Gilda Dome Lamp Shade 20cm Glass - Cognac

Cognac glass gives this shallow dome its colour, a warm amber that turns to honey once the lamp is lit. The prismatic effect worked into the glass breaks the light as it passes, so the glow reads as texture rather than a flat wash. At 20cm across it is a small shade, and shallow with it, sitting close under the lamp rather than dropping a long skirt of glass. In the hand it feels solid, with the weight you expect of proper glass. It is non-electric, a shade alone, made to go with a fitting you already have or one chosen to suit it.

We reach for shades like this where a deep pendant would sit too heavily: a low hallway ceiling, a pair over a kitchen island, or a single drop beside a reading chair. The shallow dome keeps the lamp tucked up high and pushes light out to the sides as well as down. Cognac glass is a gentler proposition than clear, taking the hard edge off the brightness without dulling a room. The host fitting takes a GLS A60 lamp, and we would choose an LED version, with 20W the most that should go in. It suits anyone after a little warmth and colour overhead without a large shade dominating the room.

It is glass throughout, with no fabric or paper to fade or discolour, so the colour stays as it came. Cleaning asks little: let the lamp cool first, then warm soapy water and a soft cloth will lift kitchen film, with a dry polish afterwards to keep the prismatic surface crisp. Scouring pads and solvents are best kept well away from it. It carries a one year warranty. Against brass, aged copper or blackened metal it sits happily, whether hung singly or in a row, and lamps are not included.

What size is this shade?

It measures 200mm in diameter with a height of 95mm, so it is a small, shallow dome rather than a deep one.

What lamp should go in the fitting?

A GLS A60 lamp is recommended, and we would use an LED. Keep to 20W or less.

Is the shade electrical?

No, it is non-electric. It is the glass shade only, so the lamp and the fitting come from elsewhere.

How heavy is it?

It weighs 0.87kg, which is normal for a glass shade of this size.

How do I keep the glass looking its best?

Wait until the lamp is cool, wipe with warm soapy water on a soft cloth, then dry and buff gently. Avoid abrasive creams, scouring pads and solvent cleaners.

Is it suitable for a bathroom?

It is rated for ordinary dry rooms indoors, so hallways, kitchens, dining rooms and bedrooms suit it far better than a bathroom.