Are You Even an Adult If You Don’t Own a Lampshade?

There’s a moment in every grown-up’s life when they realise something’s not quite right. They’ve got the sofa, the coffee table, maybe even a plant they occasionally water. But the lighting? It’s one cold, overhead bulb suspended from the ceiling like a bad decision.

Let’s be clear: if your primary light source is a naked bulb dangling in the centre of the room, we need to talk. Because nothing says “I haven’t emotionally moved out of student housing” quite like overhead lighting without a lampshade.

The Case Against the Ceiling Light (At Least On Its Own)

Ceiling lights are not inherently evil – they’re just misunderstood. In most homes, they’re too bright, too cold, and create all the ambience of a hospital waiting room. You flick it on and suddenly everyone looks vaguely unwell.

Overhead lighting has its place – usually in the utility room – but it should never be your only source of light in a room that people are meant to relax in.

This is why lamps exist. And more specifically: lampshades.

The Humble Lampshade: A Hero in Fabric Form

A lampshade isn’t just a piece of fabric stapled around a wire frame. It’s a filter. A softener. A diffuser of harsh truths and strong wattage. It’s the thing that turns your “big light” moment into something warm and vaguely cinematic.

Want your living room to feel like it belongs to someone who owns coasters and maybe even cooks? Add a lamp. With a proper shade. Instant atmosphere. No renovations required.

The Three-Lamp Minimum (Yes, It’s a Thing)

If you want your space to feel layered, considered, and not like the lights are on at full beam 24/7, aim for at least three sources of light in a room:

1. Ambient – The overhead light, dimmed if possible. Shade required.

2. Task – A reading lamp by the sofa or bed. Swivel arms optional, smugness guaranteed.

3. Accent – That decorative number in the corner that you switch on just because it looks good. Think soft glow, no function, all vibes.

And yes, fairy lights count. But only if you’re under 25 or it’s December.

(Also read: Essential Electrical & Lighting Tips for Your Build + Handy Checklist)

Bulbs: The Unsung Mood Killers

Let’s also have a quiet word about bulbs. If your lighting still comes in “cool white”, change it. Immediately. Warm white bulbs (2700K–3000K) are your friends. They make everyone and everything look better. Including your ageing houseplants and that wall colour you weren’t quite sure about.

Final Thoughts: Grow Up, Get a Lampshade

Look, adulting is hard. But owning a few good lamps and refusing to live under interrogation lighting is the kind of low-effort, high-impact step that makes your home feel intentional – even if the rest of your life is not.

So go forth. Embrace the lampshade. Create corners of calm. And whatever you do, turn off the big light.

Still living under harsh overheads? Browse my blog or sign up for my newsletter for more softly-lit truths about interiors.