suitable for table lamps?

Yes. Empire lampshades are one of the most popular choices for table lamps. Their proportions work well with both traditional and contemporary lamp bases.

Can Empire lampshades be used on floor lamps?

Absolutely. Empire lamp shades work beautifully on floor lamps and standard lamps. Their tapered shape helps create a balanced and elegant appearance.

Are Empire lampshades suitable for modern interiors?

Yes. Although Empire lampshades are often associated with traditional interiors, they can work equally well in contemporary spaces when paired with modern fabrics and colours.

― Discover More Lampshade Shapes ―

Not sure if a Empire lampshade is right for your space? Explore our other handmade lampshade shapes, from classic coolie designs to contemporary Drum styles, and find the perfect match for your lamp or interior.

Coolie

Coolie lampshade for custom Shade Builder

French Drum

French drum lampshade shape

Rectangle

Rectangular lampshade shape

Cone

View Cone Lampshades

Drum

Drum lampshade shape
Image showing the Workshop, which is holding Drum lampshades

Trade Enquiry

Supplying handmade lampshades to interior designers, specifiers, hotels, restaurants, retailers and commercial interiors across the UK.

― Shop by Collection ―

Beautifully crafted lampshades for every space

Table & Floor
Lampshades

Pendant
Lampshades

Candle
Lampshades

Extra Large Drum
Shades

Statement
Lampshades

Pleated
Lampshades

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Loved by homes, hotels & designers

“Absolutely beautiful quality. The lampshade transformed the room completely — I couldn’t believe the difference. Imperial Lighting were incredibly helpful and delivered exactly what I described.”

— VERIFIED CUSTOMER • GOOGLE REVIEWS

― GET IN TOUCH

Need Help Choosing Your Empire Shade?

Whether you’re choosing the right size, selecting a fabric or deciding between lining options, our experienced team is here to help. Call us, email us or complete the enquiry form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

CALL US 01803 324732
FREE SAMPLES Order fabric swatches before you buy.

Send us an enquiry