This post was posted back in March, but it is still very relevant, so we will repost it here:
To those of you who are new or a pro at shopping for shades, these quick tips will surely prove useful! Here at The Accessory Store, we have years of experience picking just the right shade for your needs, but preparing ahead of time will not only save you time, but will also give you the opportunity to pick the perfect shade for your lamp and your room.
1. Bring the lamp, not the shade!
It goes against what most people logically think of when it's finally time to do in that 25 year old shade that looks like it has come from your great grandparent's house (and might have). You bring the shade in to match the shape, size and color, right? Wrong! Unless you're a proponent of keeping decor exactly the same, bringing just the shade will only hinder you. In fact, we recommend that you bring just the lamp, along with your current harp and finial.
Picking a new shade should be a creative and fun process; we are reinventing the entire look of your lamp and room with this important accessory. Let's start from scratch and create something that you never thought was possible!
2. Have an open mind!
Many times our customers come in and already know exactly what they want. Often we surprise them (and they surprise themselves) by picking out something completely different! Have fun, experiment, see what you can make out of it. We have literally thousands of shades in stock, and our shade specialists can help you try new things.
3. Come prepared!
We will have to ask you many questions to find the perfect fit for your room, so make sure to do your homework. Be prepared to answer questions like: What type of room is this going in? What is the style and color theme of the room? Is it more formal or casual? What piece of furniture is this going to be on? Are there going to be people sitting near it? Do you need this lamp for light in the room or just for a decorative accent?
Better yet, if you have a smartphone with a camera, snap a few quick pictures of the room, table and lamp without the shade!
4. Know your budget!
High quality handcrafted shades are not going to be the same price as a new lampshade from Target, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank at our store! If you are looking for a formal, elegant hand-sewn silk pleated shade, expect to pay more for a beautifully crafted piece of art. If you are more budget conscious at the moment, a less formal but still beautiful linen or paper shade can still go a long way to improve the look of your lamp! Keep in mind that simpler shapes such as oval, drum and coolie will be less expensive than more complex shapes such as pagoda, cut corners, squares, etc. At the Accessory Store, you truly get what you pay for, and whatever price range you are in, we will wow you with our incredible one-on-one customer service and be sure we pick out the best shade for you!
5. Have fun!
Shade shopping doesn't have to be painful; it can be experimental and fun. How often do you get the chance to change up the look of your favorite room? Try things that you'd never thought of previously, and trust our shade experts to open your mind to knew ideas! Above all, have fun!
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