A New Shade for a Vintage Lamp

We needed lamps for our bedroom to help bring up the light level and only had a narrow table to put them on. We were really interested in getting a simple vintage lamp pair for this table, which is metal and glass. We found two white modern urn shaped lamps at an antique shop which were fitted with new, round drum shaped linen shades. The shades were nice, but not the right size for the depth of the table that we were putting the lamps on. We went to a big box store and see what we might be able to find to fit the lamps, but were not happy with the limited selection.

We googled lampshades near us, and came up with an amazing business in an old mill building in Easthampton, MA,  Janna Ugone and Company. Before we went, we took measurements of the lamps and the maximum height that we wanted. They custom make lampshades with appropriate heights or shapes and decorative features for both the space and the person’s taste, so we were thrilled to be able to work with them to order two shades. It only took a few weeks to get them.

We asked her if they help other people find appropriate and stylish shades for an antique or vintage lamp, and she said that is definitely something that they do. They have a keen eye for height proportion and shape to enhance any beloved lamp base.They have a lamp bar and encourage people to bring in their lamp to try shade shapes and sizes and harps to get just the right height.  I compare it to going to to a hat shop or hairdresser to discuss which hat or styling will work best for you.

I hope you will go to their website and explore what they do. They also do lighting via craft people and trade people.

There are an amazing number of premade shades that one can try on their base. They also do bespoke shades and even light fixtures as they are a tribe of artists, artisans and other trades to get you what you want.

The bottom line is why not find a place that can help you with the perfect match? Some are online, as JannaUgone and Company is. Ask around for lamp shops near you. Antique dealers and interior designers may be able to give contact information. We are so happy that we have some shades with serene painted feathers and grasses in just the right shape for our room.

Bonus hack! We get asked about this table. It is a new aquarium table with custom-cut tempered glass. I used Ellison die cut leaf shapes taped to the underside of the glass and used a frosted glass spray finish. This got oohs and ahhs from a HGTV show interview, we had but did not make the cut.