A fabric pendant light is the easiest way to get soft, diffused light without harsh shadows. The fabric filters the bulb and tints the whole room: natural linen warms it, white cotton brightens it, and dark velvet pushes light down onto the table and up to the ceiling. We stock over 2,300 lamps with fabric shades – pendants, table and floor lamps – from Elstead Lighting, Endon, Nowodvorski, ARGON, RL, Lucide and more.
Start with one question: should the lamp light the whole room or mainly set the mood?
| Fabric | Effect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| White or cream cotton, linen | lets lots of light through; the whole shade glows | main light in living rooms and bedrooms |
| Textured linen in beige or grey | warm, softened light | bedside and reading-corner lamps |
| Velvet and dark fabrics | near-opaque; light goes down and up | over a dining table, accent lighting |
Most of these fittings take an E27 (Edison screw) bulb, with smaller ones on E14. LED bulbs are the right choice under fabric: they run much cooler than old-style bulbs, so the shade won't yellow or scorch. Stick to the maximum wattage on the lamp holder and go for 2700–3000 K for a warm, homely feel. Over a dining table, hang a fabric pendant with the bottom of the shade 60–80 cm above the tabletop.
Dust it regularly with a soft brush or a lint roller. Dab marks gently with a barely damp cloth – don't soak the shade, or the glue holding the fabric may let go.
Usually not: most are IP20. Only a handful rated IP44 are suitable, and then only outside the zones around the shower or bath.
As a rule of thumb, the shade's diameter should roughly match the height of the base, and from the side it should hide the lamp holder.
Compare glass, metal and wooden designs too in our full indoor lighting range.
