Giving your lampshades an update can instantly revive your home’s decor. With some simple tweaks and accents, you can transform dull, dated shades into eye-catching focal points. Here are some quick and easy ways to give new life to your lampshades.
Choose Eye-Catching Materials
Trade in traditional fabric shades for something more exotic. Materials like faux leather, silk, sequins, or metallic sheens add glamour and richness. For an organic look, try lampshades made of bamboo, rattan, or wood. If you want a punch of color, go for shades in vibrant hues like teal, coral, or chartreuse. The texture and sheen of the shade material makes a big impact.
Add Trim and Tassels
Some simple trim can make plain lampshades look luxurious. Go for wide embroidered braids, fringe, pom poms, or beadwork. Tassels are an easy way to create a tailored, finished look. For a more casual vibe, use natural materials like raffia or hemp. Make sure the trim contrasts or complements the shade color.
Pick Eye-Catching Shapes
Besides the classic drum and empire shapes, there are lots of unique lampshade silhouettes to consider. Try an angular rectangle, oval, cone, barrel, or curved shade. Look for lampshades with cutouts, pleats, gathering, or asymmetry. Offbeat shapes, like stars, globes, or hexagons, make fun accents.
Layer and Mix
For lots of texture and visual interest, layer two or more lampshades of varying shapes, sizes, and materials on a single base. Or, mix different shades throughout a room – metallic next to a drum shade, a rectangle next to a globe. Varying heights create dimension.
Display Artwork
Turn your lampshades into mini art galleries. Look for paper shades that you can decoupage with photos, maps, pages from books, sheet music, or illustrations. Or pick untreated linen shades and paint designs, patterns, or scenes on them with fabric paint.
Add Dimensional Details
Small dimensional details give lampshades extra panache. Sew or glue on ruffles, rosettes, ruches, ribbons, flowers, feathers, or beads. Affix brooches, buckles, or other embellishments. Wrap the bottom edge in a ruffle or attach a flounce or valence for drama.
Repurpose Unexpected Items
For inspired one-of-a-kind shades, look around for items to repurpose. Vintage scarves, doilies, or handkerchiefs make charming overlay shades. Try paper parasols, lamp finials, baskets, or tablecloths as bases. Capitalize on your crafting skills and imagination.
With some creativity and DIY flair, you can easily remake tired shades into an inventive focal point. Choose eye-catching materials, trims, shapes or artwork to showcase your personal style. Layer and mix designs for lots of visual interest. With just a few simple updates, you can give your lampshades an imaginative edge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Updating Lampshades
How can I make my lampshades look more modern?
Some easy ways to modernize your lampshades include using streamlined geometric shapes, opting for shades in glossy metallics or solid bright hues, choosing natural linen or burlap fabrics, displaying abstract art or photography, and removing any fringe or trim for a sleeker silhouette.
What materials make good lampshades?
Common lampshade materials include fabric such as cotton, linen, silk; paper; faux leather; wood veneers; bamboo; rattan; metals; acrylic; stained glass; and vinyl. Choose materials based on your room’s decor and the ambiance you want to create.
How do I take my grandmother’s old lampshade and update it?
Try replacing just the fabric, adding new trims like fringe or pom pom trim, gluing on dimensional embellishments, painting or decoupaging on artwork, or layering with a second smaller shade in a contrasting style or material. Even small changes can make it look fresh and new.
What’s a quick easy lampshade DIY I can do?
An easy lampshade makeover is swapping out the existing fabric or using decoupage medium and tissue paper napkins or scrapbook paper to adhere a new pattern or artwork to the shade. You can also quickly sew on new trim like ruffles, pom poms, or braided cording.
How can I make my lampshades coordinate throughout my home?
Use the same material like faux silk or linen on shades in every room. Choose coordinating colors that flow through your home’s color palette. Or pick complementary trim and tassels on shades in varying shapes and sizes to tie the look together. Mix cohesive patterns like florals, geometrics or pinstripes.
How do I choose the right lampshade for my lamp?
The lampshade should relate proportionately to the lamp’s base height and width. Usually drum or empire shades work best on standard table lamps. For floor lamps, consider a larger cylinder or oval shape. Check that the lampshade opening fits securely over the harp or frame and allows ample light distribution.
Conclusion
With creativity and imagination, you can easily transform lackluster shades into an inventive focal point that showcases your unique personal style. Artistic details like trims, textures, shapes, and decoupaged artwork breathe new life into any lampshade. Coordinating or complementing shades throughout your home help pull together a cohesive look. Breathing new life into your lampshades can be as simple as finding beautiful new materials, adding charming embellishments, or displaying artwork. Your lighting can make a stylish statement and reflect your decor tastes. With just a few easy updates, you can give your lampshades an inspired, fashion-forward edge.
