Light Layering: Small Lamps, Big Impact
Following on from our autumn styling ideas and the launch of our hand turned lamp bases, here’s a practical guide to creating a warm, layered glow at home, especially in those small spots that make a house feel cosy: bedsides, reading corners and hallway tables.
Why a Small Lamp Works So Hard
A compact lamp does three jobs at once:
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Adds warmth where overhead lights can feel flat.
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Brings colour + pattern through the shade.
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Finishes a vignette (think: stack of books, mini vase, framed print).
Our hand-turned mango wood bases are made in Britain with high-quality brass fittings, then painted and finished in our Cheshire studio for a durable, beautiful result. They’re sized to pair perfectly with a 20 cm lampshade—the sweet-spot size for bedsides and side tables.
Choose Your Base Finish
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Waxed Natural (shows the grain)
Perfect if you love warm wood and texture. Pairs beautifully with earthy ochres, rust and deep navy. -
Painted Light Sage Green
Calm and cocooning. Works with terracotta, blush and warm neutrals. -
Painted Light Grey
Fresh and modern. A great anchor for bold, colourful shades. -
Prefer another shade?
We can paint to order—just ask and we’ll colour match.
Top Tip: Repeat your base colour in two small accents (a frame and a cushion, or a book spine and a throw) to pull the whole scene together.
Pick the Perfect 20 cm Shade
All Shadowbright lampshades are designed, printed and handmade in the UK. For balance and harmony, try one of these pairings:
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Natural base + geometric print
Let the wood sing with a lively pattern up top. Great in living rooms for a cheerful, retro note. -
Sage base + soft abstract
A tonal story that’s calm by day and glowingly cosy by night—ideal for the bedroom. -
Light Grey base + bold colour
Grey is a neutral anchor; pair with a saturated shade for a confident pop on a desk or hallway table.
Scale rule: On a small table, keep the shade width roughly the same as the tabletop depth so it looks intentional, not top-heavy.
Three Easy Styling Recipes
1) Bedside Calm
Light Sage base + 20 cm shade in warm neutrals, stacked books, a ceramic dish for jewellery. Soft, layered and ready for early nights.
2) Reading Nook Glow
Natural base + patterned shade, next to an armchair with a textured throw. Add a small plant to echo the organic wood grain.
3) Hallway Hello
Light Grey base + punchy print, a mirror above to bounce the light, and a tray for keys. Instant welcome.
FAQs
Will it fit my existing shade?
If your shade is 20 cm with a standard UK/EU fitting, yes. Not sure? Send a photo and we’ll confirm.
Are the bases tested?
Yes—made in Britain with a UK 3-pin plug and fully tested to EU safety standards.
Care tips?
Dust with a soft cloth. For Waxed Natural, a light furniture wax once or twice a year keeps the sheen fresh.
Ready to Build Your Lamp?
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Choose your base (Natural, Light Sage, Light Grey or bespoke colour).
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Pick a 20 cm Shade from our collection—or ask for a custom print/colour.
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We’ll assemble, test and ship. After you order, we’ll be in touch to help you select the perfect Shadowbright shade.
Designed, printed and handmade in the UK. Painted and finished in Cheshire. Small scale, big impact—everyday glow, sorted.