Using Rawhide Country Lampshades to Enhance Rustic Style Decor

The unique look of rawhide country lamp shades for kitchens and decorating has been popular since the end of the great depression when women first began to look at their homes in ways other than utilitarian. This was the case with not only kitchens, but living rooms and later family rooms and dens as well. 

What is also now called southwest decor and western style, as well as ranch style, came naturally as the designs sprung from the use of everyday items. The same was true with country style homes. As the wealthier class began to have second homes called country homes, the working class began to use the same techniques in their homes also. As lanterns and oil lamps gave way to the first rustic lamps, it was rawhide that was one of the first chosen materials to serve as a shade. Since then, it has been a popular choice in home lighting and for lighting fixtures. 

If you like the handcrafted work and style of a bygone area, the rustic texture and color tones of natural rawhide will definitely be part of what you want to incorporate into your country kitchen and rustic decor. There are also a few other elements that will help you create the country style look you see in designer magazines. 

For a country kitchen, consider the natural look of wood. Primitive wood with rough edges and uneven surfaces is desirable when trying to create country style. If you have a large kitchen, darker woods can be used whereas lighter tones are better for smaller areas. Rawhide country lamp shades look wonderful with wooden accessories and should be used in any area where a table lamp or desk lamp would be placed. Depending on the layout of your kitchen, a rustic floor lamp may also be utilized. 

One fabulous feature of rawhide shades is that they are available in light or dark as well as colors to fit your particular color palette. As you consider adding rawhide country lamp shades to your kitchen, along with other rustic decorating accessories, it may not be necessary to buy new lamps. Rustic lamps are desirable but it is the leather lampshades that make the difference. 

You may be able to use lamps you already have by just replacing the shade to achieve the same southwestern look and style. It is up to you whether you choose to buy rustic style lamps or simply replace the shade. No matter which you choose you will be amazed at the transformation that takes place in your home. There is no easier way to add a little southwestern style to your decor than by decorating with rustic lamp shades. Add a few country style accessories like rugs, tapestries and pottery along with the shades, and you will create a look that will have your visitors talking about your beautiful home long after they leave. 

You can find quality, decorative lamp shades in a variety of colors and sizes in stores that sell southwestern and rustic decorating accessories or buy them online. If you would like to bring the old west to life in your home and give your decor authentic, rustic and southwest style, do so by simply adding rawhide country lamp shades.