How can I subtlely change the color of a lamp shade?

VA.
by VA.

It's too white and I'd like the shade to reflect a yellowly glow.

VA.


  7 answers
  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Dec 07, 2019

    Boil a tea bag and let the brew sit until cool. Take a wide, flat paintbrush and apply evenly to the lampshade. Let dry. Try it out. If it is not dark enough, repeat the procedure.

  • Em Em on Dec 07, 2019

    Tea staining gives cloth and paper a gently aged patina without spending a fortune or taking much time. It also changes the look of a lampshade without introducing harsh chemicals into your home. This method does not work on every kind of cloth or paper, so start with a lampshade made of cotton, linen, or paper that’s sturdy enough to handle a bit of liquid.

    Bring 4 or so cups of water to a boil. You are going to reduce this liquid, so start with more than you think you need. If you want to start with more than 4 cups, add another tea bag for each additional cup of water.

    Put 4 tea bags into the boiling water and give them a stir. Black tea works best for an antique golden look.

    Let the tea steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard them.

    Bring the tea to a low simmer and let it cook down for 20 to 30 minutes. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes.

    Place a drop cloth over your work surface to catch drips and spills.

    Set your lampshade on a bottle or vase to keep it upright without having to rest it on the table. This also allows you to turn the lampshade without touching it.

    Dip your sponge brush into the reduced tea and blot the excess off on the edge of the pot. Paint the lampshade in even vertical strips.

    Even out the places where the brush strokes overlap with a clean, dry shop cloth or old white T-shirt if necessary. A clean, dry staining sponge also works for this.

    Let the tea stain dry completely before deciding if you need a second coat, because it dries darker than when it goes on.

  • Tinyshoes Tinyshoes on Dec 07, 2019

    VA...You can take wired ribbon and wrap around using a little hot glue if and where needed.

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Dec 07, 2019

    It might be simplest to change the bulb in the lamp - pick a bulb with a warmer glow. :)

  • Emily Emily on Dec 07, 2019

    I like the idea of tea staining but I would dip the lampshade in the tea rather than "painting" the tea on. It would give a more even absorption.

  • VA. VA. on Dec 08, 2019

    Tea bag! All of you are SO clever. Thank You.

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Dec 14, 2019

    You can paint the lampshade using a chalky paint.