Empire Lamp Shade

Why browse when you can build your Empire lampshade in 4 simple steps? Click a style below to start.

Empire Lampshade Builder

Create your perfect Empire lampshade with our easy-to-use shade builder. Click on the Modern or Traditional Empire shape to get started, and follow these four simple steps:

1. Select a Size – Choose the ideal size for your table lamp, floor lamp, or bedside lamp.
2. Pick a Colour – Browse our wide range of premium fabrics and colours to find your perfect match.
3. Choose a Lining or Trim – Enhance your lampshade’s interior with a choice of classic or metallic finishes.
4. Decide on the Fitting – Select the fitting type for a table lamp, floor lamp, or ceiling pendant.

Start customising now and bring your vision to life with our Empire Lampshade Builder!

Elegant Empire Lampshades: A Timeless Classic
Our Empire lampshades are individually handcrafted to the highest standards, available in a wide range of colours and designs. Known for their classic tapered shape, where the top diameter is roughly half the size of the bottom. Empire light shades offer a timeless elegance that suits both modern and traditional interiors. These versatile lampshades work beautifully on table lamps, floor lamps, standard lamps, and bedside lamps, adding sophistication to any room. Choose from a range of styles, including traditional designs or contemporary ribbon-wrapped finishes, to find the perfect Empire lampshade for your space.

Why Choose Imperial Lighting?

• Family-Run Business: Based in Devon, we have been crafting beautiful coolie lampshades for over 60 years. Our long history ensures expertise and quality in every shade we make.
• Personalised Service: We pride ourselves on providing the highest level of personal service. We are always happy to discuss your specific requirements over the phone to ensure your lampshade is just right.
• Handmade in the UK: Each lampshade is handmade in our Devon workshop, guaranteeing exceptional quality and craftmanship.

Additional Benefits:

• Free colour samples to help you find the perfect match.
• Free P&P on orders over £50.
• The option to supply your own fabric for a truly custom design.
• UK made, great for our economy and environment.

Modern Empire Lampshades

Modern Empire lampshades, also known as “hard shades,” offer a clean, smooth look due to their unique construction. Each shade features an outer fabric that’s expertly laminated to a rigid PVC backing. This design eliminates the need for vertical struts, preventing fabric clinging or shadowing. therefore resulting in a fluid, polished appearance that suits any modern interior.

Our modern Empire lampshades are available in sizes ranging from 20cm wide up to an impressive 80cm in diameter. With over 75 fabric options, you can choose from luxurious velvet, soft brushed cotton, sleek plain cotton, or elegant faux silk. We even offer the option to use your own fabric for a completely custom finish. Inside the shade, you can select from classic white or natural cotton linings for maximum light reflection or opt for on-trend metallic finishes to create a warm and stylish ambiance.

These versatile shades can be supplied with a fitting suitable for table lamps, standard lamps, and floor lamps, or as a pendant for hanging. Each Modern Empire lampshade is handcrafted in our Devon workshop, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail in every piece.

Traditional Empire Lampshades

Our Traditional Empire lampshades, also known as “soft shades,” are crafted using techniques that have remained virtually unchanged for over 60 years. This method involves cutting and stitching two fabric panels together before carefully hand-stretching them over a rigid wire frame. The result is a beautifully classic shape where the visible vertical struts add to its timeless appeal and traditional charm.

These shades are elegantly balloon-lined with a soft white stretch fabric that enhances the quality and creates a refined, luxurious finish. The top and bottom edges are meticulously trimmed to complete the look. Available in sizes ranging from 20cm to 55cm in diameter, these Traditional Empire lampshades are perfect for table lamps, standard lamps, and floor lamps.

Customers can choose from our selection of brushed cotton or faux silk fabrics, with the option to select a matching or contrasting trim to achieve the desired effect. For those seeking a truly bespoke piece, we can also craft these shades using your own supplied fabric.

Handmade in our Devon workshop, each Traditional Empire lampshade is a testament to our dedication to quality and craftsmanship, providing a touch of elegance to any interior.

Empire Candle Lampshades

Our Empire candle lampshades are crafted in both traditional and modern styles, offering the same high-quality choices as our larger shades. Whether you prefer the timeless appeal of traditional soft shades or the sleek look of modern hard shades, we provide a range of fabric options including brushed cotton, faux silk, and luxurious velvet. Customers can also supply their own fabric for a truly bespoke finish.

Designed specifically for smaller light fixtures, our Empire candle shades feature a convenient bulb clip that attaches directly to the bulb of wall lights or ceiling lights. Often referred to as chandelier or clip-on shades, these smaller Empire lampshades are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to wall sconces, chandeliers, and decorative ceiling lights.

Each Empire candle lampshade is handmade with the same attention to detail as our larger shades, ensuring a refined finish that enhances your interior with style and sophistication.

How to Choose the Right Size for Your Empire Lampshade

If you are replacing an existing Empire light shade, it’s essential to measure correctly to find the right size. Start by measuring the largest part of your current Empire lampshade, including the top and bottom diameters. Then, measure the height or the slant of the shade. These measurements will help you determine the size of your replacement Empire lamp shade.

If you don’t have an existing Empire shade to compare with, follow these simple guidelines to select the correct size for your new linen Empire lamp shade. First, choose a lampshade that is roughly 40% of the total height of your completed lamp (from the base to the top of the lamp fitting). This proportion ensures that the shade maintains a balanced and aesthetically pleasing look. Next, select an Empire light shade with a width that’s approximately twice the width of the lamp base. This will help achieve a well-proportioned appearance.

Additionally, ensure that the Empire light shade is long enough to cover the lamp fittings, such as the bulb holder or socket, for a polished and finished look. This approach will help you choose an Empire lampshade that complements your table lamp, floor lamp, or standard lamp beautifully.