The answer to that question use to be very simple. But today, drum lamp shades are stretching the definition. Drum lamp shades are traditionally similar to a cylinder with fairly straight sides. Just think of an oil drum.

However, today drum lamp shades take on many variations of form and design. You will find modified drum lamp shades which have a relatively narrower top diameter. There are bell drum lamp shades with graceful curving sides. There are V Notch drum lamp shades with V shape notch designs in the top and/or bottom rims. There are shallow drum lamp shades which are short and stocky in appearance. Shallow drum shades are also called Bouillotte lamp shades. See my article on Bouillotte shades.

Drum lamp shades are very functional because they not only diffuse light outward through the shade fabric, they reflect light downward and upward where it can diffuse of the ceiling.

Generally, drum lamp shades are relatively larger compared to other shades which allows the usage of larger wattage bulbs and therefore more light output.

Drum lamp shades were extremely popular from the early 20th century up through the 1980's when they fell out of favor. Today they are becoming extremely popular and they are "new again". Nearly all home design magazines are filled with drum shades. You will see drum shades being used throughout all rooms of the house.

Although there are plenty of options, here are some lamps that simply "cry out" for drum shades:
Hollywood Regency Lamps
Stiffel Lamps and Lamps With The Stiffel Look
Antique Ornate Metal Lamps
Antique Crystal Lamps
Antique Porcelain Lamps
Antique Capodimonte Lamps
George and Martha Washington Lamps
Antique Lamps Circa 1950 - 1980
New Reproduction Lamps of all styles listed above and many others

In summary, most lamp styles can be used with a drum lamp shade. It depends a lot on personal preference and the look you wish to achieve with the lamp.

- Jim Hoyle

Biography: Since 1979 Jim Hoyle has owned and operated Lamp & Home Outlet - North Carolina's Most Exclusive Unique Lamps and Lamp Shades. Jim designs and manufactures fine table lamps and floor lamps and he collects, sells, repairs, restores and appraises antique lamps from special acquisitions and estates worldwide. His company also specializes in lamp and home decor factory buyouts and warehouse closings. Comments and questions are answered personally. His company's website contains a wealth of free information about lamps and lighting: www.hoylelamps.com or you can visit his store personally at 2233 East Main Street, Lincolnton, North Carolina about 25 minutes from Charlotte.