Unique lamp shades can be really expensive. And sometimes you simply can’t find what you’re looking for. Well, I’m here to tell you that making your own is not as hard as you might imagine. And it can be very inexpensive.
The first step is to determine what type of shade you want to make and what size will suit you lamp base and room placement best. This tutorial is based on a simple drum shade, which is a perfect cylinder where the top and bottom are exactly the same diameter. There are some basic calculations to determine the right proportions of shade to base, which is a really helpful starting point. Your shade should be slightly wider than your base and about 2/3 the height of the base. In the end, you want to create something that suits your style, and right now there are lots of exaggerated shades on the market so you may decide to tweak your measurements. I did.
{click image to open full tutorial}
I am in the process of redecorating my guestroom, which is where my new lamp will go, in a neutral palette of natural linen and shades of white. So I chose this linen blend with a hint of metallic woven through it for my shade. I painted the interlocking squares using shimmer fabric paint and a stencil. I love the results and it couldn’t have been easier. I am, however, going to get a 10″ harp to replace the 12″ one in the photo. I think the shade sits too high on the base now that I look at the photographs.
The lamp base is from a thrift store and I’m tempted to paint it glossy white now that I have the shade on it. Votes? Leave it black or paint it white?
Sources: www.lampshop.com or www.fogglighting.com
Tags: how to, lamp shade
I love unique lampshades and this one is awesome! Even better because you made it yourself and it certainly doesn’t look homemade. My vote is white for the lamp base.
I vote to paint it white! Love your blog.
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This is a great tutorial. What kind of stores can you purchase these supplies in real life? Like at a general hardware store or craft store maybe?
Hi Jesse. There are two great online sources for materials – http://www.lampshop.com and http://www.fogglighting.com. I imagine you might find supplies at a well-rounded craft supply store, though probably not the wide variety of sizes and attachments to mix and match. I know that our local Jo-Ann Fabric carries pre-fab adhesive clip-on shades in a traditional a-line shape to which you just adhere your fabric or paper. But there are only two sizes to choose from.
I ordered my supplies from lampshop.com and they came right away and were very inexpensive. They even sell kits with all the pieces and instructions for different types of shades.
Have fun with it! Juliet
I am making a drum lamp shade. I have had problems finding metalic gold paper….any ideas?
Hi Malena — I’ve had a hard time finding it, too. I did come across this: http://www.lampshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=R243_YD&Category_Code=08_07_SHADE_PAPYD
I’m not sure it’s what you’re looking for as it’s two-sided and appears that the black side is more of a finished effect than something you would adhere to your shade materials.
I can report that I attempted to silver leaf the interior of a store-bought shade and it was a mess. I ended up throwing it away. I do think the process of silver leafing would work if you knew what you were doing and if you were able to apply it before rolling the shade into shape.
I’ve wondered if buying gold foil craft/scrapbooking paper, which I’ve seen at specialty paper stores, would work.
My only other thought would be to contact a lamp supply shop and inquire about a custom order. They obviously sell “shade liners” and I’m sure they could tell you where to find (or find it for you) gold foil liner.
I’m sorry I’m not more help. If any of these ideas work for you, let me know. I’d love to give it a try myself!
Juliet
Doing some browsing and noticed your blog looks a bit messed up in my K-meleon internet browser. But fortunately hardly anyone uses it any longer but you may want to look into it.
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[...] tackled this thrift store lamp a while ago thinking it only needed a fabulous new lamp shade. As it turns out, it needed to be [...]
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usually, i buy my craft supplies on the internet because of the cheaper price and countless options “”*