How to Make a Covered Lampshade

Transforming a plain lampshade with fabric is a simple way to update your decor. The process involves carefully measuring, cutting, and adhering your chosen fabric to the existing shade structure.

The Process of Covering a Lampshade

Creating a fabric-covered lampshade follows a series of straightforward steps, focusing on precise application and neat finishing. Based on the provided reference steps, here's how you can achieve a professional look:

1. Measure and Cut Lampshade Fabric: Begin by determining how much fabric you need. This usually involves measuring the height and circumference of the lampshade, adding extra for seam allowance and finishing the top and bottom edges. Once measured, carefully cut your chosen fabric to size.
2. Wrap Fabric Around Lampshade: Position your fabric around the lampshade, aligning one vertical edge neatly. Wrap the fabric snugly around the shade, ensuring it lies flat and smooth. This initial wrap helps confirm your fabric is the correct size and allows for marking the overlap seam.
3. Glue Fabric to Lampshade: Apply adhesive to the lampshade surface where the fabric will be attached. A suitable craft glue designed for fabric and lampshades works best. Apply it evenly, focusing on the seam area first.
4. Wrap Fabric Around Lampshade: After applying glue, carefully wrap the fabric around the lampshade again, pressing it firmly onto the adhesive. Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles as you go, working your way around the shade until the fabric seam meets. Ensure the seam is securely glued down.
5. Fold Excess Fabric and Mark Fold Line With Fabric Pen: At the top and bottom edges of the lampshade, you will have excess fabric extending past the shade frame. Fold this excess fabric neatly inwards against the inside of the shade. Use a fabric pen or pencil to mark the fold line along the inside edge of the lampshade frame.
6. Cut Excess Fabric: Unfold the excess fabric. Using the line you marked in the previous step as a guide, carefully cut away the unnecessary fabric. This leaves just enough fabric to fold over the lampshade frame for a clean edge finish.
7. Fold and Tuck Fabric Edges: Apply glue to the inside of the lampshade frame, near the top and bottom edges. Carefully fold the cut fabric edge over the frame and tuck it smoothly to the inside of the shade.
8. Glue Fabric Edges Into Place: Press the folded and tucked fabric firmly onto the glue on the inside of the shade frame. Hold in place or use clips until the glue sets, ensuring a secure and tidy finish on both the top and bottom edges of the lampshade.

By following these steps, you can successfully cover a lampshade with fabric, giving it a custom, refreshed appearance.

Essential Materials

To get started, you'll need a few key items:

Remember to choose a fabric that is suitable for lampshades – typically cotton or linen blends work well and allow light through nicely.