We introduced the most “basic” types of box pleats – the simple box pleat, the Euro or English style box pleat, and the open box pleat.  But there are more variations on the theme!

The Rolled Box Pleat is characterized by “softer” folds, as compared to the more “crisper” folds of the standard box pleats styles.  While this type of pleat is not as common today, we still have requests for the pleat when we are replicating a replacement shade for one of our customers.

That same box pleat can be further modified, but applying a “gathered bottom” to the pleat – not the closed box pleat as at the top of the lampshade.

And, taken yet one step further, we can modify the rolled box pleat (top and bottom) by adding a smocking detail at the top and bottom of the lampshade

Another general type of box pleat is the “Box Drape”.  A drape is created when you apply an overlay, or a “drape”, a second and separate piece of fabric to a standard lampshade.  For example, you can apply a box drape to a stretched imperial empire and create a dramatic effect with shadows!

Taken one step further, you can add a smocking detail to the drape at the top, the bottom or both top and bottom.

A box pleat drape can also be applied over another pleat, as is the case in this lampshade, featuring a box drape over a Belgian pleat.

And finally, it is not just the box pleats that have variations!  This is an example of an open box pleat with a smocking detail in the middle – a beautiful shade custom made by M. Gabaree Lampshades for our store in Concord.

 

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