When you think about pleated lampshades, the rooms that come to mind might not be the most stylish. Sure, your grandmother’s home may have felt welcoming and cozy in the 1970s and ’80s, but it’s likely not the first interior you think of when it comes to inspiring, Insta-worthy homes. 

With that said, everything old becomes new again, and it’s officially pleated lampshades’ turn in the spotlight. These traditional accessories have been trending across social media and the design world at large, and the Havenly design team is 100% on board with the look.

Best of all, there’s no singular way to make the most of the trend. One way to shake things up is by opting for a pleated lampshade in an unexpected material, like British designer Matilda Goad did with a brass lampshade in this space. Or, for a sleek, contemporary vibe, you can go for a pendant-style with extra-crisp, fanned-out pleats, like London-based designer Judith Achumba-Wöllenstein of Atelier Akuko. And of course, you can take a cue from our very own VP Creative & Design Shelby Girard and create a serene space with a standing lamp that’s outfitted with a modern pleated shade. 

With so much personality in a small package, pleated lampshades are a great way to bring some energy (and brightness) to your home. Still not convinced? Allow these nine lamps to sell you on the trend for good:

1. West Elm Drum Table Lamp Shade 

Here’s a novel way to get in on the pleated lampshade trend: Try it out in an uncommon silhouette, like a drum. “Drum shades are always a great choice, but adding the pleat detail gives it a little more character,” says Havenly designer Toussaint Derby. The simple shape reads distinctly modern.

2. Amber Lewis for Anthropologie Floral Lamp Shade

A floral lampshade can feel a little outdated, but it’s all about how you style it. This option by designer Amber Lewis looks especially great when paired with a distinctly contemporary lamp base—the play of traditional meets modern makes it an eye-catching element in the best way possible.

3. CB2 Scrunch Table Lamp 

Here’s how you do ’80s nostalgia the right way: Go full maximalist with a lamp that’s totally wrapped in a graphic patterned fabric. The black and white color palette prevents it from looking too over-the-top and the matching top and base give it an ironic touch of simplicity.

4. West Elm Sculptural Fabric Pleated Cone Pendant 

A good pendant light can really pull a room together. With a brass base and a simple cream-colored light shade, this West Elm pendant is on-trend without feeling over the top, so it will look great over your breakfast table or kitchen island for years to come. 

5. Crate & Barrel Flores Floor Lamp with Fluted Shade 

The beauty is in the details of this floor lamp. First, its wooden base gives it a warm, organic feel, and its pull chains add a sweet vintage flair. And of course, the fluted lampshade—complete with a gold metal tip—gives just enough glam without going too far.

6. Ballard Designs Buffet Shade 

Want to get into the coastal grandmother trend? Consider this tiny but mighty pleated lampshade, which can look great on matching nightstands or on a buffet in a dining room. The block print adds an ever-so-subtle preppy look.

7. Anthropologie Lora Pendant 

The bright cobalt blue color of this pendant pleated lampshade makes it stand out—consider this the pop of trendy color your kitchen or dining area has been begging for. Its soft, rounded pleats also give it a distinctly contemporary feeling.

8. Anthropologie Sutton Rattan Table Lamp 

It’s worth reiterating that there’s no one way to try out the pleated lampshade trend. To align with your own personal style, opt for a lampshade in an unexpected material, like rattan, for instance. “This lamp lets our boho-lovers get in on the trend in a really fun way,” Derby says.

9. Anthropologie Anna Spiro Allegory Lamp Shade 

When you’re looking for the perfect accent piece, a bit of pattern-mixing always does the trick. This ultra-playful pleated lamp designed by Anna Spiro is a grab-bag of textures and patterns—so it’s pretty much a compliment magnet.

From lighting trends to perfecting room flow, our designers are chock-full of expert tips. Start with our style quiz to work with a design pro one-on-one.