Best Empire Lamp Shades of 2025

Corey Phillips Avatar
Corey Phillips
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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Empire lamp shades are a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their home lighting. These shades feature a classic shape with a wide bottom and a narrow top, providing a timeless look that complements a variety of lamp styles. Empire shades are available in a range of sizes, colours, and materials, allowing you to select the perfect shade for your decor. Whether you're looking to brighten up your living room or add a decorative touch to your bedroom, empire lamp shades are a stylish and practical choice.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Betta Lighting 10-Inch Tapered Drum Shade Cover #TOP 1
Betta Lighting 10-Inch Tapered Drum Shade
ftb score rating icon 9.8
10 Inch Natural Cream Empire Lampshade Cover #TOP 2
10 Inch Natural Cream Empire Lampshade
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Empire Shaped 12 Inch Lamp Shade by Happy Homewares Cover #TOP 3
Empire Shaped 12 Inch Lamp Shade by Happy Homewares
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Empire Lamp Shades

#TOP 1

Betta Lighting 10-Inch Tapered Drum Shade

White
10 Inch
Betta Lighting 10-Inch Tapered Drum Shade Cover
Betta Lighting Empire Lamp Shade - 10-Inch Tapered Drum Light Shade in Cream Cotton Mix Fabric - Box Pleat Lampshade for Table Lamps & Floor Lamps - 60W E27 or B22 GLS (Bulb Not Supplied)

The Betta Lighting Drum Shade is a modern tapered drum design that enhances your decor with its elegant box pleat detail. Made from cream cotton mix fabric, it adds a warm glow to any room, making it perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. This versatile shade includes a fixed gimbal fitting, which allows you to easily fit it on desk lamps or wall fixtures. With its stylish appearance, this lampshade not only illuminates your space but also complements your interior design.

What We Like
Modern tapered drum design
Elegant box pleat detail
Versatile for various lamp types
Adds warm glow to interiors
#TOP 2

10 Inch Natural Cream Empire Lampshade

36-011
Empire
25cm diameter
10 Inch Natural Cream Empire Lampshade Cover
10 inch Slubby Hopsack Empire Lampshade | Modern Lamp Shades for Table Lamps and Floor Lamps | Natural Cream Lampshade for Standard Lamps (Empire, 25cm Diameter)

The Pacific Lifestyle Lampshade features a size of W25xD25xH19cm, making it suitable for various lamp bases. Its natural beige cream colour and hessian fabric provide a coastal style that enhances your home décor. This non-electric shade requires no electrical installation, allowing you to easily fit it onto your existing lamp base. Compatible with multiple bulb types, including E27 and E14, you can choose the lighting that best suits your space, providing flexibility in illumination.

What We Like
Coastal style enhances décor
Easy installation on existing lamps
Multiple bulb compatibility
Available in various sizes
Quality fabric and steel materials
#TOP 3

Empire Shaped 12 Inch Lamp Shade by Happy Homewares

HH543-MIDNIGHT-12
Midnight Blue
Empire Shaped 12 Inch Lamp Shade by Happy Homewares Cover
Traditionally Designed Empire Shaped 12 Inch Lamp Shade in Rich Silky Navy Midnight Blue Cotton Fabric | 60w Max by Happy Homewares

The Happy Homewares Lamp Shade features a traditionally designed empire shape, making it a stylish addition to your home. Crafted from high-quality navy midnight blue silky cotton, it not only enhances the aesthetic of your space but also provides a warm glow. With a maximum wattage of 60w, it is perfect for table lamps, allowing you to create a cosy atmosphere. The shade reducer ring included ensures compatibility with most lamp bases, giving you flexibility in your lamp choices.

What We Like
Elegant traditional design
High-quality silky cotton fabric
Compatible with various lamp bases
Suitable for table lamps only
Creates a warm ambience
#TOP 4

Handmade Victorian Velvet Pendant Lamp Shade

HH358-MIDNIGHT-12
Midnight Blue
Handmade Victorian Velvet Pendant Lamp Shade Cover
Handmade Victorian Empire Pendant Lamp Shade in Midnight Blue Velvet with Embroidered Trims and Tassels | 30cm x 19cm | for Pendant Floor or Table Lamp by Happy Homewares

The Victorian Velvet Lamp Shade by Happy Homewares is a beautifully crafted piece designed to enhance your home decor. Its traditional empire shape, adorned with handmade embroidered trims, offers a touch of elegance. The rich midnight blue velvet fabric is not only visually appealing but also soft to the touch, while the decorative tassels add a charming finish. With a versatile reversible gimbal, you can easily use this shade as either a pendant or a table/floor lamp shade, providing you with flexible lighting options.

What We Like
Handmade embroidered trims
Soft velvet fabric
Versatile fitting options
Decorative tassels
Traditional design
#TOP 5

National Lighting Cream Tapered Table/Floor Lampshade

90155
Cream Tc Fabric
12 Inches
National Lighting Cream Tapered Table/Floor Lampshade Cover
National Lighting Decorative Tapered Table/Floor Lampshade - 12-Inch Empire Drum Lamp Light Shade in Cream Fabric - 40W E14/B22 Candle Incandescent or LED (Not Included)

The National Lighting Lampshade is a beautifully designed tapered cylinder lampshade that adds a stylish touch to any room. Its warm cream fabric finish enhances the ambience in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices, making them feel inviting. The pleated design adds a sophisticated flair, while the clip fitting makes it convenient for use with various lamp types. You’ll appreciate the versatility of this lampshade, as it easily complements your existing decor while providing a lovely glow throughout your space.

