Really nice quality linen lampshades. Where from?

[NinetyNinePercentTroll]

I have a few of the OKA ones which are very nice when unlit - perfect colour, right size (nice and big for my oversized table lamps), lovely build quality and the linen itself is very nicely textured with just the right amount of "slubbiness".
Unfortunately when lit they lose their appeal, they are a bit too thin, you can see the metal structure of the shade through the linen, which does take away from them, considerably.

Does anywhere do nice, thick quality linen shades that aren't crazy money (say max £50 for a 35cm) that don't show the bones of the shade through and look great when the lamp is lit and unlit? I've got half an eye on the Jim Lawrence ones, anyone with any thoughts on those?

john lewis?

Hi Kronenborg. I went into JL but they were all thinner and flimsier than the OKA ones I already have.

What sort and shape of lamps ("bulbs") are you using?

Normal shaped ones, bayonet fitting. 40w Phillips Eco halogen equiv.

Sorry, I don't know what the technical name is for the normal shape, but they rent golf ball or candle or a 'special' shape.

Sorrybagain - AREN'T. Not rent

What about using a smaller wattage bulb, that might mean they look better but, obviously, you won't get much light.

Bought quite a few things from Jim Lawrence, would highly recommend the quality and service, of you haven't used them before.

I've had things from Jim L before and been pleased with them, not soft furnishings though.

I might try a lower wattage bulb, thanks dozie. We have lots of lamps so less light from individual sources may not be a huge issue if it iimproves things cosmetically

Couldn't you add a layer of heat - resistant lining to the OKA shades/completely replace current lining with something thicker rather than splash out on new shades that you can't see before you buy?

If you were to make the linings thicker you would reduce the amount of light coming through anyway, so maybe just try lower wattage equivalent bulbs.

if you get a large globe lamp, there will be less glare, softer shadows and more diffuse light.

I use the energy saving CFL globes when they are on show.

As it is energy saving, it will run much cooler than your old incandescent, so will not scorch the shade, even though it is bigger.

This example is about equivalent to a 80W lamp and I use them for ceiling pendants

but this one is about equivalent to a 60W incandescent and would do for a table lamp. If you search for "globe lamps" you will find a lot. Osram, Megaman, Philips, GE are good brands.

Globes are bigger than ordinary lamps, and a bit more expensive, and not so widely sold.

To be equivalent to a 40W incandescent you need about 8W to 10W energy saving.

"B22" means an ordinary UK bayonet fitting bulb (not a continental screw-in type which is "E27"

Unless specified, and four times the price, energy-saving lamps are not dimmable.

p.s.

on re-reading, I see you mention you are using Philips Halogens. They have a very small, very bright point of light and give very sharp shadows. If they are the sort I am thinking of, any CFL would suit you better (and would use much less energy than a halogen)

Pop into the high street and get a lamp like this

I would get a CFL not an LED as you can get them in warm white, and they are much cheaper.

All the supermarkets sell something similar for a few pounds. You want an energy-saving lamp with a white opalescent bulb-shaped glass. It may be an own-brand, which is OK unless you see one of the good makes.

if you are currently using something like this or this it will be very bad for glare, shadows, and showing the frame of a lampshade.i

Try BHS - they have fantastic lights etc in there.

Piglet john, you are fab. Who knew there was so much to learn about bulbs / lamps & the kind of light they throw?! Not me. I am using the type you linked to in your last post and yes, you are correct, very stark. I will try the more opalescent type first before I she'll out for new shades.

Thank you to other posters for suggestions and thoughts, I may well revisit if the simpler bulb change solution doesn't work out