Up until now we’ve been talking primarily about ways to cover your windows and doors, in order to control the amount of light that comes into your house during the day. There are, however, other lights than the sun, and sometimes you need to take control of the lights inside of your house to create the exact ambiance you are after. If you are lucky enough to have a chandelier in your home, then you will know what a difference one of these light fitting can make to the room that it hangs in. A chandelier is a wonderful addition to just about any room.

The word chandelier originates from the France, and literally means “candle stick”. When the chandelier was first invented, that’s exactly what it was. It was usually a frame made from wood that was fashioned in the form of a cross. At the end of each arm was a spike, and it was on that spike that you attached your candles. As technology advanced, candles where replaced with gas, and finally electricity, the chandeliers getting brighter and brighter with each subsequent improvement. In modern times, many people find that the glow of their chandeliers is too bright, and this is when they will turn to chandelier shades as a solution.

Not all chandeliers support shades, so you will have to determine first of all whether you are able to attach a shade to yours. If you are unsure, your best place to ask would be at a local lighting shop. Have a look at how the shades are attached and then see if yours will suit that attachment. The great thing about the chandelier shade is that they are easy to mix and match. You needn’t settle for one style, and there are many different occasions where a new shade will help to fit the current mood. For example, if you are planning a romantic dinner with a loved one, you may want a shade that gives off a more subdued light; whereas if you are planning a big cocktail party, something more colorful and cheery may be in order. There’s such a huge range out there that you shouldn’t have any problems finding one that suits your occasion, whether it’s Halloween or a kids birthday party. Some people love to create a gothic type look in their bedrooms, and a black chandelier can be the perfect way of adding that finishing touch.

Compared to the actual chandelier, the shades are dirt cheap, which is why it’s not going to be a problem to switch them up as often as you like. As with anything, there is a wide range of prices out there, and in most cases you will get what you pay for. But if your not too fussy you should be able to pick up a whole set of shades of varying types for under $100, and if you are willing to buy in bulk you will probably get even more of a discount.

There’s a huge range of materials that chandelier shades come in, and the material you choose will largely depend on the style of your home and the decor within. Getting a plain colored fabric shade can diffuse the light nicely while not taking away from the overall look of your chandelier, but if you are after something a little fancier, you may want to look at beaded chandelier shades. A beaded shade has beads dangling off the end of the shade, giving it a “fringe” and enhancing the look of your chandelier. Other options include embroidered, silk, leather, and even metal. Designers have let their imaginations run wild with these fabrics, so as long as you don’t mind doing a bit of searching, you will be spoilt for choice