Transform a Lampshade From Simple to Spectacular!!!

Ann M
by Ann M
3 Materials
1 Hour
Easy
My son left behind his IKEA floor lamp when he moved. It wasnt very nice looking and it had a strange PLASTIC lampshade. I was surprised to see it was rated to use a 100 watt bulb.
I knew I could transform this shade into something really nice.

Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of the lamp before I took the shade off but here it is stuck behind a bookcase lol! It has a nice brushed metal finish.
Shade off. Nice metal finish
So since the shade was plastic I gave it a good washing and drying and it was ready for a new look.
Napkin for modpodge
I love using napkins and modpodge to create a brand new look. I rip the napkins so there are no straight edges. Then I rip them onto smaller pieces. If there is a pattern such as above I try to keep the pattern intact. I then crumple (is that a word!) the pieces in my hand. Straighten them out enough to remove all the plys of napkin keeping only the printed pieces. You don't have to crumple them but it gives it a unique texture plus it won't drive you crazy if it buckles a little under the modpodge.
Add a layer of modpodge
On the clean shade paint a layer of modpodge and let it dry. Once dry start adding your printed napkin pieces with modpodge. Continue until fully covered. Because this style of shade faces the inside toward you it's necessary to cover the inside too.
Cover inside too.
I then did the bulb area both inside and outside. Because there are vent holes i needed to open up these vents.
Open vents
Using the end of the paint brush push through the holes to open the vents .
now let it completely dry.
Place shade on lamp. The lightbulb keeps the shade attached. Below is looking from above the shade looking down to the floor.
Completed
All ready to use
A "new" lamp to use in my office.


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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 6 questions
  • Joanie Joanie on Sep 22, 2017

    what r u gonna do with the triple shelf, table in front of the lamp?

  • Wanda Wanda on Sep 22, 2017

    How do you make your Mod Podge? Very cute shade I have 2 I might work on

  • Cjc29917640 Cjc29917640 on Sep 22, 2017

    Could this work on a traditional lampshade that isn't plastic?

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