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SARAH O’DEA IS the founder of Shady and the Lamp – a Dublin business making custom lampshades for commercial customers and homeowners alike. She has just launched a new range of Irish linen lampshades – Nóiníní – and also runs The Lampshade Academy teaching people of all levels to make their own lampshades.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was working as an interior stylist and the lack of original lampshades was a constant hindrance when sourcing for projects. At the time, fabric lighting was dull and mass produced. When working on a particular commercial job – a fit-out for a beauty salon – I couldn’t find the lampshades I needed so after a bit of research I booked a flight to London to undertake a short lampshade making course.
I fell in love with the craft, and, while it was much more technical than I had envisaged, I enjoyed the processes immensely. I was inspired to progress further into this field so I returned to train under two master makers and in 2012 Shady and the Lamp was born.
What have you learned so far in business?
That the curve is long and steep. I’ve learned that being adaptable, flexible and consistent while also maintaining and minding your creativity is essential. I realised that once the pressure mounts, the loss of creativity is often the first casualty so it’s important to protect that. Surround yourself with the right people, believe in yourself and always trust your instincts.
What has been the most challenging time for you as a creative?
It’s either weathering the pandemic or opening a physical store or both – seeing as they happened around the same time! We expanded and relocated in November 2019, less than four months later we were all in lockdown. It was an incredibly unpredictable time – footfall had halted, most commercial projects stalled, team members were county-bound – the future was not looking bright. But we learned and we adapted. We’re now firmly on the other side, humbled and grateful for the clarity that follows these experiences.
What sets your products apart from others on the market?
I think what sets my lampshades apart is the combination of craftsmanship, individuality and the strong focus on colour and texture. Each piece is handmade with care using thoughtfully chosen materials that bring warmth and personality into a space.
I love playing with bold or unexpected colour combinations and layering textures to create depth and interest so that even when the light is off, the shade is still a feature. No two shades are ever exactly the same, and that uniqueness really appeals to people who want their home to feel personal and meaningful. In a market that can sometimes feel quite uniform, I think people respond to something that’s made by hand with heart and with a real sense of place.
How has the Irish consumer responded to what you do?
The response from Irish consumers has been really heartening. There’s a growing awareness and pride in supporting local makers and I think people here have a genuine love for craft and tradition. What I’ve noticed is that customers aren’t just buying a lampshade – they’re investing in something meaningful that adds character to their home. Many of my customers tell me that they’re tired of generic, throwaway items and want pieces with soul and longevity. It’s really encouraging to see that shift and to feel part of a community that values creativity and craftsmanship.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I love to travel and it’s a huge source of inspiration for me. I’m always paying attention to lighting when I’m away. How effective is it? How is it made? What materials were chosen and why?… It’s fascinating to see how other cultures approach something as universal as lighting.
Lampshade makers are few and far between, but you’ll find them in the most unexpected places and it’s such a joy to see the craft being practiced in different ways around the world. It’s a nice reminder that good lighting is essential, no matter where you are.
Closer to home, I take a lot of inspiration from colour which is at the heart of all my work. Lately, I’ve been a little obsessed with book covers and the colours that are used.
Describe your workspace.
My workspace is split between our Harrington Street studio in Dublin, a separate storage unit and my home office. Luckily these are all within a short distance of each other. The studio is where we design and make our products so it’s usually overflowing with all sorts of frames and fabrics. The studio also invites customers to view current collections and to collaborate with us to create bespoke lamps.
Describe a typical working day.
I’m not an early riser – I wake at around 8am and start my day with lots of tea and gentle whispers. I then hop on the bike and have usually gotten over myself by the time I arrive at work. I’ll grab a coffee from my neighbours at Brother Hubbard South.
Every day starts with some admin but things can vary after that, which is something I love. I’m in the studio most days either designing or making with one day a week reserved for on-site meetings, where I visit businesses and homes to discuss their lighting needs.
We make both modern and traditional hand-stitched lampshades, all in-house, so we’re usually working on a different piece each day which keeps things interesting and the skill-set well oiled.
Designing involves prototyping new frame work, new techniques and new lamp base ideas. We’re always trialing new fabrics and materials to check for suitability and effectiveness.
Photoshoots happen monthly. We’re always in need of more imagery – especially when releasing new collections or revisiting a finished project.
How important is collaboration to what you do?
I love collaborating – whether working with interior designers and stylists or fellow designers and makers. Great things happen when you share ideas and information. Collaborating helps you to stay open and curious and it feeds creativity. It’s tough out there and sometimes the creative flow just doesn’t flow – I think collaborating can be a very powerful antidote to creative block.
If you weren’t doing this what would you be doing?
I grew up in Cobh where the harbour is your backyard and your parents effectively throw you out to sea at a young age. Luckily, I took to the water immediately and I especially love sailing and diving so I’m going to say either the captain of a tall ship or a wreck diver. I can dream, right?
What has been your proudest moment/ favourite project so far?
Working on Marco Pierre White’s restaurant was a thrill. It was a fun and slightly bizarre project, much like the man himself. The brief was ‘wayward chic’ – layers of ruffled silks, trims and feathers haphazardly applied to vintage style lampshade frames. He was generous to work with and we returned on three different occasions, furnishing their reception, bar and powder room. It was all very extra – a really wonderful experience and I smile anytime I think about it.
What’s next for you and your work in 2025?
It’s already been an exciting year so far for Shady and the Lamp. We’ve just released our newest collection of Irish linen lampshades ‘Nóiníní’ with another collection planned for release next month.
I’ve launched The Lampshade Academy where I teach all aspects of lampshade making during a variety of workshops. Classes are tailored to different levels and skill sets, as well as to those simply looking for a fun and creative experience.
We’re about to release our Lampshade Making Kits too. These kits, which will include either Irish linen or tweed fabric, will allow you to build a bespoke lampshade from the comfort of your own home. We can’t wait to see people’s reactions!
Further Information:
Shady and the Lamp, Harrington Street, Dublin 8.
Instagram: @shadyandthelamp
More information on the Lampshade Academy can be found here.
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