How to Make a Lamp Shade to Go Over an Ugly Chandelier

Lamp shades for chandeliers can tie it in with the rest of the decor.

Chandeliers can be gorgeous centerpieces that make a room stand out -- or they can be ugly eyesores that look like throwbacks to the 1970s. A nice lampshade can make a bad chandelier presentable while still preserving the lighting the fixture provides, and you can make one yourself if you're looking to save a little money or just want to make your own creative mark on the room.

Things You'll Need

• Generic lampsahde
• Cardboard
• Scissors
• Decorative fabric
• Glue

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the generic lampshade, available at any hardware store.

2. Cut out a strip of cardboard the same width as the lampshade and curved to form a quarter-circle that can be rolled into a lampshade shape.

3. Use the cardboard as a template to cut out similar shapes out of the decorative fabric you want to use.

4. Wrap the fabric around the generic lampshade and then wrap the ends of the fabric of the fabric around the edges of the lampshade, gluing them in place inside the lampshade.

References

• Living Livelier: DIY: Chandelier Shades
• Country Living: Quick and Easy Do-It-Yourself Lampshades