Plain off-white lampshades may look so dull. My table lamps in the bedroom already started to irritate me, because the fabric on them was scratched, stained, dusty and so boring. I decided to refresh them by doing this easy do-it-yourself project. For those, who are like me, live in a rented apartment, it might be a quick and easy way to bring life into the space without spending a lot of money.
For my new lampshades I have chosen blue & white fabric by Laura Ashley which I found in the discounted textile shop in Riga. In my bedroom I wanted to create a romantic atmosphere with some vintage flavor. Actually by changing fabric on the shades you can match your lamps with an existing decor or get a certain ambiance in your room.
Lampshade before…
Required materials:
old lampshade
fabric (1 meter is enough for 2 lampshades)
fabric glue
pins
pencil
ruler
rubber
iron
Required budget:
Fabric Laura Ashley – I bought with discount at only 7 Eu per meter
Fabric glue – 7 Eu
Glue for plastics – 8 Eu
Instructions:
1) Accurately remove old fabric from the lampshade to use it as a template. Attach it with pins to the new fabric and draw the cutting line. Neatly cut it.2) Try new fabric on the shade and note with pencil the place where two sides join. If your fabric is thin, you might prefer to use a sewing machine to fix the joint. Since my fabric was quite thick I decided to use a fabric glue. If you prefer the second option, apply the glue to one of the edges like I did.3) Connect the joint. Some types of glue require ironing after application. When you do this, carefully press the whole fabric shade to remove wrinkles.4) Put the glue inside the top edge of fabric shade. Insert the metallic ring which was holding the plastic carcass. Fold the edges of the fabric inside the ring. You might need to make several little cuts to be able to fold it easily. Press firmly for glue to strengthen.5) Apply the glue inside the bottom edge of fabric shade. Insert the plastic carcass and fold the bottom edge of fabric underneath it. If your plastic shade got unstuck on the joint, use the special glue for plastics to fix it before putting fabric on it. Use something thin but not sharp to tuck up the fabric underneath the metallic ring. Attach the shade to the rack and your new lamp is ready!My lampshade after…
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Plain off-white lampshades may look so dull. My table lamps in the bedroom already started to irritate me, because the fabric on them was scratched, stained, dusty and so boring. I decided to refresh them by doing this easy do-it-yourself project. For those, who are like me, live in a rented apartment, it might be a quick and easy way to bring life into the space without spending a lot of money.
