The Ugly Lampshade Look That Immediately Dates Your Home

When it comes to updating your home with styles and trends that are more current, there are plenty of things that people think about replacing; furniture shapes and fabrics, paint colors, kitchen backsplash tiles, the list can go on. In the grand scheme of things, lampshades don't seem like a hugely important thing to update — they're never really the focal point of a room, after all. But there's a specific type of lampshade that can really date the look of your home and stick out like a sore thumb: frilly, pleated lampshades. Although they first popped up in the Victorian era, pleated lampshades were all the rage in the 1980s and 1990s. So having one in your home might make your space feel like it's stuck in the past.

Although pleated lampshades did come back in style for a moment a few years ago when "grannycore" was trending, it's still best to swap them out for something a little more timeless or modern. Plus, not only do they act as a time machine, but they are also notorious dust collectors — the folds and fabric ridges trap dirt easily, making them difficult to keep clean, which only adds to their dated look. This isn't to say that all antique lampshades are out of style, though. In fact, the Tiffany lampshade — which was first popular in the early 1900s — is a vintage lamp making a huge comeback. But if you want to replace your frilly pleated shade with something brand new, there are plenty of updated options that will bring your space into 2026. 

If you want a lampshade that feels better suited to today's interior styles, start by opting for something that feels more organic. Natural materials are especially popular right now, so lampshades made of linen, bamboo, rattan, or even rice paper are great options. These textures can instantly bring a more modern feel to your space while still keeping the overall look warm and inviting. Sculptural designs that double as art are also having a moment — think lampshades with scalloped or waved edges. And, if you're really a fan of the old-school pleated shade, consider trading it in for its younger, cooler cousin: the petal-pleat lampshade in a linen or rattan material. This style features wider, wavier curves and are especially popular as shades for hanging pendant lights.

As for colors, neutral tones like cream, beige, and soft brown are being seen a lot, thanks to the fact that they filter light in a way that creates a soft, ambient glow — the type of lighting that is key for a cozier living room. On the other side of the spectrum, though, the use of bold colors is also a lighting trend that's been making a statement in 2025 — especially bright blues and reds in materials with glossy surfaces such as metal. Lastly, one you've figured out the style of lampshade you want to go for, make sure you're selecting the right lampshade for your lamp — for example, making sure the shade and base proportions feel balanced.