Ever been frustrated with the prospect of buying a new lampshade only to realize that you could have easily rescued your old one? Well, put down those shopping bags and hang on to your wallet. You won’t need them!
With just a few simple steps, you can recover your lampshade and show it who’s boss. All it takes is basic supplies, elbow grease, and an adventurous spirit. We promise it will be worth the effort. In this blog post, we’ll discuss DIY recovery: what materials should you use? How to recover a lampshade? And, of course, what kind of fabric piece works best? Let’s get started!
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Tools Needed for Recovery of Own Lamp Shade
Recovering a lampshade is a great way to breathe new life into an old item, but you’ll need the right tools to get the job done. Think of it as gathering supplies for a science experiment. When you’re ready to begin, you want to ensure you have everything you need.
The essential tools are scissors, craft glue, spray paint, a hot glue gun, a screwdriver, and a staple gun. You’ll also need some fabric of your choice. We recommend selecting a mid-weight cotton or linen blend with no sheen or texture. It should be wide enough to cover your lampshade with two or three inches of extra fabric leftover on each side for trim.
Ensure the fabric length matches the distance from top to bottom of the shade, and allow at least an inch on each end of the new fabric for trimming. You may also want to include some batting in your supplies if you want to give your shade a more plush look and feel; select one with a low loft so that it won’t overpower the shape of the shade. Finally, don’t forget fabric glue, these will not only help attach the batting to your shade but also secure any loose fabric along seams or edges.
Also read: How To Hang A Lamp From The Ceiling Without Drilling
Preparing The Shade
Now that you’ve collected all your supplies, it’s time to prepare. Start by unscrewing the lampshade from its frame, then use the screwdriver to remove any fabric or trim from the sides of the shade. Once this is done, give your shade a good cleaning with soapy water; it should be free of dust and dirt before recovering it.
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Cut & Sew Your Fabric
Now grab your fabric and batting (if applicable) and start cutting! Measure twice and cut once – precise measurements will ensure that everything fits properly when recovered. If using batting, spray adhesive glue one side onto the wrong side of your fabric before pinning the two layers together. Then, use a sewing machine or needle and thread to stitch them together along the edges.
Staple & Trim
Now that your fabric is cut and sewn to size, it’s time for some stapling! Place your newly recovered shade onto a flat surface and stretch the lampshade frame fabric tightly across its frame, securing it with staples as you go. When finished, trim away any excess fabric before giving the plain white shade one last look; ensure all of your seams are neatly tucked in, and there are no stray threads left behind.
Attach a Wire Frame to the Top of the Fabric
Finally, attach a wireframe to the top of your shade. This will help keep it securely in place when you hang it (like a hat on a mannequin head). To do this, use your screwdriver to fasten the wire onto the inside of the shade before placing it back on its original frame.
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Factors To Avoid Doing When Recovering a Lampshade
When recovering lamp shades, there are key factors to avoid to ensure that the job is done correctly. Here are some factors to keep in mind when attempting your own DIY lampshade recovery:
Do Not Use Fabric With Too Much Texture or Sheen
When recovering a lampshade, it is important to remember that too much texture or sheen can take away from the true beauty of the upholstery. The last thing you want is for the light source to be hidden by overwhelming fabric detail. Focus on laid-back and timeless fabrics when selecting a fabric for your lampshade recovery project.
Natural fibers like cotton and linen tend to work best as they optimize the flow of light within your space while still adding some visual interest. Take time when shopping around. Sometimes the most simple choices turn out to be the boldest statement makers.
Also read: What Are The Different Types Of Lamps?
Do Not Overstuff Your Shade with Batting
When selecting a batting for your lampshade recovery project, it is important to remember that too much of a good thing can be overwhelming. Using too much batting could cause the shape of the shade to become distorted and overpower the fabric you’ve used. Stick to using low-loft batts, which are soft enough to add some volume yet still form, fitting around the shape of your shade.
Do Not Skip the Wire Frame
When it comes to lampshade recovery, don’t skimp on the details. A wireframe helps ensure your shade is securely in place and won’t come tumbling down when you hang it up. So make sure you take the extra few minutes to attach this important finishing touch before hanging your newly recovered lampshade!
Benefits of Recovering Your Own Lampshade
There are many benefits to recovering your own lampshade. Some of these include:
- Cost savings – DIY lampshade recoveries can cost significantly less than buying a new shade or having one custom-made.
- Customization options – recovering your own shade allows you to choose unique fabrics and colors to match the overall aesthetic of your space.
- Pride of ownership – when it comes to any DIY project, there’s no greater sense of accomplishment than knowing you successfully completed the job.
Conclusion
Recovering a lampshade is a great way to infuse your space with unique detail and charm. While a few steps are involved, the process is easy to navigate for anyone willing to give it a shot. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to creating beautiful and stylish DIY lampshades in no time! Good luck!