There are two types of people in the world: those who like the patina of age and the sense of history that an old object has and those who like everything brand new and pristine. If you are the type who likes things to be new, there is no point at all in buying antique beaded lamp shades as you will pay a premium for them. You can do better by looking for lamp shades in high end designer boutiques and lighting stores and find something exquisite there.

If, however, you love to fill your home with items of days gone by, you will enjoy the thrill of the chase in hunting down what you need in antique stores. And luckily you will find that, in many ways it is easier to buy a lamp shade than a lamp. There is no need to worry about old electrical wiring for example, although you do have to make sure that the shade can fit easily onto your own lamp base.

When you come across a lamp shade which seems to be suitable, it may be your only opportunity to buy (especially if you have come some distance) so it is best to carry your base with you, if possible, so that you can see if a particular lamp shade works with it.

If you see a lamp shade you like but it is dirty or discolored, it is probably not a good buy. If the store had any confidence in the shade cleaning up well then they would probably have cleaned it up for an easier sale (and a higher price). So do not buy anything which is not in a condition where you would be happy to display it now unless you can get it for a knock down price and are prepared to risk it.

As for the beading, check that the pattern or fringing is without obvious gaps as you may not be able to get similar beads easily to repair your shade.