You want to hear something really encouraging?  You can update nearly any old lamp with a rocking new lampshade.  The hard part is finding the “right” lampshade.  So, I’m gonna make it easy for you – I’m finding it for you!

Latticework is really “in” right now – this updated latticework lampshade is so on-trend and will continue to be for the next several years.  By Jamie Young Lighting.  Love it, but it has a high-end price ($175).   So I wouldn’t buy it for this price, but it helps me to have an inspiration piece to look for at a better price.

This one has a similar style, and I really like the the aqua blue.  It’s from Shades of Light for $79.

Oh, and this medallion chocolate drum shade from Shades of Light is soooo sweet.

Cork is hot, as well.  This shade by Jamie Young is eco-chic at $175.  Too high a price for me, but another inspiration piece.

A natural woodgrain-look is also popular, like these shades from Velocity Art and Design for $180.

Get this fun woodgrain alternative from Pottery Barn Teen for $15.  Now that’s a bargain!

This lovely Leaf Lamp Shade from Etsy for $40 is just the ticket for updating interiors for the fall!

Ruffles are everywhere this season, in both fashion and decor.  Modern colors on this ruffle shade keeps down the frou-frou factor.  From Anthropologie for $88.

I love this beauty from Shades of Light for $59.  It comes in 18 colors of this pattern.  You heard me right – 18 colors!

This simple, clean drum shade would work in practically any room.  $35 from Pottery Barn Teen.

Like not-so-obvious florals?  Ditch your super-floral shade for a more subtle version like this Mum Lampshade from Shades of Light.

Or decide not to be subtle at all with this unapologetic pretty thing from Anthropologie.

Now here’s a modern take on floral.  And the best part is that it’s only $30 from Lamps Plus.

Maybe butterflies are more your speed.  These tall Etsy beauty is $34 and has a thoroughly contemporary feel.

You might want to get more serious with a leather drum shade by Living Well for $81.

You can be almost as serious with this lovely Ruby Red Dupioni shade from CSN Lighting for only $33.

Or maybe a not-so-serious cotton duck shade in 7 colors from Shades of Light is more your speed.

Want to update your chandelier shades?  Throw out those bell shades and try a modern option in an hourglass silhouette.

Etsy has lots of lampshade options you just don’t find everywhere else.  These Vintage Rave lampshades are fun and take your old lamp from frumpy to cool in no time flat.

So here’s the long and short of it:  look for drum shades, avoid triangular or bell shades.  Express yourself with confidence with whatever pattern speaks to you.  Or keep it simple for a clean, modern look.  But for goodness sake, update those dated lampshades and change the whole look of your room!

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