How To Cover Lamp Shade: Easy DIY Steps

How To Cover Lamp Shade
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How To Cover A Lamp Shade: Easy DIY Steps

Can you recover a lampshade? Absolutely! Covering a lampshade is a fantastic DIY project that lets you breathe new life into old lighting fixtures and tailor them perfectly to your decor. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully cover your lampshade, whether you’re looking for a simple fabric lamp shade update or a complete lampshade replacement.

Why Cover A Lamp Shade?

Lampshades are often the unsung heroes of a room, but they can also be the first things to show their age. Colors fade, fabrics tear, and styles go out of fashion. Instead of tossing a perfectly good lamp base, lamp shade repair or covering lampshade with fabric is a budget-friendly and creative solution. It’s a way to:

Update Your Decor: Easily match your lampshade to new color schemes or interior design trends.
Save Money: Avoid the cost of buying a brand-new lampshade, which can be surprisingly expensive.
Express Your Style: Choose unique fabrics and embellishments to create a truly custom look.
Restore Old Favorites: Bring back the charm of a cherished lamp with a fresh covering.
Fix Damage: Cover up stains, tears, or fading on an existing shade.

This process is also known as lamp shade redoing or creating a lamp shade slipcover, offering a versatile approach to home décor.

Materials You’ll Need for Your DIY Lamp Shade Project

Gathering the right supplies is key to a smooth and successful DIY lamp shade project. Here’s a comprehensive list:

New Fabric: Choose a fabric that complements your room. Consider cotton, linen, silk blends, or even interesting textured materials. Ensure it’s not too thick or heavy, as this can affect light diffusion.
Your Old Lamp Shade: The base for your new design.
Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors are essential for clean cuts.
Measuring Tape or Ruler: For precise measurements.
Fabric Glue or Spray Adhesive: A reliable adhesive is crucial for securing the fabric. Fabric glue offers a stronger hold for edges, while spray adhesive is great for covering large areas smoothly.
Craft Knife or Rotary Cutter (Optional): For very precise trimming, especially around the top and bottom edges.
Iron and Ironing Board: To press the fabric smooth before application and to ensure a neat finish.
Thumbtacks or Masking Tape: To temporarily hold the fabric in place while the adhesive dries.
Pencil or Fabric Marker: To mark cut lines on your fabric.
Trim or Embellishments (Optional): Ribbon, fringe, pom-poms, or tassels to add a decorative touch.
Old Newspaper or Drop Cloth: To protect your work surface from adhesive.

Step-by-Step Guide to Covering Your Lamp Shade

Let’s get started on decorating lamp shade and giving it a beautiful new look!

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Lay down old newspaper or a drop cloth on a flat surface. This will protect your table or floor from glue and fabric scraps. Make sure you have good lighting.

Step 2: Remove the Old Fabric (If Necessary)

If your existing lampshade has a dated or damaged fabric you want to replace entirely, you’ll need to remove it.

Carefully peel away the old fabric. Often, it’s glued or stapled to the frame at the top and bottom.
Use a craft knife or small pliers to gently remove any staples or excess glue.
Clean the lampshade frame with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue.

If you’re updating a lamp shade by covering it directly (like a paper shade), you can often skip this step. However, ensure the existing surface is clean and smooth.

Step 3: Measure and Cut Your Fabric

This is a critical step for a professional finish. There are two main methods:

Method A: Measuring the Existing Shade

Measure the Circumference: Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the widest part of the lampshade. Add about 1 inch (2.5 cm) to this measurement for seam allowance or overlap.
Measure the Height: Measure the height of the lampshade from the top edge to the bottom edge. Add about 1 inch (2.5 cm) for the top and bottom edges.
Cut Your Fabric: Lay your chosen fabric flat, right side down. Using your measurements, draw a rectangle on the fabric. Cut out the rectangle.

Method B: Using the Old Fabric as a Template (If Removed)

Lay the old lampshade fabric flat on your new fabric, ensuring it’s smooth.
Trace around the old fabric.
Add a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) to 1 inch (2.5 cm) border around the traced shape for gluing and trimming. Cut out the new fabric piece.

Tip for Cylindrical Shades: If you have a simple cylinder shade, you can wrap your fabric around it tightly, mark the overlap, and cut.

