Looking to give an old lampshade a fresh new life? Instead of throwing it away, why not upcycle a lampshade into something creative and functional? New lampshades can cost anywhere from $20 to $300, but secondhand options from thrift stores or garage sales are much more affordable.With a little creativity, a vintage lampshade can be transformed into a statement piece for your home. Whether you want to update its look or repurpose it entirely, here are 10 unique ways to upcycle a lampshade and make it something special.
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1. Turn It into a Christmas Tree Collar
One of my favorite holiday upcycles is transforming a large lampshade into a Christmas tree collar. By removing the fabric and painting or covering the frame, you can create a chic, decorative base for your tree at a fraction of the cost of store-bought collars.
Check out the easy tutorial HERE.
2. Repurpose It as a Planter
A lampshade can easily be turned into a stylish indoor planter. Simply turn it upside down and place a potted plant inside. This adds a unique touch to your home while keeping your greenery beautifully displayed.
3. Add Ribbon Trim for a Custom Look
A plain lampshade can be elevated with just a little ribbon trim. Using hot glue or fabric glue, attach thin velvet or satin ribbon to the top and bottom edges for a chic, designer-inspired look.
4. Refresh It with Paint
Whether you break out a can of spray paint and cover the entire inside and outside in one bold color or choose to hand paint images like swirls for florals, paint is a great material to take an old lampshade and make it new again!
5. Cover in fabric
To create a pleated fabric lampshade, glue long strips of fabric vertically around the shade. This method mimics the look of a high-end, designer shade while keeping costs low.
6. Decorate with Vintage Brooches
Have old brooches or costume jewelry collecting dust? Secure them to a lampshade for an elegant, textured design that instantly adds character to any room.
7. Add Fringe for a Vintage Touch
For a 1920s-inspired look, glue a fringe trim to the bottom edge of your shade. This simple addition brings a touch of glamour and nostalgia to any space.
8. Garden chandelier
Turn an old lampshade into a stunning garden chandelier by removing the fabric and hanging string lights, flowers, or decorative beads. This DIY project creates a whimsical, romantic atmosphere for outdoor spaces.
See the step-by-step tutorial from My 100 Year Old Home HERE is the tutorial.
9. Make a Wire Christmas Tree
For a festive holiday project, remove the fabric from multiple lampshades to reveal the wire frames. Stack them to form a Christmas tree shape and decorate with ornaments and string lights.
10. Create a Nursery Mobile
Give a naked lampshade frame a second life by transforming it into a charming nursery mobile. Hang small items like wooden animals, felt shapes, or tiny flowers to match your nursery theme.
More DIY Lamp Projects You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these creative ways to upcycle a lampshade, check out these other DIY lamp transformations:
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xoxo, L
