• Midwest leading lampshade manufacturer providing many of the lighting industry’s most innovative designs.
Made in America lampshade, Lampshades Inc.
Search
Close this search box.

Lampshade diffusers

Pendants, chandeliers & ceiling shades

A diffuser is the panel across the bottom of a shade. It hides the bulb, softens the glare and makes the whole shade glow evenly, so a pendant looks finished from every angle, including from underneath.

  • No bare bulbPeople sitting or lying under a pendant see a soft glow, not a bulb.
  • Less glareLight is spread across the diffuser instead of shining straight into eyes.
  • Even glowThe whole shade lights up, with no bright spot at the bottom.
Build a shade with a diffuser Ask for a quote

Choose your diffuser

Four ways to finish the bottom of a shade, each made to fit your shade exactly.

  • Drum pendant lampshade with a closed fabric diffuser across the bottom

    Closed diffuser

    Covers the whole bottom of the shade. The bulb disappears and the shade glows evenly, top to bottom.

    Best for Pendants over dining tables, beds and lobbies, where people look up into the shade.

  • Tapered pendant lampshade with a diffuser that has a round opening in the center

    Diffuser with a center hole

    Hides the bulb but leaves a round opening, so a pool of direct light falls straight down while the shade still glows.

    Best for Accent lighting over tables, counters, bars and reception desks.

  • View from below of a tapered lampshade with a diffuser fitted inside the bottom edge

    Inside diffuser

    Fitted inside the bottom of the shade, so the edge of the shade stays clean and uninterrupted.

    Best for Shades with a rolled edge, and shades made in your own fabric.

  • Three-tier pendant lampshade with ring-shaped donut diffusers between the tiers

    Multi-tier with donut diffusers

    Ring-shaped diffusers close the gap between each tier, so every tier glows without showing the bulbs.

    Best for Statement pendants in lobbies, ballrooms and restaurants.

Round white fabric diffuser
Round fabric diffuser
Square fabric diffuser
Square diffuser

Round, square, any color

  • Round and square. A square diffuser can be added to any square shade, no matter the size.
  • Fabric in any color. Match the shade, or pick a contrasting color for the underside.
  • Washable. Fabric diffusers can be made washable, in any size.
  • Trilam laminate. A wipe-clean option for busy spaces.
  • Lightweight. Lightweight fabric diffusers, finished with a rolled edge.

See our materials and request free swatches

How to order

  1. Pick your shadeEnter the shape and size in our shade builder, or send us a photo of the shade you have.
  2. Add a diffuserChoose the diffuser in the builder, or tell us which type you want.
  3. We quote and make itWe confirm the details with you and make the shade and diffuser together in our Illinois factory.

Diffuser questions

What does a lampshade diffuser do?

A diffuser is a panel of fabric or laminate across the opening of a shade. It hides the bulb, softens glare and spreads the light evenly, so a pendant looks finished from below.

Should I choose a closed diffuser or one with a center hole?

Choose a closed diffuser for a soft, even glow with no bulb visible. Choose a diffuser with a center hole when you also want a pool of direct light below, for example over a table or a counter.

What materials are diffusers made from?

Fabric in any color, or Trilam laminate. Fabric diffusers can also be made washable, in any size.

Can you make square diffusers?

Yes. A square diffuser can be added to any square shade, no matter the size, as well as round diffusers for round shades.

Can I add a diffuser to a shade made in my own fabric?

Yes. An inside diffuser works especially well with customer-supplied material and with rolled edges, because it keeps the edge of the shade clean.

How do I order a shade with a diffuser?

Choose a diffuser in our online shade builder, or mention it when you request a quote. Tell us the shade size and which diffuser you want, and we will include it in the quote.

Need shades for a hotel or restaurant?

We make pendant shades with diffusers in any quantity, every one identical. See HotelShade or call (773) 522-2300.

Start in the shade builder