What We Like
Elegant tapered design
Warm cream colour
Versatile clip fitting
Ideal for various settings

Victorian Empire Shade with Floral Print

HH3153-GREEN-12
Forest Green
Victorian Empire Shade with Floral Print Cover
Traditional Classic Handmade Victorian Empire Shade in Floral Print Forest Green Jacquard Cloth with Embroidered Trims and Tassels | 30cm x 19cm | Pendant or Lamp Base by Happy Homewares

The Happy Homewares Lamp Shade is a beautifully crafted Victorian-style pendant shade that adds elegance to any room. Made from soft jacquard cloth in a rich forest green, it features exquisite floral decorations and handmade embroidered trims. The matching green tassels provide a charming touch, enhancing its traditional design. With dimensions that make it ideal for various settings, this shade fits both pendant lights and lamp bases, giving you versatile lighting options for your home.

What We Like
Elegant Victorian design
Handmade embroidered trims
Versatile for different fittings
Rich floral jacquard fabric
Matching decorative tassels

Betta Lighting 18-Inch Cream Drum Lampshade

Ivory
18 Inch
Betta Lighting 18-Inch Cream Drum Lampshade Cover
Betta Lighting Decorative Table/Floor Lampshade - 18-Inch Empire Drum Lamp Light Shade in Cream Fabric - 40W E14/B22 Candle Incandescent or LED (Not Included)

The Betta Lighting Drum Lampshade is a stylish option for your lighting needs. It is compatible with LED lamps, allowing you to save on energy costs while enjoying bright illumination. The lampshade comes complete with fixing accessories, making installation straightforward and hassle-free. Made from an ivory faux linen fabric, it adds a touch of elegance to any room. With dimensions of 285mm in height and varying diameters, it fits perfectly on both tables and floors, enhancing your home’s decor effortlessly.

What We Like
Compatible with LED lamps
Includes fixing accessories
Elegant faux linen fabric
Versatile for table or floor use
Easy installation
#TOP 8

Empire Cotton Coolie Lamp Shade - Cream Grey

PC12 GREY
Grey
Empire Cotton Coolie Lamp Shade - Cream Grey Cover
Empire Cotton Coolie Lamp Shades for Table Lamps and Pendant Ceiling Lights - 30cm Dia Cream (Grey)

The Empire Coolie Lamp Shade is a versatile lighting solution for your home. Its grey shade features a dual shade ring, making it compatible with both ES and BC bulbholders. The reversible gimble design ensures an easy fit without the need for wiring, allowing you to quickly upgrade your existing lighting. This shade can function as a stylish pendant light or be placed on a lamp base, offering flexibility in your decor. Moreover, it can accommodate a maximum 60W bulb, including energy-efficient LED options, helping you save on energy costs.

What We Like
Easy to install
Versatile usage options
Energy-efficient bulb compatible
Stylish design for various rooms
#TOP 9

Victorian Empire Lamp Shade with Gold Leaves

HH8953-BLACK-12
Black
Victorian Empire Lamp Shade with Gold Leaves Cover
Traditional Handmade Victorian Empire Lamp Shade in Black Jacquard Cloth with Gold Leaves and Embroidered Trims | 30cm x 19cm | for Pendant or Lamp Base by Happy Homewares

The Happy Homewares Lamp Shade showcases a traditional Victorian design, perfect for adding elegance to your space. Its luxurious black jacquard cloth, adorned with golden leaves, enhances any room’s decor. The handmade embroidered trims and inner faux-silk lining provide a sophisticated touch while improving light diffusion. With its reversible gimbal, this shade offers versatility, allowing you to use it as a pendant or on a lamp base, making it a practical choice for various lighting needs.

What We Like
Elegant Victorian design
Luxurious jacquard fabric
Versatile for different fittings
Handmade embroidered trims
Soft faux-silk lining
#TOP 10

Aspen Creative Green Pleated Empire Lamp Shade

Aspen Creative Corporation
33053
Green
Aspen Creative Green Pleated Empire Lamp Shade Cover
Aspen Creative 33053 Transitional Pleated Empire Shaped Spider Construction Lamp Shade in Green, 13" Wide (7" x 13" x 10")

The Aspen Creative Lamp Shade features a beautiful green pleated design made from Tetoron cotton fabric, adding a touch of elegance to your home. Its empire shape, measuring 7" tall and 13" wide, is ideal for various lamp styles. The brass spider fitter allows for easy attachment to a lamp harp, ensuring secure installation. Additionally, the hardback shade uses Virgin Styrene backing, producing a warm and inviting light, which enhances your living space while avoiding the issues common with recycled materials.

What We Like
Elegant green pleated design
Easy lamp harp attachment
Warm, inviting light quality
Durable Virgin Styrene backing
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an empire lamp shade?

So, what is an empire lampshade? In general, the empire style is one in which the top diameter of the lampshade is about ½ of the diameter of the bottom of the lampshade; the style exhibits a straight, gentle slope from the top of the lampshade to the bottom of the shade.

2. How do you measure an empire lampshade?

Lamp shades are sized by measuring cross the diameter at the bottom of the shade - so if the shade diameter measures 25cm across the bottom, then it is known as a 25cm shade.

Editor's Notes

During our empire lamp shade research, we found 306 empire lamp shade products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,516 customer reviews through our big data system to write the empire lamp shades list. We found that most customers choose empire lamp shades with an average price of £21.86.

The empire lamp shades are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of empire lamp shades, including Betta Lighting, Pacific Lifestyle, Happy Homewares, National Lighting, Loxton Lighting. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 375 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Corey Phillips Avatar

Corey Philips is an electrician and lighting expert. He graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2012 with a Bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering. Corey is a specialist contractor in lights. He sells and installs and recommends lights and lamp sheds, and other lights accessories. Aside from that, Corey is vast in installing and maintaining electrical appliances like air conditioners, water heaters, and the likes.