Help me paint or add color and snazz up lamp shades
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I can't seem to find any lamp shades in the size and color that I really like. I love the lamps and don't want new ones. I like the shades too, I just want to add color. I was thinking of beads along the bottom, or painting the vertical bars.....I dunno. Any ideas?
32 answers
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In my opinion I would do the beads.
Janet Pizaro
on Nov 20, 2015
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Find a colorful fabric and cut & glue to fit.
Ruth
on Nov 20, 2015
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You can also dye the shade and add beads
Wendy Harrington
on Nov 20, 2015
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I actually stenciled a shade and added tassel fringe. I have gotten many compliments.
Catherine
on Nov 20, 2015
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I would E6000 some 1/2 pearls randomly on it.
Kathy Evans Langford
on Nov 20, 2015
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https://www.google.com/search?q=HANDMADE+LAMP+SHADES+IDEAS&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjZt6PaoqHJAhWCYyYKHdZoBHMQ_AUIBygB&biw=1024&bih=614
Pam Walker
on Nov 21, 2015
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Add a strip of printed cloth as a border. You could stitch some beads onto it or let it dangle from it before attaching it onto the shade. That should make it more sophisticated
Nupur Chowdhury
on Nov 21, 2015
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As for the vertical bars, add a strip on coloured lace on them...
Nupur Chowdhury
on Nov 21, 2015
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I have sprayed painted them before and it works
Hot air
on Nov 21, 2015
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Cover with material of your liking to match room. Fabric glue to hold and add trim to the top and bottom for a finished look.
Marjorie merchant
on Nov 21, 2015
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I would go with Marjorie"s idea. If you like the shades,fabric or you can modge podge the shades, I have done that with mine, and they are still holding up, 3 years later. I used a printed paris theme tissue paper. Google (MODGE PODGE LAPSHAPES), lots of ideas there. You can also you chalk paint for the lamps,(no primer needed) then apply wax over the paint.
Grace Grieco
on Nov 21, 2015
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Beware doing anything to the original fabric that cannot be removed. You will never be able to remove or fix it if you find it either doesn't hold or you don't like it. i would go with overlay a 'sleeve' of fabric or the addition of the bead work.
Johnchip
on Nov 21, 2015
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I would modge podge lace on the panels then on one panel glue some small roses and small pearls you could even put some fringe around the bottom . check out pinterest its free to join and look up DIY lamp shades. good luck with your project.
Cindy Curtis
on Nov 21, 2015
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You can also use hot glue and trim around the bottom edges painting the shades one color and stenciling a design around it as well matching your room
Lana scott
on Nov 21, 2015
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i hot glued white mums from the dollar store around bottom and blue stripey ribbons from top to bottom every few inches.. i think it looks very cute!
Conniehatfield3
on Nov 21, 2015
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You could add ribbon along the edges to split up the monotony of the white. What you do to them sort of depends on the room/environment they are in.
CS
on Nov 21, 2015
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I did one with faux red roses---covered the whole thing---it was so cute
Pjakin61
on Nov 21, 2015
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I used hemp twine and hot glue to wrap around a shade from top to bottom. Looks fabulous! No one can believe they are the same lamps. They are buffet lamps and each shade took an hour to do.
Frostie Moma
on Nov 21, 2015
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Have a look at your local fabric shop. You can get braid in all sorts of colours and styles. You can also get ribbon which has beads already attached to it (in strings). These can be glued on to the bottom of the lampshade. Use hot glue and clothes pegs to hold it in position until it dries.
Valerie
on Nov 21, 2015
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Ever heard of a "slipcover" for lamp shades? You can find "how to" information on google. Type in, "how to make a slip cover for lamp shades." I have made several slipcovers (out of fabric) and had a lot of fun. Further, you can make them seasonal and/or for holidays. Best of all, you can store the slipcovers till next year!
861650
on Nov 21, 2015
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You could cut out flowers from tissue paper and mod podge them on. Try to find something that complements your rooms style.
Dragonintheattic
on Nov 21, 2015
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If you want to have more light in the room, carefully remove the fabric, seeing if you can use old fabric for a pattern. You should be able to determine just how the cover was made. You can either make your own "ribbons" with same fabric, buy cutting on the bias, then ironing the sides over narrow strips of hem tape. Be sure the "ribbon" completely folds over the hem tape, so that when you iron it, it does not melt onto your iron. Cut your panels on the bias, also. Sparingly hot glue fabric to "ribs" of the shade "skeleton." Cover up the seams with the bias tape you either made or purchased. Be sure to use a low heat light bulb, so that the heat from the light does not melt the hot glue. If you can find a different type of glue in the glue area of JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby, or Pat Catan's (or similar hobby store), you may want to try that. If you opt to paint your shade, or cover over with a fabric, be aware that little light will shine through.
Roberta
on Nov 21, 2015
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I purchased rhinestone peel and stick ons at Michaels' craft store and created a pattern around the widest part of 2 white, plain shades. The stick ons adhered well and certainly improved the appearance of the shades. I opted for 2 different patterns as I wanted the lamp shades to compliment each other but not look the same.
Faye Campbell
on Nov 21, 2015
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I took decorative trim and glued it along the vertical sides where the wires are. Used a similar color to the shade.
Marlene
on Nov 21, 2015
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Get some gimp or fringe to add along the metal and on the bottom or get some wide ribbon and a matching smaller ribbon and trim the top and bottom.
Dawn Hudson-Scott
on Nov 21, 2015
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If you want to keep it simple, just paint it with acrylic paint (water based) Two minutes later...:)
Tina
on Nov 21, 2015
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Use a small piece of natural sea sponge and lightly sponge onto the lamp shade metallic gold and silver paint. I usually use model paint as I think it looks the closest to gold and silver.
Joanne
on Nov 21, 2015
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That sounds like a dandy idea Joanne from Albany. I'll have to keep that in mind .
Faye Campbell
on Nov 22, 2015
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I've only used a brush, and have never had streaks....some shades painted 2 or 3 times over the years...a case of 'have fun or chuck it out'
Tina
on Nov 26, 2015
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In the same boat, but I was thinking of just stenciling an ivy boarder around the shade or a larger simple leaf stencil in the middle. Besides whatever the color on the outside it will be different during the day and a silhouette when the light is on.
Nancy
on Jan 02, 2016
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What about using an antique gold paint stencil swirl type to match the curves of the lamp itself?
Nancy
on Jan 02, 2016
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I hot glued complimentary striped ribbon down my vertical bars. Also ho glued rows of white carnations along the bottom. This repeated the ribbon and carnations in the bedroom and made the lamp look customized! Just an idea! Best of Luck!
Conniehatfield3
on Jan 02, 2016
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