Taking Inspiration from Architecture for Victorian Lampshade Design

It has been a wonderful Pacific Northwest summer here at Elegance Lamps, and as the days grow shorter more time is available to be indoors designing and creating spectacular Victorian lampshades and restoring antique lamps.

This month I’m taking design inspiration from architecture to create a remarkable luxury antique lamp. I’m obsessed with the overwhelming beauty of the Rose Window at the Washington National Cathedral! I just love the shape and colors emanating from the historic stained glass design, and I have made my best effort to artistically interpret these style elements into a representative work in the form of a lamp.

Dyeing the silk for this Victorian lampshade was an interesting experience. It was my intent to create the illusion of stained glass light rays beaming across the horizontal plane of the shade, and my diligence yielded success! The effect is not evident when the lampshade is unlit however, once the light is on, the rays beam forth from the sides of the shade casting subtle yet beautiful “rays” across the silk.

Notice the beadwork the lampshade? Each tiny seed bead was strung by hand! The beads were stuffed into the metal casings for a very good purpose—they light up like a stained glass window. The beadwork on this lampshade is the very definition of unique.

So, what do you you think? Does the completed lampshade bear resemblance to the source of inspiration? Please feel free to leave a comment below.

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Request a Custom Lampshade

Each antique lamps or lampshade made at Elegance Lamps is one-of-a-kind, often featuring limited rare antique textiles. Therefore, an exact replica of a vintage style lampshade or antique lamp is not possible. However, if you see style elements you like I can build something similar in any size, style or shape that meets your needs. Please click the buttons below to start your project or place a call to Elegance Lamps for creation of a custom order. A deposit is required to commence work.

Crystal Hayes is a lifelong Seattle resident who gains inspiration from the natural beauty and vibrant arts communities in the Pacific Northwest. She thrives on creative expression resulting in unique Victorian lampshades, vintage lampshades, and antique lamps that can be used in everyday life. Crystal is entirely fearless when it comes to design, she is a perfectionist at construction techniques, and she proves that customer satisfaction still matters.

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