Batakha Medium Velvet & Linen Lampshade - Dark Ochre

The Batakha in the medium size is a tapered drum in dark ochre velvet, lined in natural linen that shows as a pale band at the top rim. The velvet is a washed cotton pile, uneven enough that the colour shifts between deep ochre and a lighter rubbed gold across a single face, and the seam runs as a single vertical line. It stands 18.5cm tall and 30.5cm across the wider end.

Thirty centimetres is the size most table lamps are built around, which makes this the one to reach for when a base is a normal table lamp rather than a small bedside or a full floor lamp. The proportion matters as much as the width: at 18.5cm tall it is shallow for its diameter, so it sits low over a base and shows more of the base than a deep shade would. The velvet holds the light in and sends it out of the open ends, and the linen lining keeps what comes back warm. It fits a table lamp, a floor lamp or a ceiling pendant.

The velvet and linen are stitched by hand over an iron frame, so the pile lies differently on each shade and the seam falls in its own place. The Batakha range runs from small through this medium and large to extra large in the same dark ochre. No bulb, base or fitting is included.

How do I know if the medium is the right size?

Measure across the widest part of your base and pick a shade wider than that. At 30.5cm the medium covers most ordinary table lamp bases.

Why is it wider than it is tall?

It is a shallow drum, 18.5cm tall against 30.5cm across, so it sits low and leaves more of the base on show than a deep shade would.

Is the inside velvet as well?

No, the lining is natural linen, visible as a pale band at the top rim. It is what keeps the reflected light warm.

How do I care for it?

A soft bristle brush, a microfibre cloth or a lint roller for dust. No water on velvet, it stains. Handle it by the frame, keep it out of direct sunlight, and turn it occasionally so any fading is even.