10 Stylish Ways to Decorate with Red Lamp Shades in Your Home

Decorators love red lampshades for the variety of ways they can transform a room or set a mood. They pair beautifully with neutral decor, adding a pop of color. Or they can be used to create a little bit of drama or a romantic vibe. There are right (and wrong) ways to use a red lampshade; here are expert tips for getting the most out of this versatile decorating piece.

Why Red Lamp Shades Are a Great Choice for Home Décor

At first glance, you might think a red lampshade is “too much” – but that’s not true. As a primary color and with so many shades and tones available, red can work decorating magic in almost any room in your home. It can also elevate an office space.

The trick to working with a red lampshade is using it in a focused, balanced way.  As with anything, too much ruins the intended effect. Use a bold red shade as a dramatic focal point in a room; this works especially well if the rest of the decor is neutral or monochrome. A red lampshade on a side table makes a sophisticated statement piece.

If your decor has a traditional or vintage feel, a red shade works well with the look and feel of those pieces. Add some depth to a space by pairing a textured throw rug near the shade. A red lampshade can be transformed by the use of different fabrics or decorative elements like beads. 

Consider the size of the shade; when in doubt, opt for a smaller one or use two small shades. A red lampshade offers so many design options; shop Lux Lampshades and get inspired!

Create a Focal Point in Your Living Room

A beautiful red lampshade can serve as a dramatic focal point in the living room. If the room has dark furniture, a red shade will work beautifully. If your taste runs more to the contemporary, red beautifully contrasts with cool tones like white or gray. Use a red shade on a side table to create a cozy reading area; pair it with a textured throw for more depth.

Add a Pop of Color to Monochrome Spaces

Whether it’s a deep burgundy tone or vivid lipstick red, a red lampshade is an exciting way to lift the energy in a room that’s done in a monochrome palette. Use a pair on two side tables or in a hallway.

Embrace Luxury with Velvet or Silk Red Shades

A red lampshade made from decadent fabrics like velvet or silk adds a note of subdued luxury. These blend well in a room with traditional or vintage decor or add a surprising note to a sleek, minimalist design. 

Enhance Romantic Ambiance in the Bedroom

Pair a red lampshade with a small lamp on either side of the bed. This warms a room and adds some romantic ambiance.

Incorporate Red Lamp Shades in the Dining Room

Create a focused visual accent in the dining room by placing it either on a side table or buffet.

Pair Red Lamp Shades with Dark Wood Furniture

Match the tone of the red lampshade to the tone of the wood. For example, a side table made of mahogany will work well with a red shade in a darker shade; a lighter wood can handle a brighter red. Use red as an accent piece so as not to overwhelm the room. 

Final Tips for Decorating with Red Lamp Shades

A red lampshade works best as an accent piece, so consider the size and scale of the shade. Another key thing to remember is the kind of light bulb you’ll use, as the shade will filter that light to convey different moods. Red shades tend to cast a warmer, more dramatic effect.

Conclusion

A red lampshade is an exciting, sophisticated way to elevate almost any room. Depending on how it's used, it can create drama, warmth, energy, even romance. 

A red shade can work with a variety of decor, from traditional to eclectic to contemporary. It’s best used as an accent piece or as a single focal point in a room. Try different fabrics like velvet or silk or try a textured pattern.

Lux Lampshades offers a host of exciting red lampshades to provide plenty of decorating inspiration!