Mendai Large Velvet & Linen Lampshade - Mocha

The Mendai is a tapered drum in mocha velvet, lined in natural linen that shows as a pale band at the top rim. The washed cotton pile takes the light unevenly, so the brown reads deeper in some places than others across the same face. This is the large: 21.5cm tall and 40.5cm across, with a gentler taper than the smaller sizes.

Forty centimetres is floor lamp width. On an ordinary side table it overhangs the surface; on a floor lamp base over a metre tall it is in proportion with the column, and the extra width spreads what leaves the open ends over a wider area. A brown velvet shade on a tall base makes a corner warm rather than bright, which is worth deciding before it becomes the only lamp in one. At 21.5cm deep it hides the lampholder from a seated eye. It weighs 0.53kg.

The velvet and linen are stitched by hand over an iron frame, so the pile and the seam differ from one shade to the next. The Mendai range runs from small to extra large in this mocha and again in a moss green. No bulb, base or fitting is included.

Is the large too big for a table lamp?

For most, yes. At 40.5cm across it overhangs an ordinary side table. It is the size for a floor lamp base or a wide table lamp.

Will it hide the lampholder?

At 21.5cm deep, yes, from anyone sitting down.

Will it light a corner on its own?

It will warm one rather than brighten it. A mid brown velvet keeps most of the light inside and sends it up and down through the open ends.

How do I care for it?

A soft bristle brush, a microfibre cloth or a lint roller for dust. Velvet should not be cleaned with water. Handle it by the frame and keep it out of direct sunlight.