So, what is a cylinder lampshade??  Very simply, it is a very tall / very long drum lampshade.   We have written about drum lampshades, and how they have made a big splash and re-entry into our interior décor’s in the last 5 years. While the resurgence of the cylinder has not been as significant, we still see many lamps in the store that, when fitted with a cylinder, look absolutely smashing.

To get a better sense of the difference between the drum and the cylinder, consider that a “standard” 14” drum (remember the 14” is the bottom diameter of the shade) has the following measurements:  top – 12”; bottom – 14”; and side length – 12”.  The same 14” cylinder lampshade measures:  top – 13”; bottom – 14”; and side length – 16” or about 30 longer than the drum.  The pictures of the drum and the cylinder lampshades give you some sense of the difference.

So, when does a cylinder style lampshade really work on a lamp?  Working with the many customers coming into our store for replacement lampshades, we often have a request for cylinder lampshades on original Stiffel brass lamps, on large porcelain lamps, and on “50’s style – retro” lamps.

We find that the standard, round cylinder style lampshades work well, but there are also a few variations on the cylinder theme that can be fun for the right lamp.  The cylinder with the top and bottom scallops trimmed in gimp is a nice option for some of the large, crystal lamps we see in the store, and the long, “fancy octagon” is a very attractive alternative to the very round cylinder; the bottom out-scallop adds just a hint of variation that can be very pleasing.

 

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