I save images I find online as inspiration for my home, and over time a clear aesthetic often emerges. Sometimes an image reminds me of “home,” and other times I spot ideas I can adapt to my own rooms. Recently I noticed a recurring favorite: pleated, patterned lampshades.
For this Sunday’s Strolls and Scrolls, I’m sharing why pleated patterned lampshades appeal to me and how they work in different spaces. They evoke an English cottage sensibility—classic, cozy, and a little bit timeless. Lately that look has been enjoying a quiet revival in online design feeds, and I find it especially fitting for older homes with traditional architectural details.
My husband and I have lived in several older English and cottage-style houses since we married, so these lampshades feel natural in the mix of styles we prefer. In our current house, which blends English cottage and Nantucket coastal influences, pleated shades have been an easy and comfortable addition as we update rooms like the bedroom, kitchen, and dining area.
Over the past year I added three patterned pleated lampshades to our rooms. They bring a soft, lived-in quality that makes a space feel inviting without overpowering it. Whether used on bedside lamps, table lamps in seating areas, or accent lighting near stairs, a pleated shade with a subtle pattern helps anchor a room with texture and warmth.
Below are several images I collected that show how pleated patterned lampshades look in a variety of settings. Each photo highlights how the right shade can complement furniture, fabrics, and architectural details—sometimes blending in, sometimes acting as a charming focal point. I hope these examples spark ideas for how you might use similar shades in your own home.
I’ve collected three pleated lampshades used in my own home and a few sources for similar shades. They’ve been a small change that adds a lot of character—subtle, warm, and undeniably cozy.
Last week’s inspiration post: 5 Warm and Cozy Rooms: Sunday Strolls & Scrolls