Learn how to cover a lampshade! Redecorating can be very rewarding. You like the shape of the shade, and the size fits the stand perfectly, but now the colors do not match your new lounge or bedroom theme! Is covering a lampshade with fabric easy? Yes, it is! Find the right glue and fabric, follow these simple step-by-step DIY lampshade cover instructions, and away you go!

How to Cover a Lampshade Tutorial

This tutorial will show you the easy way to cover a lampshade that is either straight (drum shade) or fluted. It will work for any size of lampshade.

Covering an old lampshade has the advantage the the framework is already strong and reinforced. Most lampshades have a heat resistant material inside.

Supplies

Materials for Recovering a Lamp Shade:

SHADE - The lamp shade frame. It can be straight and round like a drum or tapered. Straight lamps are the easiest to cover.
FABRIC - Roughly 1 yard of fabric, depending on the size of your lampshade.
GLUE - Spray on adhesive or a hot glue gun.
MARKING TOOLS - Water soluble marking pen.
CUTTING TOOLS - Scissors and pinking shears. A rotary cutter could also be used.
MISC - Clothes pegs or clamps are useful to hold the fabric in place.

Best Fabric to Recover Lampshades

The best fabrics for recovering lampshades are quilting cotton, linen or decorator fabrics. They are usually 100% cotton and of a medium thickness. Thin fabrics like silk or polyester are not recommended as they are hard to get smooth and will show glue bumps. It is best to use smaller prints as larger prints may be cut up.

How to Cover a Lampshade, Step by Step Instructions

Here is how to cover a lampshade with fabric:

Step 1 - Preparing the Fabric

Lay out the fabric and iron it well to remove any wrinkles or fold lines.
Roll the fabric shade across or down the fabric to decide on the best direction for any patterns. Take careful note of your placement if the fabric is a one-direction or large print.

Step 2 - Make a Lampshade Cover Pattern

Although you can draw directly on the fabric, I usually make a paper pattern first to eliminate any mistakes. Brown paper rolls are great for this. Alternatively, stick a few sheets of printer paper together.

Trace the wire edge on the paper by rolling it along the wrong side of the piece of fabric. If you start rolling at the seam, you will know when you have reached back to the beginning.
Mark the lines and draw the exact measurement for the fabric to fit from the top of the shade to the bottom. For a straight lampshade, your pattern will be a rectangle. If you have a tapered shade, the pattern will be curved at the top and bottom.

Add seam allowances of 1 inch (2.5cm) at the top and bottom and 2 inches (5cm) on either side. It is better to have too much on the sides and cut it down than to have your fabric end up too short.

Cut out your paper pattern and hold it around your lampshade just to check its fit.

How to Cover a Lampshade with Fabric - Making a Pattern

Step 3 - Cut the Lampshade Fabric

Cut out the fabric you have marked for the cover with pinking shears. The pinked edge gives a neat finish to the inside and minimizes fraying. My grey fabric was a decorator fabric that didn't fray too much, so I just used a straight-cut edge.

Step 4 - Apply the Glue to the DIY Lampshade Cover

Glue the Frame

Use a spray adhesive to attach the fabric to the frame. Spray the fabric edge first and then roll the frame along. As you roll the frame, turn the glued fabric over the frame and use your pegs or clamps to hold the fabric together while the glue dries.

It is possible to use a hot glue gun instead, but just be careful not to use too much or create large blobs that may show through.

Glue the Ends

Use extra spray adhesive to fold and overlap the fabric at the end to finish the DIY lampshade cover neatly. You can add some ribbon or corded tape to the inside to neaten and strengthen the edges.

Glue the Edges

Clip around the excess at the top and bottom edges so it sits better when you turn it to the inside.

By now, your spray glue may have dried a little, so you may need another coat on the edges. If you have any frame arms on the edges, place a clip at that spot.

Fold the edges to the inside. You can see how the fabric was placed on either side of the metal arm.

Your custom lampshade is now ready to place back on the stand.

More DIY Lampshade Ideas:

Here are some other tips and suggestions for recovering a simple lampshade cover:

Dip and Dye - This is an interesting bi-colored effect. Cover the shade and then dip it into a color of your choice up to a certain level of shade. Use a tub or basin for the paint. Gently put the lampshade into the tub until it reaches the bottom. This will dye the shade to a particular level. Remove and allow to dry.
Gold - Try spraying the outside of the shade with gold spray paint. Add two coats for extra strength. Turn on the light and admire the golden glow.
Painting - If you are a creative artist, get out your fabric paints and paint your own lampshade design. Decoupage is another creative way to decorate a lampshade.
Shabby Chic - Pleat the fabric and add some fringing or other trims. This gives a really funky ‘boho’ effect.
Stencils - Use subtle fabric stencil designs. Switch on the light and admire the silhouette design you have created.
Rope and String - Rope winding can add a very interesting border. Choose some rustic string or plain rope. Wrap a few rows of rope at the top and bottom of the shade.
Bows - Take some beautiful satin ribbon and wrap it around the bottom of the shade and then create a beautiful bow.

How to Cover a Lampshade - In Conclusion

Generally, DIY fabric lampshades add that extra bit of ambiance to a room. Decorating your lampshade to suit the look and feel of the room, and using colors or fabrics that compliment the overall décor, can make a huge difference to the atmosphere of the room.