Hurricane Lampshade Decor

Like hurricane lampshades.

Hurricane lampshades are tremendously versatile. They can stand alone, be used to create a beautiful centerpiece for a very formal dining room or be used with a single candle for evening patio lighting.

To create a simple centerpiece, I used three hurricane lampshades with bases. I always use a base under my hurricane shades to prevent any candle wax from marring the surface of my table.

I added a pewter candlestick and red taper candle to each shade. I then purchased a candle wreath consisting of apples and greenery. I placed this wreath around the base of the center hurricane shade, and my winter centerpiece was complete.

To change the centerpiece for spring and summer, I simply replaced the red candles with yellow, and replaced the apple candle wreath with a pastel floral one. In the fall, I used rust-colored candles and a candle wreath composed of colorful autumn leaves.

Not fond of candle wreaths? No problem. Colored glass or marbles can be used with a large pillar candle to provide color and interest to your table. Small seashells would also make interesting filler.

Another idea is to create seasonal table decorations by painting a design on a clear hurricane shade. It's quite easy. First, visit a craft store to purchase paint made specifically for glass. It is available in a variety of colors and sheens. I think the transparent type produces the prettiest results. You'll also need several small artist brushes to complete this project.

Your design can be as simple or complex as you chose. For an outdoor patio, why not decorate your shade with bumblebees and ladybugs, or paint a line of ants trailing around the shade. Your autumn shade might feature small pumpkins of differing shapes, while a holly-and-berry design might be pretty during the winter months.

Cut a piece of plain paper the same length as the circumference of the top of the shade. Next, draw your design on the paper. When your design is complete, tape it to the inside of the shade.

Using your design as your pattern, paint the shade. This will probably require several painting sessions, since you have to let one color dry before adding the next. Don't be afraid to layer the colors. Since the paint is transparent, this will create a multi-tonal effect in the design.

When you've finished your design, add a color-coordinating candle. Pillar candles are always a good choice. For a slightly more formal look, try using a candlestick with a taper candle.

Pressed flowers can also be used to decorate the rim of a shade. To press and dry flowers, place the flowers on a microwave-safe plate between paper towels. Put a stone or something else heavy on top. Microwave on high for about two minutes.

To decorate, start by brushing glue on the shade where the flowers will be placed. Carefully apply a pressed flower on top of the glue. Continue this process until you have applied flowers all around the rim of the shade. Let the glue dry completely.

The shade could be considered complete at this point, but you might decide to take it a step further by using a coordinating color of glass paint to paint the rim. Allow the paint to dry and then spray on several coats of sealant to complete this project.

Did you like the look of etched glass? Decorative etchings or decals are available at most craft stores. They are usually stick-on and can add interesting detail to your shade.

You might try creating your own design. Just draw it out on a wide type of tape and cut it out with a utility knife. Apply the tape design to the glass. Next, apply three light coats of clear spray paint. After the paint dries, trace around the edge of the taped design with the tip of your utility knife. Then remove the tape and take a look at your beautifully "etched" shade.

(Matt Fox and Shari Hiller alternate writing this column. They also are authors of Real Decorating for Real People and co-hosts of the Home & Garden Television show Room By Room.)