When redecorating your room, you may be faced with looking
for new lampshades (or perhaps a lampshade you currently
have has gotten damaged). So why not make your own!
If your lamp currently has a lampshade on it, half of
the battle is already won! You have a base to start
building your new shade. When selecting a material for
your new shade, you can use paper, fabrics, plastic, or
any heat-resistant material. Do keep in mind though,
that the surface of a 100-watt light bulb can reach
over 200 degrees and could cause a fire hazard. Make
sure the material you choose for a lampshade is either
far enough from the light bulb, or is fire-resistant.
Next, have fun! Take a trip to your local craft store or
fabric store and get some ideas for your fabric or other
material for your shade. Remember, the more transparent
the material, the more the color of your light will change
by the material. If you use a lightweight, transparent
green sheer material, your finished lamp will give off a
greenish glow. On the other hand, a heavy piece of velvet
(or how about some thin strips of tree bark) won’t allow
much light through at all. Light will escape from the top
or bottom of the lamp only. Keep this in mind as you plan
your new lampshade.
To begin making your new lampshade, you will need the measurements
of the current shade. If possible, take the old shade
apart by carefully cutting it along it’s seams. You can
then use this as a template for your new lampshade.
However, don’t be stifled by the old shade! You can easily
create an entirely new look with a piece of rigid wire,
bending it into a new shape for a new shade. In this case,
making a new cover may be a little trickier, but the
process is the same. Simply cover the lampshade frame
with your material. For fabric you can sew the seams or glue
it. The same is true for other materials. If the glue is
far enough away from the light bulb, you can even use hot
melt glue.
The best part of making your own lampshades is that if you
don’t like your creation, or you redecorate your room, you
can quickly and inexpensively make a new lampshade.
About The Author
Dean Novosat holds a degree in Scenery and Lighting
Design from Frankling & Marshall College and he uses
his knowledge and experience with theatrical lighting
in the home. He feels the home is just a blank canvas
or stage that we choose to live in! He is the
webmaster of http://www.only-lamp-shades.com and he
enjoys using light in unique and different ways in the home.
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