Parchment - Modern Vintage Lampshades
The original parchment lampshades were made from Animal skins, much in the same way that original writing medium such as scrolls were made from animal skin, goat being a very common one. The term "parchment" historically refers to a writing material made from specially prepared, untanned animal skins like those of sheep, goats, or calves. Teh very finest versions were referred to as Vellum, and we still see these terms being used today to refer to paper of wood pulp or cellulose origin.
The confusion arises because "parchment" historically referred to animal skin, while "parchment paper" is a modern term for the paper product that has a "parchment effect" or similar characteristics.
For lampshade making purposes we have modern versions of Parchment made to our specification, that mostly combine a lampshade safe PVC “core” that is covered in a decorative tissue paper to give the effects or goat skin or vellum. We have a range of “lampshade parchments” in various colours and styles to help us re-create vintage looking lampshades for a modern era.
These are then either finsihed with a matching or contrast taped edge - or a whipped edge using a thong or cord made from leather, cotton, faux suede, which we can get in various thicknesses and colours to give a vintage or modern effect.
Lampshade parchments in a wide choice of tones.
Lampshade Parchment
Nothing says vintage lamp shade more than Parchment. We have our own lampshade parchments available in a choice of colours.
Contrast Bias Binding Trim in silk
Taped Edge Trim
Lampshades can be trimmed for necessity : for example if they are covered in a material ( Paper or Raffia) that canot be rolled edge, so the edges have to be finished with a trim. Or a trim can be added purely for decorative purpose like a nice contrast of colours or to add in a pop of colour to an interior scheme.
Blanco Parchment with dark green leather thong stitched edge detail for a contemporary twist.
Parchment Lamp shades
Parchment lampshedes can look vintage and traditional or have a modern fresh look and even a contemporary twist, but parchemnt lamp shades always illuminate softly.
Vellum Parchment Lampshades
Vellum and Goat Parchment Lampshades
Parchment lampshade with leather thong whipped edge
Modern Vintage lampshades
Our Parchment comes in a wide range of colours and effects to help re-create a vintage look with safe modern lampshade materials.
Goat Parchment Lampshades
Goat Parchment is our more deluxe option for a parchment shade - it has a pvc core, but both surfaces are coated in decorative paper, meaning that you do not see any plastic-like surfaces on the finished lampshade. Our standard Parchments are coated with decorative paper on one side only, the outer surface, meaning that the internal surafce is plastic/pvc - more often than not, this is never seen, but if you want a really high end finish to your lampshades - then our deluxe goat parchment is the best option.
Paper Lampshades
We use lots of different types of paper to make lampshades, not just parchments. From Japanese Washi paper made from mulberry and hemp fibres, to Indian Khadi paper and Nepalese Lokta papers using banana and bark fibres to give a natural rustic looking texture to the finished lampshades. Even maps and manuscript paper make for interesting lamp shade coverings.