Tapered, empire, and coolie-style lamp shades have been making a comeback lately, and they’re one of those interior design trends that some might see as timeless, while others might see it as dated.
Coolie and empire lamp shades have similar characteristics to a drum and bell lamp shade, making them the perfect transitional decorating piece…not too modern, not too traditional.
Both empire and coolie lamp shades have a tapered shade, meaning the bottom is wider than the top, but there are a couple of minor differences to be aware of.
An empire style lamp shade has a tapered shape where the top diameter of the shade is about half the size of the bottom diameter. This lamp shade style is one of the oldest and remains a timeless choice.
Coolie lamp shades are very similar to an empire shade, expect the top part of the shade extends to a cone. The bottom of the shade is extra wide, inspired by a Coolie hat worn by many Asian farmers… hence the name.
When it comes to choosing either a coolie or empire lamp shade, consider the style of your home and what the base of your lamp looks like.
A coolie lamp shade typically leans a little more contemporary, whereas an empire shade leans slightly more traditional…but it depends on the lamp as that can drastically change the look.
As a general rule of thumb, an empire lamp shade looks better on a large and rounded lamp, whereas a coolie looks better on a dainty lamp.
Whether you have a traditional home or one that leans a little more modern and eclectic, there’s definitely an empire or coolie lamp shade that will fit your aesthetic.
If you’re swooning over these shades as much as I am, keep on scrolling because I rounded up the best coolie and empire lamps from all over the web, including floor lamps, table lamps, lamp shades.
Ready to see my picks?!
Box Pleat Lamp Shade via Lamps Plus
Vera Round Lamp Shade via Ebay
Linen Empire Lamp Shade via Wayfair
Empire Coolie Lamp Shade via Shades of Light
Brentwood Eggshell Pleated Lamp Shade via Walmart
Coolie Hardback Lamp Shade via Overstock
Coolie Empire Hardback Lamp Shade via Overstock
Cone Shade in Black via Burke Decor
Ivory Pleated Shade via Lamps Plus
Martin Table Lamp via Lamps Plus
Senso Large Table Lamp via Circa Lighting
Wooden Round Table Lamp via Etsy
Brooks Table Lamp via Burke Decor
Mira Table lamp via Perigold
Cleo Table Lamp via Perigold
Contour Table Lamp via Bellacor
Modern Table Lamp via One Kings Lane
Minimalist Table Lamp via Perigold
Robert Floor Lamp via Wayfair
Umbrella Floor Lamp via CB2
9602 Floor Lamp via Lightology
Flare Floor Lamp via Lamps.com
Novogratz Floor Lamp via Build.com
Arteriors Terrace Floor Lamp via Lumens
So what do you think about the coolie and empire lamp shades? Do you think they’ll stick around?
Since they are making a comeback, I’m going to file this look under timeless!
I can’t get enough of them!
I’ve been eyeing this style for quite some time, especially since our household is over the exposed bulb look.
What other trends have you been loving? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time,
Cheers!
Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links. What’s that mean? It means that if you click on a link and end up purchasing something, I’ll earn a small commission, and you’ll never pay a penny more! It’s a win-win so I can continue creating content like this.
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