How to Repair Lampshades

A damaged lampshade does not have to be a total loss.

Lampshades are susceptible to tearing. Rather than replacing the lampshade altogether, you can recover it by creating a new lampshade to sit on top of the original. You can use fabric or a paper-based product to create the new fixture. Choose a material that is heat-resistant so that prolonged heat exposure does not discolor the fabric or weaken the adhesive. Cotton and wallpaper are ideal for this project.

Things You'll Need

• Lampshade
• Butcher paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Heat-resistant fabric or wallpaper
• Straight pins
• Spray adhesive

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of butcher paper that is longer than the perimeter of the lampshade at its widest point. You can use the damaged lampshade to make the template for the new cover.

2. Hold the lampshade to the paper. Hold the pencil vertically against the top edge of the lampshade.

3. Roll the lampshade and pencil in unison across the paper to create the top of the template. This will make a curved line.

4. Repeat the process again at the other end of the lampshade. The resulting line will also be curved, but longer than the first line (assuming the bottom of the shade is larger in circumference than the top).

5. Connect the top and bottom endpoints on each side with a straight, diagonal line.

6. Cut the template from the paper.

7. Lay the fabric or wallpaper flat in front of you.

8. Lay the template on top of the material. Pin it in place with two or three straight pins.

9. Cut the lampshade material along the edges of the paper template. Remove the pins and template when you have finished cutting.

10. Wrap the material around the lampshade to make sure you cut the fabric adequately.

11. Spray the reverse side of the material with aerosol adhesive.

12. Lay the new material on top of the lampshade, making sure that the bottom and top edges line up with the edges of the shade.

13. Press the material to the surface. Smooth it with your hands to remove air bubbles or wrinkles.

References

• Apartment Therapy: How To: Recover a Lampshade
• Shanty 2 Chic: Recover a Lamp Shade
• Craft Stylish: How to Restore a Lamp Shade