While a lamp is used to brighten a room, it can be in need of a bit of brightening in the fabric department itself! Transform that ordinary or drab lampshade to compliment your living space in just 5 simple steps.
You will need:
• A lampshade frame, or old lampshade to refresh
• Desired fabric (tip: make sure to hold a light behind the fabric to make sure the pattern is still clear when the lamp is on. If it is not, simply add a layer of thicker backing to it)
• Add flexible polypropylene or similar base stock to support the fabric
• Spray adhesive is your friend—a must-have for this project!
What to do:
Step 1: Cut the base stock to match the height of your frame. You want it to just meet the frame for the height, and leave about 2.5cm overlap for the width.
Step 2: Match the base stock to your fabric, cutting the fabric about 7mm taller than the base at both top and bottom. Leave a bit extra on the sides as well.
Step 3: Place both fabric and base stock face down on newspaper or cardboard and coat completely with your spray adhesive.
Step 4: Once the adhesive is tacky, place the sticky sides together, securing the base to the fabric. Trim the fabric width to make it flush with the stock, leaving the extra height.
Step 5: Wrap your new lampshade around the frame, gluing the overlap down. Then roll the extra fabric along the bottom and top around the frame to get a feel for how you want it to look before spraying with adhesive. When you feel comfortable with how it should roll, spray adhesive and securely roll around the top and bottom of the frame.
And voila! You have a trendy new lamp to illuminate your space aesthetically!
Look at these snazzy lamps for inspiration, then click over to our fabric selection to get started!
Easy button: Purchase a plain color lampshade and cover with fabric to ease into crafting! Starting with a frame with square panels will make it easier to cut and secure the fabric with adhesive your first time.
