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Lampshades Inc. is one of only six or seven lampshade manufacturers still operating in the United States. Since 1979, the family has made every shade by hand at its factory in Bedford Park, just southwest of Chicago, from 2½-inch chandelier shades to 80-inch lobby pendants.

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The story

Bill Drabik opened Lampshades Inc. in 1979. His grandson, Michael (Mike) Lawlor, has been with the company since his grandfather opened the doors and has run it as chief operator since 1990. Three generations later, the business is still family owned and operated.

Every shade is still cut, rolled and assembled by hand by skilled craftspeople, in over 100 materials or a customer's own fabric, in any size from 2½″ to 80″ and in any quantity. Customers range from local stores and interior designers to restaurant chains and hotels and resorts across the country.