Although lampshades are purely decorative, they come in a wide variety of materials, thus they come in a wide variety of prices. Before you start shopping, make sure you know what your spending limit is. Also, decide in advance what kind of effect you're going for. Lampshades not only change the look of the lamp, but they change the look of the light itself. It's important to know whether or not you need to add more light to a room, take away light, or keep the amount of light consistent. This can help you decide on a lampshade shape, fabric, and style.

Materials: Most lampshades are made with a combination of fabric and paper, although a good amount of lampshades are made of glass. However, most glass lampshades are custom made, or come with the purchased lamps. If you're looking for a lamp shade to buy for an existing lamp, you'll probably end up browsing primarily fabric and paper combinations.

Styles: Hardback shades are made with an exterior layer of fabric or paper, with an interior piece of a plastic or paper lining that's attached to help the lampshade keeps its shape. A wire ring at the top and the bottom of the shade helps give it its shape and size as well. Usually, there's a washer attached to the lampshade that will help you attach it to the lamp itself.

Soft lamp shades encompass a wider variety of styles, including all hard shade styles and curved styles like Bell and Pagoda. Soft shades are made entirely out of fabric, so they're generally more expensive. They're also more likely to feature pleating and decorative design details.

Shapes: Lampshades come in a variety of shapes, all of which reflect light differently. Test each lamp shade you're thinking about purchasing on an actual lamp — the way the light shines out of it may surprise you! Shapes can include everything from Bell, Pagoda, Drum, Square, Rectangular, Hexagonal, and Shoji. All of these styles can come in a variety of materials, colors, and sizes. While some are considered more traditional, and others are considered more modern, the variety and blend of materials and shapes today means that you can choose virtually any shape in a style that works for your home.

Search for the lamp shade that will look best in your home. Browse through different styles, colors, and materials here, along with information on where to purchase them.