Re- Covering an Old Lampshade

Have you priced new lampshades lately? Sure, you can get the same old same old for about fifteen bucks at your local supercenter, but what if you want something unique to you? Or something elegant and formal? Did you know that lampshade prices can exceed four hundred dollars? Instead of hocking a kidney to be able to afford something special, how about recovering a used shade? It is actually simpler than you might think.

First things first

The first step is having a lamp that you like, one deserving of the labor and creativity that you are about to invest in it. Make sure the lamp fits the space that you are placing it in, and that it fits the décor that you have in mind. Then, consider the shade that you have. Is it the proper scale for the lamp? Set the shade on the lamp and step back. How is the proportion? If it puts you in mind of a fat man wearing a little hat, or a little kid playing dress up in one of his dad's chapeaus, it's wrong. A good rule of thumb is this: the height of the shade should be about 1/3 the height of the lamp and the bottom circumference of the shade should be as wide as the widest part of the lamp. If you are having doubts or problems with the idea of proportion, magazine photos are an excellent reference. For recovering purposes, the lamp shade in question should be smooth. Pleated shades are a challenge that most people aren't up for.

Choosing your new look

Lamps and lampshades are one of the most important parts of a room's décor. Not only are they functional, they also act as accents to the room's general ambience. The right lamp blends and adds spice, the wrong lamp sticks out like a sore thumb. Adding a black shade to a lamp can add gravity and/or drama to a room, whereas a stamped metal shade is casual and lends an air of informality. So, what is your goal? Once you set that, you can begin the process of reviving an old lamp shade.

For a formal look, consider lining the inside of your shade with heavy gold paper. It reflects the light and adds a warm glow to the light that is shed. A black shade with a gold-lined interior is one of the most classic shade combinations there is. Some other formal looks include damask, satin and silk. For a lamp that is going in a powder room or bedroom, consider lining the shade with a pink paper. This will cast a beautiful rosy glow in the room and is very flattering to all skin tones. Casual fabrics include dupioni silk, cotton and polished cotton, burlap, denim, etc. And you may decide that cloth is not for you. Check out some of the wonderful handmade papers that are available at craft stores. Wander the aisles and let your imagination run wild. Is your formal room needing a punch of color? How about a tangerine silk trimmed with black crystals? Or a black Chinese brocade with gold tassels and a new gold finial? Whatever your choice, you need to buy the right stuff to complete your project. And that means . . . . . .

Measure twice, cut once

Make sure you measure your shade with a flexible measuring tape. Measure the widest part of the lamp's circumference and add an inch and a half for seam allowance. Measure from the top of the shade to the bottom and add two inches for seam allowance. This may be excessive, but you can always trim off the extra fabric. Once you cut your fabric, it's very difficult to add some back. Now you are ready to make your pattern.

If your fabric is firm, the pattern step is not really necessary. However, if your fabric, or paper, is lightweight, or light colored, you may want the template. A template can be made from butcher or craft paper, or flexible cardboard. Lay out your paper on a flat surface and place your shade on it. With a pencil or piece of chalk, make a small mark on the shade as a place holder, both top and bottom. Now, with your marker, trace a line along the top of the shade as you roll it along the paper. You should have a curved line the same length as the circumference of the hole at the top of the shade. Repeat this process for the bottom of the shade. Now lay the template on the fabric and cut it out. Don't be surprised at how much fabric it takes to do this. A shade with a circumference of forty-eight inches is going to take approximately a yard and a half of fabric. Once you have your outline drawn, cut it out and get ready for gluing.

Finishing up

Take a look at other lampshades and how they are constructed. You will notice that the seam on a good shade is flat and doesn't look bulky or messy. Try to duplicate this. In order to keep fabrics from fraying, turn over a small edge and press it so that it will lay flat. Spray your fabric and your shade with a craft spray that allows you to move the fabric, if necessary. Once the gluing surfaces are ready, lay your shade on the fabric and roll it until the seams meet. Lay the seams neatly onto each other and glue down. Next, turn the top down and glue it carefully. You may need to trim the material so that it lays flat. Do the same thing with the bottom of the shade. If you are adding paper to the inside of the shade use your template, minus the seam allowance at the top and bottom, cut the material and glue it into place. Use a good glue so that the material doesn't come loose with the heat of the bulb. Now the really fun part. Embellishing! There are so many trims and tassels, beads and borders, you can make any look that you want. Have fun! Top off your "new" lamp with a new finial and pat yourself on the back. You have recycled something old into something