Spherical, tiered, and drum-shaped – these are just a few of the different forms our oversized shades take. But what they all have in common is they’re big. Like 18 inches across big. Or 22 inches long big. We like to think of them as large and in charge, because of the way they define a room.
While these shades are big, the effort it takes to incorporate them into your home isn’t. All you need do is replace an existing shade with something bolder (as long as it’s made to fit into the same size shade holder ). Swap out a 12-inch-diameter shade for a 16-inch version, and your room will have an eye-catching new centerpiece. Or consider using a fixture with an oversized shade in the dining room as a fresh alternative to a chandelier.
These large beauties appeal not only thanks to their compelling looks, but also because of their historic roots. In some cases, they were born of necessity. Take the wire mesh version of our globe shade, for example. In the early 20th century, this shade enjoyed widespread use across factory floors. The original purpose of the mesh was to catch glass shards in case the shade broke, protecting the workers below. Today, the mesh makes a pleasing textural design element.
Another example of aesthetics that clearly reflect their origins is our 17-inch-long Art Deco skyscraper shade. It’s a fine example of classic Deco attributes: elegance, glamour, functionality, and modernity (think Chrysler Building). We love how it dresses up a high-ceilinged space – and it looks especially smashing in multiples.
Not to be missed (or maybe we should say hard to miss) is the newest addition to our large shade offering: the Deco Drum Shade. Its three-part construction reflects a more scientific take on Art Deco, as it was originally engineered to produce a quality of light best suited to businesses and public spaces. Because of its commercial origins, this shade measures a generous 16 inches across. It’s a real standout over a kitchen island, in a master bath, or atop a stairwell. You can learn more about the background of the Deco Drum Shade (a.k.a. “The Wonder Unit”) in a recent blog post.
To see how a larger shade can impact a room, make sure to check out our latest Go Big Pinterest board.