DIY Mod Podge Lampshade Makeover

Learn how to make a simple DIY lampshade into a super modern, chic one using Mod Podge and any fun fabric!

I really like my spaces to be light and bright. I prefer natural light, but that isn’t exactly an option in the evening. Since I’ve got to go with manmade light at night, it seems to make sense that I have developed a powerful addiction to cute or unique lamps. 

Mod Podge Lampshade Makeover

I can’t even tell you how often I get compliments on my lamps when company comes to a-callin’.

My house has no dull lamps, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Supplies for Mod Podge Lampshade Makeover

• Plain, inexpensive lampshade (cloth or paper doesn’t matter)
• Mod Podge & brush
• Fabric (I used 1/4 yard of stretchy calico)
• X-acto knife (super sharp)
• Iron

How to Make a Mod Podge Lampshade

Iron your fabric flat. Smooth out any creases, or they’ll remain in your shade.

Now I used regular Mod Podge because I could not find my fabric Mod Podge to save my life. The original works fine, but the fabric would have worked even better.

In the center of your shade (with the shade’s seam directly behind), glue the center of your fabric with Mod Podge. Give it some time to dry.

When the center has dried, you can start slowly working your way around to the back of the shade. Work with one side at a time, and allow a few minutes between each little bit glued down for it to take hold.

I used a stretchy-ish calico fabric. Normally, I get irritated when I have this kind of fabric with stretch, but this time, it worked to my advantage, helping me to keep the pattern going evenly around the back. This fabric came from Hobby Lobby (almost all their calicos have had a stretch that I have purchased).

When you reach the end of your first side, finish it around the shade’s seam. To help the end piece stick well, use a lot of Mod Podge.

When bringing around the other side, when you reach the back seam, fold the fabric inward to create a straight seam. Use your Mod Podge to glue it into place, as busting out the iron right now isn’t the greatest idea.

Once the lamp is wrapped all around and the fabric is holding firmly, glue the fabric just to the very edge of both the top and bottom of the shade. It’s okay to go a bit wild with the adhesive because the firmer the fabric is, the better your cuts will be in the next step. Be sure that the shade is completely dry before continuing.

Bust out a brand-new blade. Don’t cheap out on it, or you’ll have a cruddy-looking edge when you’re done. With a super sharp blade, follow along the inside of the shade to trim away the excess fabric.

Pop your shade back on and get ready to bask in the glow of your new shade’s awesome-ness!

Part of why I love this itty-bitty lamp is the glow it casts below because of its funky geo shape!

Isn’t that cool? It looks like a flower!

Accented with a box of black-and-white tissues and a very traditional painting that helps keep the decor looking more eclectic than modern, this little area is perfect for me!

Allison

A crafter since her earliest years, Allison spends a little time every day making something. She crafts, sews, paints, glues things onto other things, and is a firm believer that a life spent creating is a life worth living. Visit Allison’s blog, Dream {a Little} BIGGER.