Personalized Lampshades: Home of the Heart Design

A home of one's heart has unique touches that express the homeowner's unique personality. One easy change is to alter a lampshade. On the left you can see examples that took only a short time to create. 

For a young feminine look, choose a length of eyelet (upper left) slightly longer than the diameter of an existing shade. Sew the ends together, then sew a piece of elastic near the top. Slide the piece over the lampshade and you have yourself a lampskirt. If it gets a bit soiled, it's easy to wash.

Other pretty applications are simply tying a pretty translucent scarf on top of an existing shade, or criss crossing two colors of satin ribbon around the shade. Secure with fabric glue.

If you have a lampshade frame to cover, choose a fabric that fits your decor. Make a paper pattern, leaving an extra 3/4" on all sides of the piece or pieces. Sew the vertical sides together and slip over the frame. Turn the top and bottom of the pieces to the inside of the frame and glue with fabric glue. Then glue coordinating trim to the top and bottom of the shade.

The easiest do-it-yourself shade I've see was in a very nice Santa Fe home. The owner had simply taken a ball of jute, tied an end to the frame, wrapped until the frame was covered, and tied off the other end. Rustic and as individual as she. 

I'm sure you can find even more ideas on Pinterest or even in your own noggin. If the lamp is going into a child's room, let him or her help you brainstorm. You'll find it's fun and easy to create unique touches like these to your home, expressing your own personality.

from Home of the Heart, my best to you.
 
Linda