by Jan Eloise White

Designer lamp shades are expensive. So what do you do if you like the designer look but don’t have the designer budget to match? Consider these four ways to get the designer look for less.

1. Browse for Bargains

If you want great deals on designer lamp shades check out online lighting stores which generally offer very good value for money. You can browse around as many stores as you like and check out the various prices and options on offer. Being able to go quickly from store to store allows you to compare prices too.

Auction site eBay is another option online. It’s worth checking out to see what is currently on offer there as many small lighting stores now use eBay to create an online store and many offer lamp shades and lighting at fixed prices.

2. Keep Your Eyes Open for the Best Deals

Local department stores often have sales. Look in the lighting department to see if you can get a great lamp shade on sale. Avoid buying anything which looks dirty or damaged however as lamp shades are difficult to clean and stains and damage will show up even more when the lamp is switched on.

Discount stores often have great deals on lamp shades too. You’ll find the cheaper plain lamp shades here, of course, but you often find that the discount stores follow trends in interior design and they will have the most popular looks of the season at great prices.

3. Think Trimming

Plain shades are available cheaply in discount stores and online. Give them the designer look by adding some gorgeous trimming to the edges. You can decorate them with a row of beautiful bead fringing which catches the light or add some contrasting or toning braid for a smart formal look. Get some inspiration by looking at all the trimming available in your local department store.

Designer shades are often in plain shapes and it’s the trimming which gives the lamp shade the designer look. If you see a shade you love look out for similar trimming in your local store and copy the look for your own home.

4. Recover an Old Lamp Shade

Lamp shades that are past their best can be given a new lease of life by covering them as long as the structure of the shade is sound. Select a fabric to go with your decor - you’ll have a lot more choice in fabric than you will find in ready made lamp shades. Add trimming to complete the designer look.

It may even be worth recovering a new plain lamp shade if you don’t have an old shade (though you can often pick them up in garage sales for a song.) Just get the right shape and size for the base when looking at lamp shades and you can choose the finished look yourself by completely recovering your shade.

About the Author:
To get the perfect lamp shade for your home whether you’re looking for a lamp shade for a nursery or a glass lamp shade for a chandelier take a look at this Lamp Shades site.

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