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.