Then you shouldn’t buy it. Or something to that effect. It’s a pact I made with my sister-in-law when we were in some home decor store years ago. I can’t make a couch, of course! Nor can I hand carve wood, or make certain accessories, but I can redo a lampshade. Had some great lamps with old shades that unfortunately blended into my new wall color. Needed a punch of color and wanted a “bohemian” look. Got some thrifty white drum shades, luxe fabric that was pretty cheap, and some killer fringe….

…and after…

Even though the drum shades were pleated, the weight of the chenille fabric more than concealed that. Trim is sooo forgiving, like maybe when you don’t cut chenille fabric straight, hypothetically speaking. Funky ball fringe adds just the extra bohemian touch…and imperfection only adds to the whole charm. Think scarf draped across grand piano, books strewn everywhere…well, that’s the look I was going for anyway.

Easy directions: Lay lampshade on its side on top of fabric. Cut fabric to width of lampshade (or thereabouts – as I said, trim is forgiving). Glue fabric onto lampshade, using spray adhesive. At seam, fold fabric under for a neat line. Do the same with the trim, and you’re done. Two large-size drum shades took me 30 minutes or less. My material cost was around seventy-five bucks. Sounds like a lot, but have you been shopping for lampshades lately? Elaborate shades in beautiful fabric go for well over $100. EACH. So make it yourself, sister. Easy project with big impact.