Joanna Gaines, known from HGTV's Fixer Upper, has been using white pleated lampshades in various projects to enhance home lighting. This simple addition diffuses light softly and adds a curated touch to spaces. The design element appears in her kitchen, bathroom, and even Hoda Kotb's office.
Layered lighting is essential for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in homes, according to a Good Housekeeping article. While many focus on fixtures or bulb temperatures, lampshades often receive less attention. Joanna Gaines, the HGTV alum famous for her modern farmhouse style, recommends switching to a white pleated lampshade to elevate decor.
Gaines has expanded beyond shiplap walls, incorporating moody colors, florals, and textures in her work. Recently, she has included pleated lampshades in her kitchen and bathroom designs, as well as in Hoda Kotb's new office. As the founder of Magnolia, her home decor brand, Gaines sells such a lampshade.
A plain white lampshade is common because it diffuses light effectively, providing brightness without glare and complementing any color palette or style. The pleated design adds a thoughtful detail, making spaces feel specially curated rather than generic.
Most lamps come with basic shades, so selecting a replacement involves attention to proportions: the shade should be wider than the base and about half as tall, while covering the lamp's harp. Lamp hardware is typically adjustable. Pleated lampshades can be used on hallway sconces or living room table lamps for versatile application.
The article, written by freelance journalist Kelsey Mulvey, highlights this as an effortless way to improve home aesthetics.
