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11 Dec 2024

Furniture Feature: Dannells Limited

Dannells Limited Stand: 2-B50
Furniture Feature: Dannells Limited
Scalloped Edge Lampshade

Tell us about yourself and your brand. How long have you been in business?

Since 2018 I’ve been a Director of Dannells Ltd, after a buying the business with my partner, Jamie Dannell and my responsibilities include Product Development, including our expanding range of Lampshade Making Kits and Needcraft Creative Kits, Marketing and E-commerce and IT management. I initially joined the business in 1990 as the Production Manager and to capitalise on our knowledge and expertise, I developed our high quality consumer DIY Lampshade Making Kits to bring our products to the retail sector. These products, alongside the manufacturing arm of the business, the UK’s largest supplier of lampshade making materials and therefore a key player in the lighting and soft furnishings industry, and this enables us to offer tailored lighting solutions to businesses and individuals alike.

Originally founded in 1982 as Martin Dannell & Co Ltd, began its journey in Hackney, East London. Our company initially focused on manufacturing and supplying materials and components for lampshade makers worldwide. Over the years, Dannells has grown into a leading specialist in the industry, known for producing high-quality materials and supporting both professional manufacturers and hobbyists.

Drum Lampshade Kit

 

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self that the key is to embrace failures as valuable lessons. Don’t feel upset or discouraged by wrong decisions. Instead, focus on finding the positives in every challenge you face and use them as steppingstones toward solutions and success. Also, don’t stress over things beyond your control—it only drains your energy!

 

Could you share details about any new collections or ranges you’ll be showcasing at the January Furniture Show?

We’re excited to share our latest scalloped lampshade ranges, that allow our professional and hobby makers to make their own bespoke version of this current interior trend. Our expertly engineered ‘Scalloped Ringset’ captures the graceful curves of a scalloped edge shell, creating elegant and professional-grade lampshade. Available in sizes ranging from 20cm to 60cm in diameter, each ringset features six distinct scallops and works seamlessly with our pre-creased Stick It® panels The results are beautiful, bespoke scalloped lampshades ideal for any room, from compact bedroom table lamps, to striking pendant lampshades. For those seeking an alternative scalloped option, we’ve also developed the ‘Scalloped Edged Self-Adhesive Panel’. These timeless empire-shaped panels feature a softer, undulating scalloped bottom edge. Cleverly supported by a duplex ring at the top, they create a lightweight, airy aesthetic. The panels, as with all our Lampshade Making Kits and products, can be made in either fabric or a paper, offering our makers endless possibilities to craft unique handmade lampshade with a difference.

 

Do you have any personal favourites in your latest collection?

In addition to our lampshade ranges, I’m continually expanding our Needcraft Creative Kit Range. This collection includes a variety of practical home accessory kits, all designed to be customised with bespoke fabrics to complement any interior. A standout recent addition to the range is our ‘Square Waste Paper Bin Kit’, which has quickly become a customer favourite. What sets it apart is its design - the rounded edges soften the square shape, offering an elegant alternative to traditional bins. It’s been a hit with both professional makers and DIY enthusiasts alike, showcasing the versatility and creativity our kits provide. This continuous innovation allows makers to craft functional, stylish items that reflect their unique style.

 

What are you most looking forward to at the show?

As always, I’m most looking forward to meeting new customers and having the opportunity to explain, face-to-face, the benefits of manufacturing lampshades. It’s exciting to showcase how our lampshade making kits can help increase January Furniture Show’s visitors’ revenue and expand the range of services they offer to their own customers.

Square Waste Paper Bin Kit

 

Have there been any highlights for you over the past year that you’d like to mention?

One of the most significant highlights for us has been our growing partnership with Creative Cables, the renowned Italian specialist in cable and lighting solutions. In 2024, we had the privilege of collaborating with them to distribute a broad selection of their high-quality products, including fabric-covered cables, ceiling and wall lights, lampshades, lamp holders, and various lighting accessories. This partnership has been incredibly rewarding, as it not only expands the creative possibilities for our professional lampshade makers but also opens new business opportunities within the interior design sector. We're thrilled to bring these unique products to our customers and I’m looking forward to seeing the continued growth of this partnership.

 

Where do you see the furniture industry heading? Are there any styles or trends making a comeback, or any designs you think are least likely to return?

From our specialised niche in lampshade making, we’ve noticed a significant demand for oversized lampshades. They’ve become very fashionable and create bold statement lighting, that look stunning in both business and domestic interiors. Dual metallic and fabric liner combinations are particularly popular, offering a stylish and unique design element.

 

What’s next for your company?

Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for us as we expand our reach into the US and Australian markets. We’re focusing on establishing a strong presence and introducing products tailored to their specific needs - such as harp and finial fittings, and spider ringsets for the US market. This will help us grow our international customer base and create new opportunities abroad. We are also committed to continuously innovating our product range. We're always developing new lampshade designs, as well as complementary items that make it easier for our professional makers to find what they need in one place. For example, we’ve recently worked on a new collection of lampshade trims and fringes in four bespoke designs, in a range of 13 colours, set to launch in early 2025.

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