Light on Design: An Interview with Jane Warren of The Lampshade Loft

In a world where the essence of a room can pivot on the axis of lighting, the quest for the perfect lampshade becomes not just a detail, but a defining element. Enter Jane Warren and The Lampshade Loft – a haven of creativity where the art of lampshade making is not just preserved but passionately celebrated. Nestled in the heart of West Sussex, near the calming expanse of the sea, Jane's studio is a testament to the transformative power of handcrafted lighting.

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With a keen eye for the unique and an unwavering commitment to quality, Jane Warren has elevated the craft of lampshade making to new heights. Her creations are more than just accessories; they are individual masterpieces, each with a story, each with a soul. Sourcing exquisite papers and fabrics from across the globe, including works from emerging and celebrated UK designers, Jane ensures every lampshade is a distinct piece of art, destined to add colour and character to homes everywhere.

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Jane's reputation precedes her, with her lampshades featuring in an array of prestigious settings and media – from high-profile interior design magazines to the glamorous backdrops of TV shows like Made in Chelsea, The Apprentice, and Strictly Come Dancing. Her commitment to her craft has not only garnered a distinguished clientele but has also paved the way for her to share her expertise through workshops and, most recently, a comprehensive book.

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As the anticipation builds for her upcoming release, Complete Guide to Lampshade Making, we at Treehouse Genie were thrilled to catch up with Jane. This book promises to be an indispensable resource, offering a deep dive into the world of lampshade making. From drum hard lampshades to the elegance of hand-sewn traditional designs, Jane's book is set to illuminate the path for aspiring and veteran lampshade makers alike.

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What inspired you to begin your journey in lampshade making, and how did The Lampshade Loft come to be?

I wanted to learn how to make roman blinds and curtains - so I attended a soft furnishings course at Kingston College for a few weeks but ended up staying for 2 years and completed my advanced City & Guilds! Lampshade making was one of the modules and I instantly loved it, you can make so many styles using so many different fabrics and papers, the options are endless. I set up The Lampshade Loft as there was a lot of demand for lampshades to be made both by individual customers and interior designers.

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Your work involves a variety of materials and techniques. How do you choose your materials, and what makes your approach unique?

My customers often choose their own materials and they commission me to make their lampshades using them. For my own designs, I love trying out different materials but my favourites to work with are block printed fabrics - they are quite organic and have a good base cloth especially for gathered lampshades. I think the approach is unusual in that I make almost every style of lampshade there is instead of specialising in one particular design. This has happened through curiosity really - I just wanted to see how they were all made.

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With the launch of your book, The Complete Guide to Lampshade Making, what key skills and techniques do you aim to share with readers?

The techniques I share are divided firmly into two ’types’ of lampshade making - first there are the ‘hard’ shades, where fabric or paper is adhered to (fire retardant) laminate panel, and then hand rolled onto two rings - these have a contemporary look. The other style are ’soft’ shades, which are all hand sewn, a slow-made interiors item where fabric is attached to a full frame, is lined with fabric, and they are more traditional in look and style.

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"I am hoping that readers feel inspired to give the tutorials a try to make the lampshades, there are over 30 different styles to make plus some hand sewn trims too. The book also offers detail on fittings, fabrics and frames."

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Sustainability plays a crucial role in today's design landscape. Can you discuss how sustainable practices influence your lampshade creations?

It is sensible to re-make lampshades, after all many people bought a lampshade and its base together, and when the shade needs replacing, then there is little point in buying a new one - the chances are they won't be able to find one that is right for the base. I therefore repurpose the frames by stripping them down and then use either vintage or a new fabric to remake the lampshade. I also like working with small UK creatives who use recycled paper and all the new frames and materials I use are made in the UK.

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Teaching lampshade making is a significant aspect of your career. What do you find most fulfilling about passing on your craft to others?

The most fulfilling aspect is seeing the joy that students feel when they have created something themselves, using their choice of fabric they have brought to the class. Recently a student brought a fabric she had bought on her honeymoon in Thailand, so it was really significant to her. She literally will be able to light up that memory!

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Your lampshades have adorned various media and prestigious interiors. How do these collaborations reflect your brand's ethos and impact its recognition?

I am not sure that the brand itself it recognised because I am not known for one particular style of lampshade, however one USP I have is that I deal in genuine vintage original lampshades - many over 100 years old. These have been used in photoshoots, in clubs in London, and in magazines such as Reclaim magazine, who are all about upcycling. I have also supplied film and TV production companies who work on classic literary adaptations.

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For those new to lampshade making, what initial advice would you give to help them start on the right foot?

I would say - start by making an easy drum hard lampshade, and then move onto soft lampshades - traditional tailored, gathered, pleated and box pleated. You have to love hand sewing to make these but they are so satisfying to make. My book will of course show you how to make all of these! It’s lovely to make them for your own home, but if you want to set up a business making them - learn every style and shape and then promote your work to the interiors trade as well as the public - there is a lot of work out there!

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How do you see the future of lampshade making evolving, especially in relation to trends in interior design and sustainability?

I think there will be a lot more people designing their own fabrics - with more people studying textile design, and more companies now offering fabric printing to order (ie you can order just one meter) it is easy to see that there will be more small businesses offering hand made home wear unique items - and with lampshades, their designs will be literally lit up. Regarding sustainability, it is now possible to produce lampshades with this in mind - LED bulbs are cool to the touch and therefore don’t scorch the shade, therefore they can be made using paper as well as fabrics. There are also now fire retardant sprays with non-toxic ingredients - offering a green solution which is great, and - as before - hopefully more people will make their own and reuse their current frames.

Intrigued by the craft of lampshade making? Jane Warren's journey and expert advice can light up any space with creativity and style. For a deeper dive into her techniques and to order your copy of the much-anticipated guide, click here. Immerse yourself in the art of lampshade making and let your interiors shine with a touch of Jane's magic.