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Emily A. Clark

easy interior decorating ideas

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How to Recover a Lampshade: A Photo Tutorial

February 23, 2011

  

Today, I’m sharing a little photo tutorial of how to cover lampshades with fabric.  I’ve never posted an official how-to on recovering shades, but you can find some helpful links here and here.

Thanks to my client for snapping these step-by-step photos of the process:
tutorial for covering a lampshade with fabric

 

Since we didn’t a want a trim, she started by removing the banding.
lamp shade tutorial
using spray adhesive on lamp shade
She added an extra layer of white (with fabric spray adhesive) because the cream of the original shade was showing through the gray fabric when we tested it out.
covering lamp shade with white liner
wrapping fabric around drum shade
covering a drum lampshade with fabric
Fabric glue to attach fabric to inside of shade . . .
gluing seams on lampshade
Ta-da! Such an easy way to customize a simple lamp and a great way to bring more pattern into your space:
fabric covered lampshade
fabric lampshades in gray and white bedroom

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Filed Under: Client Project, DIY

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heidiopia says

    February 23, 2011 at 2:38 am

    These are stunning– what a fabulous DIY! So excited because I just bought a new shade for the family room lamp with an eye to covering it. Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
  2. Carrie says

    February 23, 2011 at 2:46 am

    Stunningly easy! It’s not on my to-do list! Thanks for the tip and photos!

    Reply
  3. Jillian says

    February 23, 2011 at 2:50 am

    thank you for posting this tutorial!! i am excited because it looks do-able! xoxox jcd :: cornflake dreams

    Reply
  4. Mr. Goodwill Hunting says

    February 23, 2011 at 2:52 am

    Love a good tutorial.

    Mr. Goodwill Hunting

    Reply
  5. Baylor Love says

    February 23, 2011 at 3:05 am

    Well that is just great! What a wonderful idea for those of us who have run out of places to put throw pillows. :-)

    Reply
  6. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    February 23, 2011 at 3:07 am

    Great tutorial! I just adore that fabric!

    Reply
  7. A Pearl In The Making says

    February 23, 2011 at 3:10 am

    Thanks so much for sharing this. I just purchased fabric to cover a shade and these instructions will come in so handy.

    Reply
  8. Megan {Honey We're Home} says

    February 23, 2011 at 3:24 am

    I was wondering about that! Thanks for sharing. It turned out amazing- and we totally respect your client design services.

    Reply
  9. Kim @ Sand and Sisal says

    February 23, 2011 at 3:37 am

    Simply gorgeous lampshades! I love the graphic fabric. So simple and chic at the same time! Thank you for sharing with us!

    Reply
  10. Jenny says

    February 23, 2011 at 4:08 am

    I’m such a fan of the graphic prints these days – great tutorial and a wonderful finished project! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  11. InteriorGroupie says

    February 23, 2011 at 4:09 am

    That looks really great. Thanks for the step by step tutoria!

    Reply
  12. Katie @ Noodle and Boof says

    February 23, 2011 at 4:39 am

    they look GREAT!

    Reply
  13. Chic Coles says

    February 23, 2011 at 4:54 am

    I am definitely going to have to try this! Love what you did!

    Reply
  14. Mrs. Chic says

    February 23, 2011 at 5:01 am

    great fabric choice on the lamp shades looks so good

    Reply
  15. Full House says

    February 23, 2011 at 5:03 am

    Wow, your room looks so fabulous. This post came at a great time..so thanks..you saved me the time it would have taken to research a good tutorial.

    Reply
  16. Kate @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating says

    February 23, 2011 at 5:20 am

    Those are fabulous! It looks much easier than I thought it would be… going to have to try it! :)

    Reply
  17. Chelsea says

    February 23, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    I featured this post in my weekly surf today.

    thanks for the inspiration.

    happy wednesday!

    Reply
  18. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    February 23, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    Love the gorgeous fabric you guys chose. :) A great tutorial, Emily! I Stumbled it!

    Reply
  19. renee kristine says

    February 23, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    so simple and inspirational. thank you!

    Reply
  20. Cherie says

    February 23, 2011 at 10:45 pm

    I’m ready! Just waiting for the fabric to be restocked. Thanks for posting these directions, Emily.

    Reply
  21. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} says

    February 23, 2011 at 10:59 pm

    That lamp shade is so fantastic! I’ve been eyeing that fabric for a while now…maybe that is the way to get some of it into my own house!

    Reply
  22. Vivienne says

    February 23, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    That’s beautiful!

    Reply
  23. Jenny says

    February 23, 2011 at 11:56 pm

    gorgeous!! and it looks so simple.. I will have to try this soon!

    Jenny
    http://roadtobliss.blogspot.com

    Reply
  24. Beth says

    February 24, 2011 at 12:09 am

    Timely post – I just found a fabulous lamp at the Restore. Thanks for the simple tutorial!

    Reply
  25. JenV says

    February 24, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    Looks awesome!!!

    Reply
  26. Lisa says

    February 24, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    I LOVE this lamp. Great idea and thanks for the tutorial! Can I ask where the lamp base is from?? Have been looking for one just like it!

    Reply
  27. Rachel H. says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    I love this project! Thanks for the tips.

    Reply
  28. Rachel H. says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    Love the tips. Thanks for posting!

    Reply
  29. Kelly @ JAX does design says

    February 25, 2011 at 4:15 am

    Wow, the lampshades look fantastic! Love the fabric – it’s absolutely perfect for the room :-)

    Reply
  30. Tracy says

    February 28, 2011 at 9:08 pm

    Those are gorgeous! You make it look easy — getting the fabric straight and not puckered… I guess that’s why I paint instead. ;)

    Reply
  31. Ruthie's Renewed Treasures says

    September 13, 2011 at 3:29 am

    I did this to one of my lamps a few years ago and am still enjoying it today! Great tutorial!!

    Reply
  32. s.duane says

    October 8, 2012 at 12:10 pm

    love the fabric, where is it from?

    Reply
  33. Kathy f says

    February 11, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    Kathy Love the tutorial I will be updating mine.

    Reply
  34. Betty819 says

    January 30, 2014 at 10:19 pm

    Emily,
    Your tuitorial makes this task look easyl but how did you make the pattern for the shade? What is that ribbed looking fabric? Was that the original lamp shade covering? The tan color, is that manila paper for a pattern or fabric?

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      January 30, 2014 at 10:36 pm

      The ribbed, tan fabric was what was originally on the lamp shade. There really wasn’t a pattern needed except to measure the height and diameter of the shade and leave a little excess for folding around the edges. Good luck!

      Reply
  35. Kristin says

    October 19, 2014 at 1:43 pm

    I did this today and it was so easy! It’s a real difference maker in the room

    Reply
  36. Jazzy says

    November 28, 2014 at 12:40 am

    Can I ask where you got the fabric from? Very cute!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      November 28, 2014 at 7:13 am

      It’s by Dwell Studio for Robert Allen.

      Reply
      • Jazzy says

        November 28, 2014 at 9:25 am

        thanks for the quick reply! :)

        Reply
  37. Sydnei says

    January 24, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous…I’m going to do it today with a lamp shade I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with. You’ve answered my question. I’m going to spray paint & glam the lamp.

    Reply
  38. Debra Jahnke says

    August 24, 2023 at 11:25 am

    Does adding additional fabric to the lampshade darken the room? Debra

    Reply

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