Guide

The pagoda lampshade

A pagoda lampshade is a lampshade whose silhouette draws inspiration from the curved roofs of Asian pagodas. Recognised by its upswept corners and its line that flares upward, it is one of the most iconic shapes in the European decorative tradition. First appearing in Europe in the 18th century with the vogue for chinoiserie, it remains a timeless classic today, equally at home in a contemporary interior as in a period drawing room.

The pagoda shape takes its name from the Buddhist temples of East Asia, whose characteristic roofs with upswept corners fascinated European travellers from the 17th century onward. It was in the 18th century, with the craze for chinoiserie, that this silhouette made its entrance into the French decorative arts.

Parisian cabinet-makers and marchands-merciers began incorporating Oriental motifs into their furniture: lacquered screens, porcelain and, of course, lighting. The pagoda lampshade established itself as a symbol of refinement and cultivated exoticism, gracing the salons of the aristocracy and the upper bourgeoisie.

Over the centuries, the pagoda has traversed eras without losing any of its elegance. From the Empire style to the Art Deco revival of the 1920s, this shape has reinvented itself while preserving its unique architectural identity.

The choice of fabric is decisive for a pagoda lampshade. Wild silk remains the finest option: its irregular sheen and subtle translucency diffuse a warm, enveloping light. Shantung silk, with its slight grain, adds depth and texture.

Linen offers a more natural and relaxed alternative, ideal for country or coastal interiors. Cotton, more understated, lends itself perfectly to hand painting and personalised decoration. Finally, parchment (vegetable or genuine) creates a softly filtered atmosphere and a much sought-after medieval character.

In my workshop, I select premium European fabrics chosen for their body, their luminous quality and their durability. The fabric must follow the complex shape of the frame without creasing or distortion—an essential criterion that only experience allows one to judge by touch.

The pagoda is one of the most demanding lampshade shapes to make. Its metal frame features multiple struts and rings that define the characteristic upswept curve of the corners. Each frame is made to measure by a specialist frame-maker, then treated against rust.

Shaping the fabric is the most delicate phase. Each panel is cut on the bias to follow the curves, then stretched and fastened by hand with millimetre precision. The tension must be perfectly uniform: too loose and the fabric buckles; too tight and it distorts the frame. This step alone can take several hours for a single piece.

The finishing touches—applying the braid, sewing on the trimmings, adjusting the mounting system—complete the transformation of a simple covered frame into a luminous work of art. It is this entirely handmade process that makes every pagoda lampshade a unique piece.

The pagoda lampshade lends itself beautifully to ornamentation. Braids and soutache highlight the edges and contours, structuring the silhouette while concealing the seams. Fringes—short beaded, long with pompoms or feathered—add movement and preciousness to the lower edge.

Passementerie remains the noblest adornment for a pagoda: hand-braided, it brings an incomparable touch of luxury. For those who favour more personalised decoration, hand painting allows the creation of floral scenes, geometric motifs or Oriental-inspired landscapes directly on the fabric.

The pagoda lampshade finds its place in many decorative settings. In a classical interior, it complements Louis XV or Louis XVI furniture with natural elegance. In a chinoiserie interior, it becomes the centrepiece, in dialogue with lacquered screens and ceramics of Asian tradition.

Contemporary decorators adopt it in eclectic settings, where its distinctive silhouette provides a refined counterpoint to modern furniture. The pagoda lampshade also pairs well with Art Deco style, whose geometric lines and taste for the exotic naturally echo this iconic shape.