Recessed lighting is a popular choice for rooms throughout any home due to its clean, streamlined look. But the basic recessed fixtures can also look a bit boring. That’s where adding shades comes in handy!
Shades allow you to enhance the visual appeal of any recessed lighting. But with so many options to choose from, it can be tricky to select the right shades to perfectly complement your space.
Overview of Recessed Lighting Shades
Recessed lighting shades refer to decorative covers that fit over existing recessed downlight fixtures. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials and colors to match different room designs and serve practical purposes too.
Some of the key benefits of adding shades to recessed lights include:
- Softening bright light
- Diffusing light evenly throughout a room
- Adding a pop of color or interesting texture
- Concealing unsightly recessed lighting holes or fixtures
- Protecting fixtures from moisture damage
When shopping for recessed lighting shades, some of the most important factors to consider are:
- Size and shape to properly fit over your existing recessed fixtures
- Material and any special properties like moisture resistance depending on placement
- Design style that matches your home’s decor
Types of Recessed Lighting Shades
There are several common types of shades made to fit over recessed downlight fixtures. The most popular options include:
Drum Shades
Drum shades feature a simple cylindrical style, usually made from fabric. They easily fit over recessed cans to add softness and a decorative touch. Drum shades work well in living rooms, bedrooms and dining spaces.
Glass Shades
Glass is another common material used in recessed lighting shades. Glass helps diffuse the light evenly throughout a space. Popular styles include:
- Melon Glass Shades: Feature a ridged, melon-like design to scatter the light. These have a vintage look perfect for kitchens.
- Round Glass Shades: As the name implies, these are simple spherical clear glass shades to soften downlights.
Metal Shades
Shades don’t always have to be made of fabric or glass. Metal shades like square trim rings help hide recessed lighting holes and fixtures with a stylish touch. They work well in contemporary and industrial spaces.
Plastic Shades
Plastic may sound boring but lensed plastic shades offer excellent functionality. Their moisture resistant properties make these ideal to protect recessed fixtures exposed to humidity in bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Key Considerations for Picking Shades
To choose the ideal shades to complement your recessed lighting (and space), keep these key factors in mind:
Aesthetics and Design
One of the biggest perks of adding shades is enhancing the visual appeal of any room. So first consider your overall home decor style . Cool transitional styles may feature neutral metallic or drum shades while coastal decors embrace breezy, white fabric shades.
Colors and textures also impact the look dramatically. For a glamorous dining space, select rich shades in colors like ruby red or deep purple with luxurious fabrics like velvet. Or opt for natural rattan textures in lighter rooms.
Don’t forget the shape too. Drum cylinder shades or spherical glass shades deliver different silhouettes to spotlight architectural details.
Functionality
Beyond aesthetics, ensure your recessed lighting shades serve key functional purposes like:
- Light Diffusion: Fabric or glass materials diffuse harsh bulbs for softer ambient lighting.
- Glare Reduction: Proper shades prevent uncomfortable glare.
- Moisture Resistance: Plastic, lensed shades protect fixtures in humid areas like bathrooms.
Installation & Placement
Consider where you want to install shades and ensure you choose the right size and shape to properly fit your recessed light fixtures . Measure fixture dimensions before shopping. Also factor different room needs like moisture resistance in bathrooms or kitchens.
Additional Recessed Lighting Shade Features & Options
Besides the basic shade styles and considerations covered already, you can also find shades with extra features like:
Customization
Many shade manufacturers now offer custom options. So if you want a specific size, shape, color or material, custom shades allow you to get the perfect fit and look.
Smart Connectivity
Opt for shades with built-in wireless connectivity to control lighting via smartphone apps or voice control. This adds next-level smart convenience.
| Set schedules to turn shades on/off automatically | Adjust brightness levels with dimmable shades |
| Change color temperature | Works with other smart devices like security systems |
Sustainability
Eco-friendly shoppers will love that many shade manufacturers now focus on sustainability:
- Shades made from recycled paper or plastic
- Renewable bamboo fabric shades
- Energy efficient cellular glass shades
Compatibility & Adjustability
Look for shades designed to fit various bulb types like LED, halogen or CFL. Adjustable height and tilt shades also provide optimal directional lighting control.
Once you’ve selected the perfect shades to match your lighting fixtures and decor, installing them is easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Ensure fixtures are cool and power off electricity.
- Measure diameter and depth of existing recessed downlights.
- Follow shade product instructions to connect attachment clips or screws to affix shades to fixtures.
- Switch power back on and test that lights (and any smart controls) function correctly with the shades on.
- Enjoy your new dressed up recessed lighting!
Picking out the perfect shades for your space is easy with this guide. So go ahead and give your recessed fixtures an easy makeover… one stylish new shade at a time!
