Lamp Shades, what is the point

[PupInAPram]

I started taking lamp shades off ceiling lights today to get rid of dust. I realised I much prefer the light and look of a bare light fitting. I mean really, what's the point of lamp shades? They gather dust and block some of the light from the bulb. I've put all the (admittedly very old) shades in the bin. They may never be replaced. Aibu: yes it's nutso to live in a house with no lamp shades, no - you may start a new trend.

They diffuse and spread out the light so it's softer, not as harsh and therefore more cosy. If they get dusty then dust them.

@PupInAPram I used to work as an interior architect and specialised in lighting- it sounds to me very much like you have the wrong sort of light shade and possibly light fitting for the space you are in!

A classic lightshade- ie a broad ‘cone’ shape does indeed block out the light distribution to the sides and actually despite them being very common as ceiling lights, they are not ideal to fully light a space unless you specifically want either a dim central column of light, or have wall lights. They are actually best suited to lamps.
You can get ‘uplight’ shades but again it really depends on the space and what you are using it for- treat your lighting as a practical element in a room- what do you need it to light up and how- what direction and how brightly?

For big areas like kitchens the most ideal are multi bulb fixtures (chandeliers for example) as these give you lots of brightness and come in a wide range of materials so could well include bare bulbs or opaque finishes to give you lots of brightness. If you have a central light source in the ceiling, anytime you have your back to it you will cast a shadow so lamps or wall lights can help if needed. Also good to create ambient lighting if you can have a couple of circuits.

There are loads & loads of options so have a think about what you need from your light source in that particular room as there’s definitely a solution out there! You can get some nice bare bulb fittings these days too as it’s the trend Xo

It only takes one dead fly for an uplighter to look seriously grim. if you don't dust your lampshades (no jjudgement, I don't either), uplighters are not the way to go.

I have cheapo Argos shades but I’ve no idea why really because we have smart bulbs so can change the colours and brightness anyway.

Warm white or bright white blue or whatever. 10% or 100%.

Can’t say I’m that fussed.

@IglesiasPiggl

Oversize light bulb hanging over wood and metal table in large space = trendy industrial look Normal bare bulb dangling from ordinary white ceiling = drug den/dodgy landlord /slightly creepy man who may or may not have psychotic tendencies

Totally this!

Your choice but unless a filament bulb meant to be seen I think it just looks like you are in temporary digs and can't be bothered. But it's your home so do what you like.

I've got clear glass lampshades and they look wonderful.

I find the light from bare bulbs to be too 'clinical' - the light takes a direct path from the bulb to your eye, or whatever surface it's reflected off, I find this even worse with LED bulbs where the generated light is very narrow waveband, which makes it appear even harsher.

It's fine for an office or workspace, I don't find it very relaxing at home.

Decent glass or thin material shades to act as a diffuser makes a world of difference in my opinion.

Bare lightbulbs would make me think of squatters or the house in
"The Young Ones".

Are you joking? Bare bulbs look horrible!

You're asking the wrong woman here, asking me.
To the horror of most MN'etters, I just LOVE a tassel.
The more, the merrier for me.
On door keys, cupboard keys and as many lampshades as I can get away with.
Throw in some dangly, sparkly jewels/beads and I'm in heaven.
I'd need antidepressants if I had to live with bare bulbs.
But, to each, their own.

We have one room with a bare light and it does hit the eye.