3 Ways to Upgrade a Plain Lampshade

We share three ways to give a plain lampshade a high-end look with a few simple materials.

Related To:

3 DIY Lampshades
Loading Video...

DIP-DYE LAMPSHADE

Photo by: Sarah Busby

Sarah Busby

Dip-Dye Materials:

  • lampshade
  • plastic tarp or paper
  • (1) packet of dye (we chose denim blue)
  • large bucket or container
  • (1) gallon hot water
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • stirring stick or wooden skewer
  • large paintbrush
  • blow dryer

Photo by: Sarah Busby

Sarah Busby

Protect your work surface with plastic or paper. Add a gallon of hot water to a bucket or large container slightly larger than your lampshade. Saturate the entire lampshade with the water using a large paintbrush.

Pour a packet of dye into the hot water. Add 1/4 cup salt, and use a wooden skewer to stir the mixture until combined.

Hold the lampshade above the container, and use the paintbrush to brush the dye halfway up the shade (Image 1). Place the lampshade in the container so the bottom 1/4 of the lampshade sits in the dye water (Image 2). Let sit for 10 minutes. Remove, and blow dry to set the dye.

Photo by: Sarah Busby

Sarah Busby

FABRIC APPLIQUE LAMPSHADE

Photo by: Sarah Busby

Sarah Busby

Fabric Applique Materials:

  • lampshade
  • scrap of fabric (about 1/4 yard)
  • fabric scissors
  • fabric glue

Photo by: Sarah Busby

Sarah Busby

Cut pieces of fabric carefully using fabric scissors. You want to get as close to the pattern as possible.

Dry fit the pieces until you get your desired look (Image 1). Then, dip each fabric piece into fabric glue, and attach to the lampshade one at a time (Images 2-5).

Photo by: Sarah Busby

Sarah Busby

POM-POM LAMPSHADE

Photo by: Sarah Busby

Sarah Busby

Pom-Pom Materials:

  • lampshade
  • yarn
  • sharp scissors
  • hot glue gun and sticks
  • measuring tape (if spacing out evenly)

Make pom-poms from yarn. To do this, wrap the yarn around the palm of your hand 100 times (Image 1). Slide the bundle off your hand, and tie the center of it tightly with another piece of yarn (Images 2 and 3). Cut the loops, and trim until you get desired look. Repeat for each pom-pom (Image 4).

Attach the pom-poms to the lampshade using hot glue. We spaced ours out evenly, but you can attach them in any pattern.

Photo by: Sarah Busby

Sarah Busby

Next Up

How to Clean a Lampshade

Conquer dust buildup and unexpected stains on any lampshade in your home.

Make a Corsage & Boutonniere From Grocery Store Flowers

Whether you're looking to save money or want to try your hand at flower arranging, crafting a DIY corsage or boutonniere for your next big event is a great place to start. All you need is your favorite grocery store flowers and a few basic supplies.

3 Totally Unique Ways to Make (and Wear) a Corsage

Whether you're headed to prom or dressing up for your best friend's wedding, ditch the basic wrist corsage and pretty-up your ensemble with a gorgeous, DIY flower-decked necklace, ring or trendy arm cuff.

Three Ways to Make Easy Paper Flowers

All you need is cheap party streamers to make these gorgeous flowers.

3 Easy Wooden Bangle Crafts

Pick up a pack of assorted wooden bangles and dive into this trendy DIY.

11 More Amazing Home Sales to Shop During Way Day

Double your savings this week and snag luxury bedding sets, living room furniture, area rugs, tech and more from some of our favorite retailers.

3 DIY Graduation Cap Decorating Ideas You Can Make During Finals

Whether you're celebrating virtually or in person, these adorable graduation cap designs are easy to make with only a handful of supplies.

How to Make a Paper Mache Pendant Light

Create a super chic (and inexpensive) pendant light using newspaper, glue and some gold spray paint.

How to Make a Yarn Lampshade

Use a variety of yarn colors to make a bold lampshade for any room in your home.

Easily Give an Old Lampshade a Trendy New Look

Vintage drum-style lampshades can be found for a steal at estate and garage sales but they typically show some signs of their age. In less than 30 minutes, give this old shade a trendy new lease on life with just a bit of upholstery trim and glue. 

More from:

What We're Loving

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.