Guides

Custom papier-mâché lampshade, made to order: how it works

Most of what we make starts as a conversation. A shade a few centimetres wider to suit your table, a colour that matches a wall or a sofa, a dome you saw on our Instagram but in sand instead of terracotta: these are ordinary requests for us, because every piece is shaped by hand anyway. This guide explains what can be changed, how to measure, what to send us and what happens after you message.

What can be made to order

Almost every lamp in our collection can be remade in a different size or colour, and most also in a different finish. Each shade is built up by hand over a form, so changing its diameter or depth simply means starting from a form of a different size.

Size. The diameter and depth of the shade, to fit your table, kitchen island or corner.

Colour and finish. From natural, earthy tones such as terracotta, clay and sand to a specific colour you send us as a reference.

Your own idea. If you have a shape in mind that is not in the collection, send a sketch or a photo and we will tell you honestly whether it can be made in papier-mâché.

Start from a design you like

The easiest custom order starts from an existing piece: choose the shade whose shape you like, then tell us what to change. Listed prices are for the size shown; a different size or colour is quoted individually.

• Terracotta Dome Pendant — 40 × 22 cm — 12,000 AMD
• Papier-mâché Pendant Shade — 15 × 33 cm — 12,000 AMD
• Fringe Pendant Lamp — 37 × 18 cm — 15,000 AMD
• Dome Pendant Lamp — 37 × 18 cm — 15,000 AMD
• Black Papier-mâché Dome Pendant — 15 × 36 cm — 15,000 AMD
• Yellow Pendant Lamp — 26 × 10 cm — 9,000 AMD

How to measure for a pendant shade

Two numbers matter most: the diameter of the shade and how high it hangs. Over a dining table, a shade roughly half to two-thirds the width of the table looks right, about 40–55 cm across for a typical 90 cm table, hung so its lower edge sits 75–90 cm above the tabletop. Over a kitchen island, two or three smaller shades usually work better than one large one. In a hallway, a corner or beside a bed, 20–35 cm is plenty.

Measure the table or space, check your ceiling height and, if you are unsure, send us a photo of the room with the measurements and we will suggest a size. Our pendant lamp sizing guide goes into more detail.

What to send us

Message us on Instagram with:

• the piece you are starting from (a link or a screenshot);
• the size you want, in centimetres;
• the colour, ideally with a photo of a reference such as a paint sample, fabric or wall;
• where it will hang, with a photo of the room if you can;
• your country, so we can quote shipping.

We reply with whether it can be made, the price, how long it will take and a shipping quote. You know the price and the timeline before you commit to anything.

How your shade is made

Each shade is built over a form that sets its silhouette: a soft dome, a tall bell, a wide brim. Papier-mâché is then layered on piece by piece, and every layer has to dry fully before the next, so a shade is built up over days, not hours. Once it holds its shape, we trim the rim and refine the surface, then seal and finish it in your chosen colour and fit it for a bulb.

Because it is shaped by hand, your shade will differ slightly from the photographs: small tool marks and gentle irregularities are part of the piece, not defects. See how a papier-mâché pendant is made.

Price and timeline

Our papier-mâché pendants currently cost 9,000 to 15,000 AMD in their standard sizes (the whole collection ranges from 3,000 to 22,000 AMD). A custom size or colour is quoted for your piece, because a larger shade takes more material and more drying time. How long it takes depends on the design and the details you ask for; we always give you an expected timeline before you commit.

Shipping, customs and returns

We ship worldwide from Yerevan, and every piece is carefully packed. Shipping cost and delivery time depend on your country and the size of the shade, so we quote each order. Any customs duties or import taxes are paid by the buyer.

Because a custom shade is made specifically for you, made-to-order pieces cannot be returned or exchanged. If it arrives damaged, send us photos of the shade and its packaging within 7 days of delivery and we will remake it or refund you. Full details are on our shipping and returns page.

Looking after it

Use an LED bulb in warm white (2700–3000 K), keep it clear of the shade and stay within the fitting’s rated wattage; our bulb and safety guide explains why. Papier-mâché is paper-based, so keep it out of bathrooms and away from steam, and dust it with a soft, dry brush. See the care guide for more.

Frequently asked questions

Can I order a papier-mâché lampshade in a custom size?
Yes. Most of our shades can be made in the diameter and depth you need. Send us the size in centimetres and where it will hang, and we will confirm the price and timeline.

Can you match a specific colour?
Usually, yes. Send a photo of the colour you want to match, such as a paint sample, fabric or wall, and we will finish the shade as close to it as papier-mâché allows. Colours look different on every screen, so a real sample photographed in daylight helps.

How long does a custom lampshade take?
It depends on the design, the size and the details, because each layer of papier-mâché has to dry before the next. We tell you the expected timeline before you commit; shipping time comes on top.

How much does a custom papier-mâché shade cost?
Our papier-mâché pendants cost 9,000–15,000 AMD in their standard sizes. Custom sizes and colours are quoted individually, so message us with what you need.

Do you ship custom lamps outside Armenia?
Yes, worldwide from Yerevan, carefully packed. Shipping is quoted per order, and customs duties or import taxes are paid by the buyer.

Can I return a custom piece?
Made-to-order pieces cannot be returned or exchanged. If your shade arrives damaged, send photos within 7 days of delivery and we will remake it or refund you.