I recently painted my bedroom on impulse– a lovely shade of cream with the tiniest hint of green in it called Farrow and Ball Clunch, whereas it used to be a grey-green-lichen color called Ver De Terre with a lot of depth. I felt the need to lighten the mood, called up the painter and went for it.

Problem was, my HUGE ceramic bedside lamps (which I love) are a cream crackle glaze topped with gigantic cream linen shades. So, now there is a lack of contrast between the lamps and the wall, which I need to solve. Easy.

I changed out the lamp shades to new enormous textural burlap ones that make all the difference. In general, I find my clients are skittish about deep, dark lampshades, which, depending on the room scene can be dramatic or even cozy, but always wonderful. How do you know if a dark shade will work for your space?

1. If you need to create contrast
2. If you have a moody room that requires drama
3. If you have a metallic gold or old crusty lamp that looks too stark with a light shade
4. If you want to funk up an otherwise simple lamp
5. If you like them, in the wise words of Mr. Tim Gunn, “Make it work!”