Table: Fabric Measurement Guidance

Shade Type	Measurement	Allowance for Overlap/Gluing
Cylinder (Straight)	Circumference at widest point + height	1 inch for overlap
Tapered (Drum)	Measure along the curve at top and bottom, then height	1 inch for overlap
Empire (Tapered)	Measure along the curve at top and bottom, then height	1 inch for overlap

Note: For tapered shades, you might need to cut a trapezoid shape. Sometimes, cutting a rectangle and then trimming the sides at an angle works best.

Step 4: Apply Adhesive to the Shade Frame

Work in sections to ensure the adhesive doesn’t dry before you can attach the fabric.

For Spray Adhesive: Lightly and evenly spray the back of your fabric or directly onto a section of the lampshade frame. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time.
For Fabric Glue: Apply a thin, even line of fabric glue along one edge of the lampshade frame (e.g., the top edge).

Step 5: Attach the Fabric to the Shade

This is where your DIY lamp shade starts to take shape!

Start at an Edge: Carefully align the edge of your fabric with the top edge of the lampshade frame. If you removed the old fabric, there might be a seam or a place where the old fabric was attached.
Smooth as You Go: Press the fabric firmly onto the adhesive. Work your way down the side of the shade, smoothing out any wrinkles or air bubbles. Use your hands or a clean cloth.
Attach the Second Edge: For a clean overlap, apply adhesive to the opposite edge of the lampshade frame. Gently pull the fabric taut and overlap the starting edge. Secure it with fabric glue or a few thumbtacks temporarily.
Address Wrinkles: If you notice wrinkles, you can try to gently lift the fabric and reapply, or use a hairdryer on a low setting to warm the fabric and gently smooth it out.

Step 6: Secure the Top and Bottom Edges

This step requires precision for a professional look.

Trim Excess Fabric: At the top and bottom edges, you should have about 1/2 inch to 1 inch of fabric extending past the frame.
Fold and Glue: Apply fabric glue to the inside of the lampshade frame at the top edge. Carefully fold the excess fabric over the frame and press it down firmly. Work in small sections.
Repeat for the Bottom: Do the same for the bottom edge. Ensure the fabric is pulled taut to avoid sagging.
Alternative for Trimmed Edges: If you prefer a very neat edge without folding, you can carefully trim the excess fabric very close to the frame using sharp scissors or a craft knife. Then, run a thin bead of fabric glue along the very edge of the fabric and press it onto the frame.

Step 7: Add Trim or Embellishments (Optional)

This is the fun part of decorating lamp shade!

Ribbon: Cut a length of ribbon to fit around the top or bottom edge. Apply fabric glue or hot glue along the edge and carefully press the ribbon into place.
Fringe or Tassels: These are typically attached along the bottom edge for a classic look. Apply a line of fabric glue and press the fringe into place.
Pom-Poms or Beads: Use fabric glue to attach these decorative elements in patterns or randomly.

Step 8: Allow to Dry Completely

Let the fabric glue and any other adhesives dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s instructions before handling the lampshade or placing it back on the lamp base. This usually takes several hours.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

Once dry, inspect your fabric lamp shade. Trim any stray threads. Ensure the glue is not visible from the outside.

Different Techniques for Covering Lamp Shades

Beyond the basic rectangle method, there are other ways to approach covering lampshade with fabric:

1. Pleating or Gathering

For a softer, more textured look, you can gather or pleat your fabric before attaching it.

Gathering: Cut a fabric piece that is the same height as your shade but significantly wider (double the circumference is a good starting point). Sew a long running stitch along one long edge and pull the thread to gather the fabric. Attach the gathered edge to the top of the shade, then work down, gathering and gluing the bottom edge.
Pleating: Cut a fabric piece with extra width. Create neat pleats (like accordion folds) along one edge. Glue the pleated edge to the top of the shade, then carefully unroll and glue the fabric down the side, maintaining the pleats.

2. Using a Patterned Fabric with a Specific Design

If your fabric has a large, repeating pattern or a motif you want to showcase, you’ll need to be more strategic with your cutting.

Placement: Lay your shade on the fabric and plan where you want the pattern to fall. You might need to cut multiple pieces for a tapered shade to ensure the pattern flows correctly.
Seams: If you need multiple pieces, try to place seams in less visible areas or align them with the shade’s vertical ribs if possible.

