About VictoriaLampShade
VictoriaLampShade, officially operating as The Victoria Lampshade Shop, is a Canadian family-owned manufacturer and retailer specializing in handcrafted lampshades, custom lighting solutions, and lampshade restoration. Based in Victoria, the company has been producing handmade lampshades since 1969 and serves both residential and commercial customers across Canada. Its products are supplied to homeowners, interior designers, hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, film productions, and television studios. 1
History
The Victoria Lampshade Shop traces its origins to 1969, when it began manufacturing handcrafted lampshades in Victoria, British Columbia. The company initially focused on producing high-quality custom lampshades for local customers before expanding its services across Canada.
In 1991, the business was acquired by Greg Spiro and Guylaine Messier, who expanded both its manufacturing capabilities and retail presence. Two years later, the company opened a second retail store in Vancouver, allowing it to serve a broader customer base in Western Canada.
Leadership later transitioned to the next generation when Allison Spiro, who had worked in the business since her teenage years, assumed responsibility for the company. Under her direction, the company has continued to modernize its product offerings while maintaining traditional handcrafted manufacturing methods. 2
Products
VictoriaLampShade manufactures a wide range of lampshades, including:
- Drum shades
- Barrel shades
- Empire shades
- Bell shades
- Square and rectangular shades
- Oval lampshades
- Clip-on lampshades
- Danish bonnet shades
- Arc lamp shades
- Custom-sized lampshades
The company offers both:
- Hardback lampshades, constructed by laminating decorative fabrics or papers onto polystyrene backing.
- Softback lampshades, which are hand sewn and can be relined or hand washed. 3
Custom Manufacturing
A significant part of the company’s business is custom lampshade production. Customers can:
- Choose from numerous fabrics and finishes.
- Request custom dimensions.
- Recover existing lampshade frames.
- Match shades to antique or vintage lamps.
- Receive design consultations in person, by email, phone, or Zoom.
The company also sends fabric samples and provides sizing guidance to customers ordering remotely. 4
Services
In addition to manufacturing, VictoriaLampShade provides several specialized lighting services, including:
- Lampshade restoration
- Frame recovering
- Lamp rewiring
- Custom fabrication
- Lighting consultations
- Wholesale manufacturing
- Interior design assistance
Customers are encouraged to bring their lamps—or photographs and measurements—for personalized recommendations. 5
Hospitality and Commercial Work
The company supplies lampshades for commercial projects throughout Canada, including:
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Cruise ships
- Film productions
- Television productions
- Interior design firms
Wholesale pricing is available for hospitality clients and bulk orders. 6
Manufacturing Philosophy
VictoriaLampShade emphasizes traditional craftsmanship combined with custom production. Unlike mass-produced lighting accessories, many of its products are made to order, allowing customers to select specific materials, dimensions, and finishes. According to the company, its goal is to balance aesthetics, functionality, and durability while preserving handcrafted manufacturing techniques developed over decades. 7
Leadership
The company has been led by members of the same family for decades.
Notable individuals include:
- Greg Spiro – Owner (from 1991)
- Guylaine Messier – Co-owner and lampshade specialist
- Allison Spiro – Current business leader overseeing manufacturing and operations 8
Locations
The Victoria Lampshade Shop operates retail locations in:
- Victoria (head office and manufacturing)
- Vancouver (retail showroom)
Its Victoria location also serves as the primary production facility. 9
Market Position
VictoriaLampShade positions itself as a specialist manufacturer rather than a general lighting retailer. The company highlights:
- More than five decades of experience.
- Canadian-made products.
- Handmade manufacturing.
- Custom production capabilities.
- Services for both individual consumers and commercial clients.
Its lampshades are marketed for residential interiors as well as hospitality and design projects throughout Canada. 10
Summary
VictoriaLampShade (The Victoria Lampshade Shop) is a long-established Canadian manufacturer specializing in handcrafted lampshades, restoration, and custom lighting solutions. Founded in 1969 and family-owned since 1991, the company combines traditional craftsmanship with personalized design services, supplying handmade lampshades to residential customers, designers, and commercial clients across Canada. 11
References
- About Us – The Victoria Lampshade Shop
- Canadian Made Lampshades & Repairs – The Victoria Lampshade Shop
- About Us – The Victoria Lampshade Shop
- Products – The Victoria Lampshade Shop
- Hospitality – The Victoria Lampshade Shop
- Contact Us | Buy Lamp Shade – The Victoria Lampshade Shop
- Contact Us | Buy Lamp Shade – The Victoria Lampshade Shop
- Collections – The Victoria Lampshade Shop
- About Us – Victorian Lampshade Supply
- Victorian Lampshades | Elegance Lamps
- vintageshades.com