Sleepy Cats – A Lampshade for Cosy Moments and Cat Lovers
Winter always makes me crave warmth — not just central heating or a soft blanket, but the presence of something familiar and comforting... the feeling of having a cat nearby. After our beloved Burmese cat Nova passed away, and with our very un-cuddly dog Nimbus not quite filling that gap, I began to miss the quiet companionship of a sleepy feline.
That’s how the Sleepy Cats Lampshade began.
Inspired by the Cats I Missed
It was my first winter in our new home in the Cotswolds, and I found myself sketching curled-up cats in my notebook — not any specific one, but the idea of them. Cats tucked up, limbs in odd places, noses hidden in tails. Each of them slightly different, all resting close, but with the gentle independence cats always seem to demand.
I’ve always loved how cats seem to melt into whatever space they’re given — like liquid — and I wanted to capture that. So in this design, they almost fit together like a puzzle, but not quite. There's a bit of space between them, as if each one has carved out its own little patch of peace.
If you enjoy the slightly quirky charm of problem-solving, you might also love the board game Isle of Cats, where you fit oddly shaped cats onto a boat to save them from an island in peril — it’s unexpectedly delightful, and the puzzle-like feel is not unlike designing this shade!
A Nod to Nova
You might spot a hint of Nova in there too — she was a chocolate point Burmese, and her markings made their way into one of the snoozing cats. Growing up, we always had moggies with mysterious backgrounds and half-hinted breeds, and I liked mixing in a few familiar patterns and poses.
If you're thinking about bringing a cat into your life, I'd gently encourage you to consider adopting from a rescue like Cats Protection or the RSPCA. There are always cats out there waiting for a soft sofa and someone to love them.
Designed to Bring Calm and Character
Set against a rich teal background, with soft tones of orange, white, brown and grey, this lampshade suits all kinds of spaces — from living rooms to cosy bedrooms and playrooms. It’s playful, but not overly cute. Just a quiet gathering of cats, catching the light.
Little leaves fill the spaces in between, like the last bits of garden brought indoors. And I hope it brings a small smile to any cat lover who sees it glowing in their home.
