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:
Since we didn’t a want a trim, she started by removing the banding.
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.
Fabric glue to attach fabric to inside of shade . . .
Ta-da! Such an easy way to customize a simple lamp and a great way to bring more pattern into your space:
Heidiopia says
February 23, 2011 at 2:38 amThese 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!
Carrie says
February 23, 2011 at 2:46 amStunningly easy! It’s not on my to-do list! Thanks for the tip and photos!
Jillian says
February 23, 2011 at 2:50 amthank you for posting this tutorial!! i am excited because it looks do-able! xoxox jcd :: cornflake dreams
Mr. Goodwill Hunting says
February 23, 2011 at 2:52 amLove a good tutorial.
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
Baylor Love says
February 23, 2011 at 3:05 amWell that is just great! What a wonderful idea for those of us who have run out of places to put throw pillows. :-)
Carmel @ Our Fifth House says
February 23, 2011 at 3:07 amGreat tutorial! I just adore that fabric!
A Pearl In The Making says
February 23, 2011 at 3:10 amThanks so much for sharing this. I just purchased fabric to cover a shade and these instructions will come in so handy.
Megan {Honey We're Home} says
February 23, 2011 at 3:24 amI was wondering about that! Thanks for sharing. It turned out amazing- and we totally respect your client design services.
Kim @ Sand and Sisal says
February 23, 2011 at 3:37 amSimply gorgeous lampshades! I love the graphic fabric. So simple and chic at the same time! Thank you for sharing with us!
Jenny says
February 23, 2011 at 4:08 amI’m such a fan of the graphic prints these days – great tutorial and a wonderful finished project! Thanks for sharing.
InteriorGroupie says
February 23, 2011 at 4:09 amThat looks really great. Thanks for the step by step tutoria!
Katie @ Noodle and Boof says
February 23, 2011 at 4:39 amthey look GREAT!
Chic Coles says
February 23, 2011 at 4:54 amI am definitely going to have to try this! Love what you did!
Mrs. Chic says
February 23, 2011 at 5:01 amgreat fabric choice on the lamp shades looks so good
Full House says
February 23, 2011 at 5:03 amWow, 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.
Kate @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating says
February 23, 2011 at 5:20 amThose are fabulous! It looks much easier than I thought it would be… going to have to try it! :)
Chelsea says
February 23, 2011 at 3:04 pmI featured this post in my weekly surf today.
thanks for the inspiration.
happy wednesday!
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
February 23, 2011 at 4:48 pmLove the gorgeous fabric you guys chose. :) A great tutorial, Emily! I Stumbled it!
renee kristine says
February 23, 2011 at 7:41 pmso simple and inspirational. thank you!
Cherie says
February 23, 2011 at 10:45 pmI’m ready! Just waiting for the fabric to be restocked. Thanks for posting these directions, Emily.
Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} says
February 23, 2011 at 10:59 pmThat 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!
Vivienne says
February 23, 2011 at 11:22 pmThat’s beautiful!
Jenny says
February 23, 2011 at 11:56 pmgorgeous!! and it looks so simple.. I will have to try this soon!
Jenny
http://roadtobliss.blogspot.com
Beth says
February 24, 2011 at 12:09 amTimely post – I just found a fabulous lamp at the Restore. Thanks for the simple tutorial!
JenV says
February 24, 2011 at 1:21 pmLooks awesome!!!
Lisa says
February 24, 2011 at 7:03 pmI 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!
Rachel H. says
February 24, 2011 at 9:41 pmI love this project! Thanks for the tips.
Rachel H. says
February 24, 2011 at 9:42 pmLove the tips. Thanks for posting!
Kelly @ JAX does design says
February 25, 2011 at 4:15 amWow, the lampshades look fantastic! Love the fabric – it’s absolutely perfect for the room :-)
Tracy says
February 28, 2011 at 9:08 pmThose are gorgeous! You make it look easy — getting the fabric straight and not puckered… I guess that’s why I paint instead. ;)
Ruthie's Renewed Treasures says
September 13, 2011 at 3:29 amI did this to one of my lamps a few years ago and am still enjoying it today! Great tutorial!!
s.duane says
October 8, 2012 at 12:10 pmlove the fabric, where is it from?
Kathy f says
February 11, 2013 at 3:04 pmKathy Love the tutorial I will be updating mine.
Betty819 says
January 30, 2014 at 10:19 pmEmily,
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?
Emily Clark says
January 30, 2014 at 10:36 pmThe 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!
Kristin says
October 19, 2014 at 1:43 pmI did this today and it was so easy! It’s a real difference maker in the room
Jazzy says
November 28, 2014 at 12:40 amCan I ask where you got the fabric from? Very cute!
Emily Clark says
November 28, 2014 at 7:13 amIt’s by Dwell Studio for Robert Allen.
Jazzy says
November 28, 2014 at 9:25 amthanks for the quick reply! :)
Sydnei says
January 24, 2015 at 3:47 pmAbsolutely 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.