Today I’m joining a couple of my friends to share ideas for vintage or antique lamps. That seems to be the big thing these days – redoing or buying unique vintage lamps. But if you’ve been around here at all you’ve heard me whine about crafting and how I have no patience for it. Well, today is slightly different. Instead, how about I leave the whining behind and show you how to create the easiest vintage lampshade ever in the history of ever?!
How To Create The Easiest Vintage Lampshade Ever
Not too long ago I came across an antique lampshade frame. No fabric on it, just the bones. The nice curvy shape will complement a vintage lamp base I’ve had for more than 25 years. It is a match made in heaven.
Old base with an old deconstructed lampshade frame.
The crazy thing about the lamp is that it’s black and green. I love it and use it in my newly revamped dining room which is black and green. It’s funny to me that black and green have been a favorite color combination for decades. But back then I was just brainwashed into doing other more trendy colors.
Until I figured out that a lifestyle is more about me and less about outside influences.
So let’s get to the how’s instead of the why’s.
Steps to cover a lampshade frame.
It’s seriously the easiest thing I’ve ever made. However, lampshades fitters can be different so pay attention to what you are looking for.
Step One: Measure the circumference of the lampshade.
Step Two: Cut out a strip of burlap that is about 1 inch longer than the circumference. You want to have about 1″ or 2″ of overlap. You cannot do this with a lampshade that tapers. Well you can, you just have to angle the cuts at the end of the burlap and other fabrics.
Completed vintage lampshade redo.
Step Three: Add strips of double sided tape to each end of the burlap. Now wrap it around and secure the ends together. You can use hot glue or fabric glue but I like change so I want to be able to reuse the fabrics. I used a creamy white stretchy lace and a 2″ black ribbon on top.
Step Four: Choose 2 other slightly less wide fabrics for the look. You can layer and layer. Do whatever you’d like!
You may not like the rusty crusty look of an old lampshade frame but like the idea of customizing one so easily. If not, consider painting the frame a neutral or complimentary color to the lamp base. If I didn’t like the look I’d spray it black.
A vintage lamp vignette with candle, plant and stacked books.
It’s not perfect but I love it! I also liked the frayed edge of the burlap so I kept it too. Just think of the different looks you could do with a lampshade frame. Like a bright floral fabric for spring or a white linen or gauze for summer. A velvet for Christmas or winter would also be beautiful. So many choices and all easily doable.
Now that you know how to create the easiest vintage lampshade ever, do you think you’ll do it? I hope so!
Check below to see what my friends are sharing. I’m adding their ideas to my shopping list. They are so good!
The color combo of navy and green is so great! Cute idea, and I also love how you corralled those books.
Author
Thanks Gina. I try to reuse things in different was as much as possible. 😉
Cindy,
This is just darling and I LOVE the colors you chose for it!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Author
Thank you Debbie. I am kinda wishing I had more so I could play with looks. It’s like modern paper dolls. 😉 Hope you are staying cozy friend.
Love this, and a big amen to no longer being brainwashed about trends. Learn and enjoy looking at them, but a big dose of will this work for my decor and lifestyle needs to be applied.
Going to take a look at my lampshades that need a refresh and see how your method might work in my home.
Thank you!
Author
I have two more lampshade frames down at the farmhouse that I can hardly wait to get my hands on. One of them is going to get the cutest finial!!! Looking forward to sharing that one soon. It has to warm up first. I don’t plan to stay in an almost 100 year old home until spring. That place is like heating and cooling a tent. Thanks so much Cheri. Your comments always make me smile. Have a great week.
Love this Cindy! Now I’m on the hunt for cool
Old lampshade. The materials you used are perfection. XO- MaryJo
Author
Perfection?! Wow, so nice! Thanks MaryJo. Hope you find the perfect lampshade!
Oh Cindy, I’m totally smitten with your lampshade redo and makeover. It’s just absolutely adorable. I can’t tell you how many nekkid lampshades I’ve had and never redid them. This is perfect!! The green burlap with the heavy lace is so gorgeous and compliments that great black lamp. And the ribbon. .. just so wonderful. I love black and you’ve really inspired me. You have so many great ideas for seasonal looks. Hope you’ll share more when the seasons change. LOVE IT!!! Pinned!!
Author
SO glad you’ve been inspired! I love it and can hardly wait to get my hands on the other two frames I have at the farmhouse. Looking forward to giving them new life. Thanks for the pin and encouragement. You made my day with your enthusiastic comment. 🙂
So, so cute and many ways to change it up. Someday when Spring comes and no ice or snow I can get out and do something fun. You always have the cutest ideas and easy too!
Author
Yep, it has to be easy or I’m not doing it! LOL. Thanks so much Marlene. Glad you like it. Stay cozy and warm my friend!
Can not wait to give this a try! I have an antique lamp, that works but the large lampshade fabric is disintegrating quickly. This will be a wonderful fix!! Thanks for the idea!
Author
Yay! So glad you’re going to try it. I think you’ll really love it. Especially when you find it was so easy! Thank you Carlie.
Love this easy idea, Cindy! I’ve always loved the architecture of a lampshade skeleton, but don’t appreciate the glare of the bare bulb. This would solve that issue & is so stinking cute, too! Brilliant!
Author
I’m the same when it comes to the glare. And what’s the use of a bulb if it’s so low you can’t see anything when dealing with glare? Thank you Laura. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the others I have. 🙂 I’m positive your creation will be magnificent. You probably already have some quilt clippings you could put together for a super adorable lampshade cover! I wanted to use a quilt but I just can’t bring myself to cut one up!
This is gorgeous!! I love it! I love how it could be sooo easily changed up for every season!! I also appreciate the recommendation to paint the shade of you don’t want to leave it. I like that idea!!
Now I’ll keep my eyes out for a lamp base and lampshade. I would have never thought it could be so cute!!
Author
You are so sweet, thank you. These days I think most lamps are so boring. Change it up girlfriend!