How can I refresh an old ugly lampshade?

Can you recover it with new fabric?

Here's a tutorial that might help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkrYoLPZGqY

If that particular tutorial won't help, you could try using Mod Podge for fabric to adhere a new layer of fabric over the old one and shape it however it needs to be shaped.

Madeline: these should be helpful!

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-paint-a-lampshade-4587801

https://www.marthastewart.com/911978/how-paint-lampshade

If you want to just clean it, I would try using a granular hydrogen peroxide product like Oxyclean, you can find an equivalent of this at dollar tree, I would soak the shade in it if you think the shade fabric can withstand that. After soaking I would clean it gently it with blue dawn dish soap in warm sudsy water and a micro fiber cloth and rinse, let it air dry.

Best to you.

Here are some ideas from other HomeTalkers

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=lampshade

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=cover%20lampshade

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/update-and-old-lamp-shade-with-these-simple-steps-44263857

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/using-jewelry-to-refresh-thrifted-lamps-43854244

Can you cut off the cloth, trace the shape on new cloth, and reattach it? Or you could try painting it? https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/learn-how-to-paint-a-lamp-shade-41925921

Hello I have spray-painted both fabric lampshades and paper lampshades. Covering with fabric might be the most elegant choice though. I have even seen bloggers wrap lacy strips around lampshades —it all depends on your decor aesthetic.

I hope you find the perfect solution to upscale your shade..

Paint, removable wallpaper, take off the existing cover and go industrial with the metal frame, farmhouse chic by adding chicken wire, or a bit of lace to soften the look.

You could spray paint it or stencil it

Madeline...If it does not have any damage I would use spray paint. I have one I sprayed a number of years ago and I still use it.

Hi Madeline, this lady used watercolor paints for a dreamy lampshade makeover - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSaYsqSiMmQ

Pick out a piece of wallpaper that matches a room's decor, and attach it to the lampshade with a spray adhesive or craft glue. Temporary wall decals or peel-and-stick wallpaper works, too. Remember to let the adhesive or glue completely dry before putting the shade back on the lamp to prevent messes.

Can you clean and recover it? Perhaps paint it.

You can paint the outside of the lamp shade with spray paint or by using regular wall paint and a paint brush. You could add some "glam" by spraying the interior of the lamp shade with metallic gold or silver paint.