*** This giveaway is no longer accepting entries ***
It’s time to tap into your inner product designer—this week you can design your own lampshade. Lamps Plus, a major specialty lighting retailer, offers an easy-to-use “Design It” tool that lets you create a custom drum shade to fit a wide variety of lamps and fixtures. To celebrate, one reader will win a Brushed Steel Contemporary Table Lamp paired with a shade featuring the pattern, color, and trim of their choice.
Using the design tool, you can experiment with textures, patterns, and trims to craft a shade that suits your décor. Whether you prefer a subtle neutral, a bold graphic, or a warm, textured fabric, the online interface makes it simple to preview your choices and refine the look before committing. The lamp itself is a clean, contemporary brushed steel table lamp that pairs well with many interior styles.
If you don’t want to wait for the giveaway results and you’ve already designed a shade you love, there was a special discount available for readers. You can also save a screenshot of your finished design and share it on the retailer’s social page to archive your creation or show it to friends. Designing a lampshade this way is a fun and surprisingly accessible way to add a personal touch to your lighting.
Here are the entry details and rules for this giveaway:
- PRIZE: One Brushed Steel Contemporary Table Lamp with a custom shade created using the Design It tool.
- TO ENTER: Comment on the original post beginning with the words “MY SHADE IS” followed by a brief description.
- BONUS QUESTION: Tell us your favorite color. Instead of just naming a basic color, describe it more vividly—examples include “glowing amber,” “muted gray-blue,” “ruby red,” or “celery green.” A specific hue, finish, or mood helps convey the aesthetic you prefer.
- GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Wednesday, May 26th at 8pm EST.
- NUMBER OF WINNERS: ONE.
- PRIZE SHIPS: To the 50 United States.
- OTHER DETAILS: One entry per email address. The winner will be selected at random and announced the following Thursday. Standard giveaway rules apply; please read the announcement post for any additional terms and eligibility information.
Designing your own shade is a creative way to refresh a room without major renovations. A new lampshade can change the perceived color temperature, soften or sharpen light, and introduce pattern and texture at a modest cost. Drum shades in particular offer a balanced silhouette that complements modern and transitional lamps, and selecting a custom fabric or trim ensures the final piece coordinates perfectly with your space.
When choosing a color or pattern, consider the function and placement of the lamp. For a bedside table, softer, warmer fabrics in muted tones can create a calming atmosphere. For a living room accent lamp, bolder colors or lively patterns can add visual interest and act as a focal point. Trim details—such as contrasting welting, metallic accents, or tonal piping—can elevate a simple shade into a tailored, finished accessory.
Finally, remember to measure the lamp and the space where it will sit. Proportions matter: a shade that’s too small can look awkward, while one that’s too large can overwhelm a table or sideboard. The Design It tool makes it easy to preview sizes and styles so you can be confident in your final selection.
Find more information and answers to common questions on the site’s giveaway FAQ page. Image and prize information provided by the retailer.