DIY ruffle and lace lampshade makeover

Give old lamps a face-lift in less than an hour by using scrap fabric, lace and ribbon. This ruffly version is perfect for a room that needs a feminine touch or even for a nursery. Switch up the colors to make the lampshade work for any room of your home.

Supplies needed:

Step 1:

Create the ruffled edge by weaving a needle with thread through the top of a piece of silk ribbon or any ribbon of your choice. The ribbon will need to be longer than the circumference of your lampshade as the ruffling process will shorten it quite a bit. For best results, create the ruffle to the length you need and then cut the ribbon. It is really difficult to estimate and cut the ribbon first.

Step 2:

Once you’ve finished stitching the ribbon, gently push the ribbon down the thread to create the ruffle. When you have as much as you need, tie a knot in the end, snip the thread and cut the ribbon.

Step 3:

Glue the ruffled ribbon to the bottom of your lampshade.

Step 4:

Fold the fabric you plan to use into as many folds as you can. I used three types of fabric in shades of cream, including satin, chiffon and an iridescent taffeta. Place a circle stencil on the fabric and pin down to secure. You could also cut freehand circles.

Step 5:

You’ll have several circles. Again, the amount will depend on the size of your lampshade and how thick you want the ruffled layer to be.

Step 6:

Take one of the circles and pinch the center in your hand, creating a little flower.

Step 7:

Twist the center of the fabric where you are holding it and glue it to the lampshade, just above the ruffle on the base. Continue to create little flowers and glue them close together. Don’t worry if they don’t fully hold their shape; once you pack in several of them, you won’t notice. Keep gluing the circles on until you have the thickness you want and until you have gone around the lampshade.

Step 8:

Using the lace ribbon, glue a piece over the top of the lampshade.

Step 9:

Continue gluing the lace ribbon around the shade until you reach the ruffled portion. Depending on the shape of your shade, it may be easiest to cut small pieces of lace and glue them from seam to seam instead of using one long piece.

Step 10:

Finish by filling in any empty spots in the ruffled layer, adding a few pearls or other embellishments if you want and then it’s ready to go! Set it on your desk or bedside table and enjoy!

More DIY projects to try

No-sew burlap table runner
Make your own mercury glass
Easy DIY throw pillow