Fun and Creative Ways to Revamp a Tired Lamp

ribbon_lampshadeTo freshen up your decor without spending a fortune, look for ways to breathe new life into what’s already on hand. These quick and easy lampshade re-do’s will instantly update any decor, casting a fresh glow into any space.

Before starting a lampshade make-over, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Covering or altering a lampshade will affect the quality of the light emitted, so think twice before re-doing the shade of a lamp you rely on for reading or sewing. A higher wattage bulb is NOT a safe solution for a dimmed lamp.
2. Clean the shade thoroughly before you begin. Use your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment to remove dust, or clean with a dry, powdered soap like sugar soap.

Revamp your lamp with one of these fun and simple projects:

Ribbon Wrapped Shade
Apply a thin, even layer of fabric glue to lengths of ribbon. Use clothespins to hold the ribbon in place until the glue sets. For added dimension, mix and match textured and patterned ribbons with solids.

Stenciled Shade
Freestyle hand-drawing not your thing? No worries! With stencils, you can create your own custom design. To make, simply use stencil brushes to apply fabric paint to the shade, then lift off the stencil and admire your masterpiece! Stenciled designs are especially fun for kid’s rooms or any space that calls for a splash of color.

Wallpaper Wrapped Shade
Start by measuring the shade’s circumference to see how much wallpaper you’ll need. Working in small sections, apply a thin, even layer of glue to the reverse side of the wallpaper, rolling the shade as you glue. Use clothespins to hold the wallpaper in place until the glue sets.

Embellished Shades
For a quick dress-up, use hot glue to adorn the shade with beads, charms, rhinestones, shells, ready-made appliques, or whatever else strikes your fancy. Flex your creative muscles to create a shade that expresses your personal style.

Enjoy letting your creativity shine with these fun and thrifty lampshade makeovers!

Photo Credits: Country Living

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1 Comment

  1. I have an antique lamp of a mother and a father holding a baby and I just love this piece but through moving furnitureand our kids playing it has gotten a bit tattered and I just want to say thank you for these simple ways to revamp it without having to go through a whole lot of money aor trouble.