LAMP-SHADES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 15 January 1927, Page 17

LAMP-SHADES

OLD ITALIAN EXAMPLES Never probably has .-o much attention been given to lamp-shades as there is at present. A great many women when choosing them doubtless give first consideration to prettiness and the fact that a shade fits into the decorative scheme of a room, but many others rightly give a full share ol attention to the effect of the shade in helping to diffuse and disperse the light correctly. Naturally, too, the aid of a lampshade in casting a becoming glow oil the complexion, and on the room, is well weighed up. as is the restfulness of a soft light on the eyes. Wrought-iron lamp-shades the genuine old Italian examples for thos‘who can afford them, otherwise clever reproductions —are favoured at the moment. With these an unusual shade called,, on account of its shape, the “Crusader’s helmet,” is used. The shades are made of soft-toned silk brocade, trimmed with deep silk fringe to match, and finish with metal braid.

“Some braid we use is about 200 vears old,” said an artistic furnishing expert at Paddington. “It is untarnishable, and is obtained principally from Spain, Italy and Russia. It is taken from old "vestments of priests, and is woven quite differently from the modern braids.

“This type-of shade is very popular at the moment. It is effectively used in rooms where one or two lamps

supply the illumination, shedding light ;on certain parts of the room, and where the pictures are illuminated with separate light, the rest of the room being in shadow. “There, is also a great vogue for vellum. Sometimes these shades are painted with pictures of a castle, or a country seat. These are liked byjhe ■ owners of the latter for use in their 1 town houses. The windows of .the ; house are fashioned so that the light shows through, giving, the impression that the painted house is illuminated. I “Another effective vellum..shades is , made from antique music script. For | use in a dining-room or study we have |a demand for hexagonal shades of | pigskin stitelie'd with leather. These • are effective when used with a small standard lamp of Jacobean design. ”.- | Old maps, old prints of landscapes, I figures or flowers are also widely used j for lamp-shades, as well as copies of ; 18th century cretonnes painted on parchment. Frequently the design on fabries used in furnishing the room is repeated on the lamp shade. Directci a lustres have returned to favour fc,’ illuminating the dinner table. With these small shades made ] from a composition which imitates l glass are used. Usually they are flnished with a border in a colour to tone, with the colour predominating in the decorative scheme of .the. room.