3. Covering Fabric Lamp Shades Directly

Some lampshades have a thin paper or fabric covering that can be glued over.

Clean Surface: Ensure the existing surface is clean, smooth, and free of holes or tears.
Thin Fabric: Use lighter weight fabrics for this method, as thicker materials can create bulk and unevenness.
Spray Adhesive is Best: Spray adhesive provides a smooth, even application for these types of shades.

4. Creating a Lampshade Slipcover

This is a great option if you want a removable covering or want to avoid permanent alteration to the shade.

Measure Carefully: Measure the shade’s dimensions, including any curves.
Sewing Skills: This method usually involves sewing a seam to create a tube or fitted cover.
Closure: Include a way to get the cover on and off, such as Velcro, snaps, or a zipper.

Tips for a Professional Finish

Iron Everything: Press your fabric before you start and again after you’ve applied it if needed. This helps ensure smooth application.
Use Quality Adhesive: Cheap glue can lead to peeling fabric later on.
Work in Good Light: You need to see wrinkles and ensure clean lines.
Patience is Key: Don’t rush the process, especially when gluing the edges.
Test Adhesive: If you’re unsure how your fabric and adhesive will react, test them on a small scrap piece first.
Consider Light Diffusion: Some fabrics are more opaque than others. If you want a soft glow, choose lighter colors and thinner materials. Darker or thicker fabrics might block more light.

When to Consider Lamp Shade Replacement Instead of Covering

While covering is a great option, there are times when lamp shade replacement is the better choice:

Damaged Frame: If the wireframe of the lampshade is bent, broken, or rusted, it might be beyond repair.
Very Old or Brittle Material: Extremely old shades, especially those made of plastic or brittle paper, might be too delicate to cover effectively.
Complex Shapes: Some intricately shaped or antique lampshades are difficult to cover neatly without professional help.
Cost-Effectiveness: If you find a new lampshade for a very low price, lamp shade replacement might be simpler and equally affordable.

This process of lamp shade redoing is also often called restoring a lamp shade when the goal is to bring an old favorite back to its former glory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use any fabric to cover a lampshade?
A1: You can use most fabrics, but avoid very thick, heavy, or synthetic materials like polyester that might melt or warp under the heat of a light bulb. Natural fibers like cotton and linen, or lightweight blends, are usually best. Always check the fabric’s care instructions and consider its weight.

Q2: How do I choose the right size fabric for my lampshade?
A2: Measure the circumference and height of your shade carefully. For a basic rectangular wrap, add about an inch for overlap and an inch for the top and bottom edges. For tapered shades, it’s more about creating a trapezoid shape.

Q3: What is the best adhesive for covering a lampshade?
A3: Fabric glue or a strong spray adhesive designed for fabrics is generally recommended. Fabric glue provides a strong bond for edges, while spray adhesive is good for larger, flat areas. Make sure the adhesive is permanent once dry.

Q4: How do I get a smooth finish without wrinkles?
A4: Work in small sections, smoothing the fabric as you go. Start from the center and work outwards. Using a hairdryer on a low heat setting can sometimes help to gently smooth out minor wrinkles before the adhesive fully cures.

Q5: What if my lampshade has a wire frame with lots of struts?
A5: For shades with complex frames, you might need to cut notches in the fabric allowance at the top and bottom to help it lie flat around the struts. Apply glue carefully to each strut before folding the fabric over.

Q6: Can I cover a plastic lampshade?
A6: Yes, you can cover plastic lampshades. Ensure the plastic surface is clean and dry. Spray adhesive often works well on smooth plastic surfaces. Test a small area first to ensure the adhesive doesn’t damage the plastic.

Q7: How do I make the top and bottom edges look neat?
A7: The neatest finish usually comes from folding the excess fabric over the top and bottom wire frames and gluing it securely on the inside of the shade. A clean cut very close to the frame, followed by a thin bead of glue, is another option for a minimalist look.

Q8: Is this a good project for beginners?
A8: Yes, covering a simple cylindrical or drum lampshade is an excellent beginner project. Tapered shades might require a bit more precision with fabric cutting and fitting.

By following these detailed steps, you can transform your old lampshades into stylish new pieces that perfectly match your home décor. It’s a rewarding DIY lamp shade project that offers both beauty and practicality. Enjoy restoring lamp shade treasures!