I'm drawn to any form of lighting that means the big light doesn't have to be turned on. Lamps, string lights, candles... Anything that casts a soft glow rather than a harsh glare. However, I recently bought a lamp for my living room with a too-bright bulb and a too-large lampshade. Instead of that soft, hazy, warm light, I'm creeping dangerously close to stark, big light territory. What's the fix?
Well, thank goodness I spend as much time browsing the latest homewares as I do, because I just came across the easiest way to ensure smooth ambiance with all your lighting: this Cotton Lampshade Diffuser Disc from Heal's. If you're struggling with a light that's shining a little too bright, simply pop this disc into one side of the shade and voila — the glow is diffused into something more palatable and easy on the vibes.
With this simple, yet ingenious piece, you may not even need to shop for overhead lighting alternatives; you can easily give your shade the atmospheric upgrade it deserves. Curious? Here's what you need to know, plus where to shop for lampshade diffusers and lampshade diffuser discs.
The Heal's lampshade diffuser disc is one of the best options for this very specific problem It's made from cotton and has a sturdy outer rim to help it keep its form. You can pair this lampshade diffuser disc with the brand's made-to-order pendant lampshades, as it comes in four different diameters, or you can use it on your existing lamp or pendant light, too.
So, how does the lampshade diffuser disc work? Sitting inside the bottom of the rim, this diffuser draws your eye to the shade and emits a warm light that softens the glare of any lightbulb. It's especially useful when styling your reading corner ideas, a bedside light, or any space where you want a more relaxing environment, as the bulb becomes hidden out of view.
Nothing's worse than lying on the sofa, watching your favorite show, and suddenly your head's below lamp level, and you're eye-to-eye with the harsh bulb. A lampshade diffuser means no more lighting mistakes. Out of sight, out of mind.
However, customizability is key with a product like this, so of course, I had to see what other options were on offer. Below are a few more lampshade diffuser disks to choose from, as well as entire shades that promote a softer, diffused shine.
I love the natural, rattan-style material of these lampshade diffuser discs. They are 6.3 inches in diameter and provide soft eye protection for downlight and pendant lighting. It's made from a premium cloth material that offers resistance to high temperatures. And if you need more convincing, lampshade diffusers help prevent dust from gathering in your shade — aka less cleaning.
This fabric lamp shade pack from Amazon is designed to prevent unwanted glare in your eyes, so you can have a cozier living room to relax in. Plus, you can choose the color variation that best fits with your lighting's style and the scheme of your room.
I love that this acrylic lamp shade diffuser has a light bulb clip to help it stay in place. It feels like a detail that makes it that much easier to use, so you don't have to worry about the diffuser coming loose. This product has a 30cm diameter, fits shade openings that are 12-15 inches, and the clip fits bulbs less than 2 inches in diameter.
I've absolutely loved the return of the lantern light in the past year, and this rippled paper shade is a lovely, affordable choice. The paper shade in a drum shape features a diffuser, casting a gentle glow across your room for a cozy ambience. It's racked up a nearly 5-star rating; however, some reviewers say it's worth getting an opaque diffuser disc as well (like this one from Amazon) to cover the hole at the bottom.
You might not have the harsh bulb completely covered with this easy-fit pendant light from La Redoute, but the soft beige jute shade is perfect for diffusing any harsh glares and sterile lighting colors. It's a more refined upgrade to the lantern light. It comes in both a 35cm and 50cm size.
Our American friends have probably seen these Tulip shades going viral in the renter-friendly DIY sphere, and for good reason. They offer both a stylish and clever solution to cover up any ugly ceiling lights without any major installation process. Your light diffused and your aesthetic enhanced.
Good lighting is all about mastering the art of layered lighting. And when everything has a soft, atmospheric glow, nothing is competing with each other. Simply put, lampshade diffusers just jump to the top of my must-have list.
