How to soften these glass shades?

Paint or fabric will reduce the brightness. What about just using lower-wattage bulbs?

Do you have a dimmer switch? That would enable you to soften the light when you don't need it too bright.

Hi Maria. You could take them down and spray paint them with several very light coats of a color that goes well with your decor. I also like the idea of using a dimmer. Stay well.

Buy different shades/globes (can't think what they'er called'.

A dimmer switch would work, but the stark look would remain. Have you considered painting a design on the actual glass shades? Some pattern that wold soften them and enhance your room, something as simple as a gold or silver border on the open mouths or maybe a floral design.

Thanks everyone. This site is so helpful with decorating dilemmas .... and believe me ...I have ALOT of them. It’s even more important now to stay busy with things to do around our home-to stay busy and distracted from the horrible things that are happening in this world. Stay safe 🦋

Frosted spray paint should work. Also a dimmer. :)

Have you tried bulbs with a lower wattage?

I am not sure this is a solution to suit your need but they do make a spray or aerosol paint that mimics a frosted glass look. If you wanted the globes to be totally frosted without intricate designs. This product is found in the spray paint department.

You can use a frost spray to make them a bit more, well, frosted. Or change the bulbs to a lower wattage or add a dimmer switch.

A dimmer switch would be the best solution. You can use craft glass paint. Actually it's the dark ceiling that is the problem. The alabaster was a good fit but not with a dark ceiling. These are bright in place cuz the dark ceiling doesn't reflect light as a lighter ceiling would .

They have sea glass spray paint that would be very nice. Good luck!

You can also use GE LED bulbs in a soft white instead of bright white.

You van also decoupage tissue paper on the outside to change the look or color as desired.