DIY Lampshade Makeover: How to Create a Glamorous Lampshade

4 Materials
$20
1 Hour
Easy

Are you tired of the boring and outdated table lamps in your home? Upgrading your lampshades can be a quick and easy way to give your space a fresh and stylish new look.


In this DIY lampshade makeover, I will show you how to transform an old thrifted lampshade by adding beautiful lace appliques.


This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

You can make a classy lampshade with only a few basic materials, and it will cost you much less than a designer one.


Let's get started with our project on how to decorate a lamp!

Lace appliques in packets

1. Gathering Materials

To begin my lamp makeover, I headed to my local fabric store to find some lace appliqués. After searching through the wedding dress section, I found a set that caught my eye. Normally, they would have been quite expensive, but I was able to snag them from the discount rack at 75% off.

Thrift store lampshade

I was also lucky enough to find a thrifted lampshade at my local store for only $3.

Pointing at stain on the thrifted lampshade

It had a few small stains but I knew I could cover them up with the appliqués.

Placing appliques on the lampshade

2. Placing the Appliqués

Once I had all my materials, I started the creative process of arranging the appliqués on the lampshade. This was done by positioning appliqués of different sizes and shapes to add texture and variety to the lampshade's surface.


A few were added to the top and bottom of the shade, and some in the middle, until I had a design I was happy with.


To ensure that the appliqués will be glued down correctly, I marked out the placement of each with a pencil. They had a stickiness to them from the packaging, so they stayed in place while I was arranging them.

Saturating the appliques with spray adhesive

3. Attaching the Appliqués

Next, I used a spray adhesive to secure the lace appliqués to the lampshade. The adhesive was applied to the back of each and then laid in place on the lampshade. I made sure to saturate the appliqués with the adhesive so that they would stick well.

Sticking the appliques to the lampshade

I carefully laid them in place on the lampshade.


To make sure they firmly adhered, I let them sit for a few hours.

Painting gold onto part of an applique

4. Adding a Touch of Gold

After the appliqués were attached, gold metallic paint from Deco Art was used to add dimension and depth to the lampshade. I used a small brush to apply the paint to highlight the details of each appliqué. I achieved a crisp, gold metallic color without the paint soaking in too much.

How to decorate a lamp

I only painted certain areas of each appliqué, focusing on the flowers and leaves that were sticking out.

DIY lampshade makeover

5. Completing the Lampshade Makeover

As soon as the paint had dried overnight, I hung the newly designed lampshade on the lamp base. I was thrilled with the result.


This Anthro lamp dupe project transformed an ordinary thrift store lamp into a beautiful and unique home decor piece.


More Lampshade Makeovers

For more decor ideas, check out this gorgeous  thrift lamp transformation project!

DIY lampshade idea

How to decorate a lamp tutorial


This DIY lampshade idea was an excellent way to breathe new life into an old and outdated piece of décor.


I hope this lampshade decorating idea has inspired you to create your own shabby chic thrifted lamp. I'm excited for you to see the results of your hard work and creativity! Please share how your project went in the comments below!

Resources for this project:
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Holly Grace
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • SpudBread SpudBread on Jun 16, 2022

    FYI -- you can also use fabric high/low temp hot glue (gun)-- and not have to spray adhesive fumes around or breathe them ... A little dab'll do 'ya ... very fast, easy to do/use, & you CAN remove/change around the appliques if you're not happy with your creation! We use the hot glue/gun in making lined/finished drapery panels. The fabric gun has a narrow tip for finer sized work. HOT GLUE is a gift from heaven! Wonderful project on the shades!!!

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