Handcrafted Lampshades

Susan Schneider has been making them by hand in the Berkshires for more than 30 years. Each shade is a unique piece, crafted from marbled paper, grass cloth, fabric, vintage wallpaper, or silk. House Beautiful, Fredric, and Veranda magazines have featured our lampshades.

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Handcrafted Lampshades in a Range of Materials

A plain white lampshade does its job and disappears. A Shandell’s lampshade does something entirely different. It gives a lamp a reason to be looked at. Susan makes each one by hand at her studio in Ashley Falls, Massachusetts, working in patterns that won’t appear on any other shade in the world.

  • Marbled paper: Pigment floated on water, pulled onto the surface by hand. The technique dates to 12th-century Japan. Susan has practiced it for over 10 years. Every pattern is one of a kind.
  • Grass cloth: A natural woven material with a quiet texture and warmth. Works well in rooms that call for an organic or relaxed feel. Pairs easily with both antique and contemporary fittings.
  • Fabric: Selected for pattern, weight, and how it carries light. A fabric shade can work with an existing textile in the room or be used on its own.
  • Vintage wallpaper: Shades made from vintage wallpaper stock bring pattern and history into a room. No two are the same, and once a paper is gone, it is gone.
  • Silk: Silk shades have a luminous quality that other materials do not. Light passes through them differently.

The collection covers a wide range of shapes and sizes, from small lampshades for sconces to large table lampshades for statement lamps. Browse to find what fits.

Lampshades for Table Lamps, Wall Lights & Chandeliers

Shandell’s makes lampshades for a range of lamp types. Each is sized and shaped to suit its fitting.

  • Table lamp shades: From smaller accent shades to large table lampshades for living rooms and bedrooms. If you’re looking for lampshades for sale that are genuinely handmade rather than mass-produced, start here.
  • Wall lights and sconces: Lampshades for wall lights and sconce lampshades need careful proportioning. Susan has been matching shades to antique and contemporary fittings for over 30 years.
  • Chandeliers: Lampshades for chandeliers are available in the collection. Multiple shades in the same material and pattern can be ordered together to maintain a consistent look across a fitting.
  • Rectangular lampshades: For certain lamp styles, a rectangular lampshade gives a cleaner, more architectural result than a drum or empire shape.

How to Choose the Right Lampshade Size

Getting the size right matters as much as getting the pattern right. Here is how to approach it.

  • Measure your lamp base: The shade should be roughly two-thirds the height of the lamp base. If it’s too tall, it overwhelms. A shade that is too short will make the fitting visible.
  • Top and bottom diameter: Measure across the top and bottom of your existing shade or the width of the harp. This tells you the diameter range you’re working with.
  • Shade height: Height affects how much light spills downward. Taller lampshades concentrate light. Shorter ones spread it more widely.

Still unsure? Call us now at 413.248.1063. If you have an unusual fitting, an antique lamp, or you need multiple matching lampshades for chandeliers or sconces, reach out directly. Susan makes house calls for exactly this reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Marbled paper lampshades are handmade lampshades covered in genuine marble paper, a decorative paper produced by floating pigment on water and pulling the pattern onto the surface. The technique dates to 12th-century Japan. Susan has practiced it for over 30 years, applying the paper by hand at her Massachusetts studio.

Measure your existing shade from top to bottom rim for height, then across the widest point for the bottom diameter. If you’re replacing a shade on an antique or unusual lamp, contact Susan directly. She can help you determine the right size before you order.

Both options are available. Single shades are sold individually as lampshades for table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights. If you need a matched pair or a set of shades for a chandelier, reach out before ordering. Susan can often pull shades from the same material and pattern to keep the look consistent.

Yes. Lampshades for chandeliers and small lampshades for sconces are part of the collection. These tend to be smaller in scale. If you need a specific quantity or size for a fitting, contact Susan directly to discuss what’s available and possible to match.

Care depends on the material. For all shades, start with a soft, dry brush or a clean cloth to remove dust, and keep them away from moisture. Paper and vintage wallpaper shades should be treated the way you would treat a fine book, gently and well away from water and steam. Grass cloth benefits from the same approach, as prolonged humidity can loosen the weave over time. Fabric shades respond well to a gentle brush around the edges. Silk shades need the softest touch of all, so use a very soft, dry cloth and avoid anything rough or damp. If you have a specific care question about your shade, call us directly at 413.248.1063.