A simple way to refresh any room is by updating your lampshade with fabric. Lampshades come in various shapes, sizes, patterns, and colors, allowing you to transform the look of a space almost instantly. However, high-quality lampshades often come with a hefty price tag. Instead of spending a fortune, why not repurpose an old lampshade?
This easy tutorial will show you how to take any lampshade—even outdated thrift store finds—and turn it into a beautiful statement piece for your home.
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Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Lampshade
This easy DIY project uses fabric to cover an existing lampshade, so while you’re scouring your local thrifSince this DIY project involves covering an existing lampshade with fabric, make sure to check the linen section, clothing racks, and craft aisle at your local thrift stores.
What to Look For:
- Non-stretch fabrics: Choose materials that hold their shape when pulled tightly, such as men’s oxford shirts, tablecloths, or drapes.
- Patterns and colors: Select fabric that complements your home décor. Draw inspiration from designer lampshades online and find similar prints.
- Size of the fabric: Ensure the fabric piece is large enough to fully cover your lampshade. Mini shades may work with smaller fabrics, but larger shades require bigger cuts.
- Craft section finds: Ribbon is a fantastic alternative to fabric. You can easily transform a lampshade with fabric or ribbon for a fresh new look.
Want more ways to use thrifted fabric? Check out 9 Unique Fabric Upcycles Here!
Materials Needed
- Lampshade of your choice
- Fabric or ribbon
- Hot glue gun or fabric glue
- Scissors
- Iron (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Fabric
Cut fabric or ribbon into strips about 1 inch longer than the height of your lampshade. You can choose the width of your strips to create different effects—wider strips provide a relaxed look, while thinner strips offer a tailored, pleated appearance.
2. Create Clean Edges
For fabric strips:
- Apply a line of glue along one long edge and fold it over to create a clean, finished edge.
- For a sharper fold, press the fabric with an iron.
For ribbon:
Ribbon edges are usually finished, so you can skip this step.
3. Attach the Fabric to the Lampshade
- Apply glue to one short end of the fabric or ribbon and secure it inside the top edge of the lampshade.
- Pull the strip tightly and attach the bottom edge inside the lampshade.
Continue overlapping strips around the entire lampshade, ensuring each new strip covers the raw edge of the previous one.
4. Trim and Finish
Trim any excess fabric on the inside to create a polished look.
If your lampshade has a wire frame, snip the fabric at those points and tuck it neatly on either side of the wire.
If your lampshade has a wire frame, snip the fabric at those points and tuck it neatly on either side of the wire.
How I Styled My “New” Lampshades
I transformed a 1920s Rembrandt floor lamp I thrifted for $30 by covering a $3 lampshade in a vintage Laura Ashley drape. The result? A stunning custom piece that enhances my living room décor.
For a smaller project, I updated a mini brass bear lamp with a $2 thrifted shade and bold floral ribbon. It’s perfect for spring, but I plan to create a second shade for fall and winter.
More DIY Lamp Projects You’ll Love
If you enjoyed updating your lampshade with fabric, check out these other creative DIY lamp ideas:
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xoxo, L
