Giving a lampshade a makeover is easier than you think. Here are 21 DIY lampshade ideas. Have you ever considered using zip ties or balsa wood to make a new lampshade? Or what about straws or a tin can?
21 DIY Lampshade Ideas
The first 7 items on this DIY lampshade list will prove that a lampshade can be made out of almost anything from a tin can to zip ties. Don’t toss that cracked globe, it might just make a perfect lampshade for your old lamp.
1. Balsa wood lampshade
Turn a few strips of thin balsa wood into a gorgeous shade. You can easily stain the balsa wood any color to fit with your aesthetic. Find the full DIY lampshade tutorial at C.R.A.F.T.
2. Globe
I love the idea of turning an old globe into a lampshade. Read more about the transformation at Unconsumption.
3. Zip ties
This lampshade was oringially created by A Little Glass Box.
4. Handwritten
Consider using a permanent marker to write a poem or song on a lampshade. I love the use of imperfect cursive on this lampshade.
5. Vintage slides
Turn vintage slides into a gorgeous DIY lampshade. Find the full tutorial at Red House West.
6. Straws
Would you ever believe this hanging pendant was made out of cocktail straws and an IKEA light socket kit? It’s chic and modern and the full tutorial is available at Pearls and Scissors.
7. Tin can
How unexpected is this tin can lamp? Find the full tutorial at Those Northern Skies.
Wrap a lampshade
These next few DIY lampshades were created with string, ribbon, and yarn. Prepare to be amazed with what you can wrap around an old shade.
8. Yarn
Mandi used 3 colors of yarn and a little hot glue to give this lampshade a brand new look. Find the full tutorial at Vintage Revivals.
9. Embroider
Amy turned this IKEA lamp into an embroidered masterpeice with tapestry wool. More details at AMP.
10. Ribbon
Consider weaving ribbon over an old lampshade to add texture and interest. More details at The Craft Tutor.
11. Rope
Ash carefully took apart the old lampshade to reveal the wire skeleton and then wrapped colorful rope around the wire shade. What an incredible upgrade! Find more at Blog a la cart.
12. Ribbon lampshade
Melissa gave a plain white shade a colorful makeover with orange and turquoise ribbon. Find the tutorial at Daisy Mae Belle.
Embellish a lampshade
Embellishing a simple lampshade is the easiest way to get a brand new look. Just plug in that hot glue gun!
13. Flowers
Fake flowers make an adorable addition to a lamp shade. This lamp is perfect for a nursery or little girls room. See more at How to Nest for Less.
14. Pom poms
I love that Trish covered the inside of the this lampshade with scrapbook paper and then adhered the white pom poms to the front of the shade with a hot glue gun. Genius! See the tutorial at Uncommon Designs.
Painted DIY Lampshade Ideas
15. Hand painted
Stacy created this paisley design on her lampshade by penciling it on. Then, she used a pointed paint brush to trace over her design with paint. See more about the lampshade and the DIY lamp base at Not Just a Housewife.
16. Paint
Use painters tape and paint to give a lampshade a brand new look. Find more details at Pomp and Circumstance.
DIY Fabric Lampshades
17. Fabric
Upgrade any plain lampshade with the fabric of yoru choice. See the complete tutorial at Six Sisters Stuff.
18. Fabric with trim
Consider adding pom pom trim to give the fabric shade a little more flair.
19. Upcycle a sweater
Give a sweater with a hole in it a new life as a lampshade with a little hot glue. Find the full tutorial at Thrifty and Chic.
Paper lampshades
20. Paper
Make this DIY lampshade with 400 tiny paper triangles and a hot glue gun. You’ll also need to scour thrift stores for the perfect animal base! Find the complete tutorial at Stars for Streetlights.
21. Decoupage
Adhere paper cut outs to a white lampshade with decoupage paste, like Mod Podge. It’s a simple way to give a lampshade a one of a kind look. Find the tutorial at My So Called Crafty Life.
22. Poster board
This DIY lampshade might win easiest to make. Kara used a metallic poster board to create a slip cover over the old lampshade. Find the complete tutorial at Kara Paslay Deigns.
Which lampshade is your favorite? I’d love to hear…
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Comments & Reviews
I need a makeover or some ideas of how to decorate a table top lamp lampshade that’s about 1718 inches tall looking for ideas and pictures and the show me how to do the makeover
Hey! Thanks for the link. I love your balsa wood shade bee tee dubs.
They are all ingenious but the ribbon one is the one that catches my eye.
I just shared a cute lampshade makeover today, it must be lampshade day on the internet. Happy Lampshade Day!
haha! Happy lampshade day to you too 🙂
I looove the globe lampshade. I have been mulling over doing a travel theme for my oldest son’s room. This would be perfect. Can’t wait to check out more details.