How to Recover a Fabric Lampshade (DIY in 6 Easy Steps)
Give an old or thrifted lamp new life by learning how to recover a fabric lampshade. With just fabric, glue, and a few basic supplies, you can create a custom lampshade makeover in six simple steps.
Cost: 10
Equipment
Ingredients
- Lamp
- Lampshade
- Spray Paint
- Spray Glue
- Hot glue gun (needed for bias tape)
- Fabric of Choice (best fabric to cover a lampshade is cotton, linen, or light upholstery fabric)
- Bias Tape (be sure to choose a color that matches well with your fabric)
Instructions
Remove the lampshade
- Take the lampshade off the lamp base so you can work on it easily
Strip off the old covering
- Carefully remove any existing bias tape or trim, then peel away the old fabric from the shade
Create a pattern
- Lay the old fabric flat and use it as a template to trace the shape onto your new fabric. This ensures your new cover will fit perfectly
Cut your new fabric
- Using sharp fabric scissors, cut along the traced lines. Leave a little extra allowance if you’d like room to adjust while gluing
Attach the fabric to the shade
- Spray adhesive on the back side of your new fabric, then carefully smooth it onto the lampshade frame. Press firmly as you go, and trim away any excess fabric with scissors
Finish the edges
- Apply bias tape (or trim of your choice) along the top and bottom edges of the shade using glue. A hot glue gun works well if the spray adhesive doesn’t hold
Optional: update the lamp base
- If you’d like a completely refreshed look, spray paint the lamp base in your favorite color and allow it to dry fully before reassembling