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Decoupage lamp shade
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4.15 from 7 votes

Decoupage a Lampshade

Learn how to cover a lampshade with fabric and Mod Podge! This is such an easy home decor project.
Prep Time30 minutes
Active Time1 hour 30 minutes
Dry Time2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 1 lampshade
Cost: $2

Equipment

  • Scissors
  • Large paint brush
  • Pen or pencil
  • Iron

Materials

Instructions

  • For best results, iron the fabric beforehand to remove creases. Otherwise, iron the fabric once cut to shape.
  • Lay the fabric out on a flat surface, backside facing up. Place the seam or edge of the lampshade at one edge of the fabric, leaving enough room above and below because the round lampshade pattern will curve.
  • Lightly trace the top and bottom of the lampshade as you roll it across the fabric and reach the edge again.
    Tracing a lampshade on a piece of fabric with a pen
  • Cut out the pattern, leaving about 1 inch around your marks to allow for folded over seams. It should be a long, curved shape for a tapered lampshade.
    Cut out piece of fabric with orange handled scissors laying on top
  • Starting at the seam or edge of the lampshade, apply Mod Podge Gloss all over the shade with a paint brush. Press the fabric on top, smoothing it with your hands. Work in sections until the entire lampshade is covered with fabric.
    Smoothing fabric down on a lamp shade with Mod Podge
  • Where the two ends of the fabric meet, fold one side over about a half inch and glue on top of the other edge to create a clean seam.
    Trimming fabric with orange handled scissors on a Mod Podge lamp shade
  • Fold over the remaining edges of fabric on the top and bottom of the lampshade and glue in place on the inside. If there are bars in the way (that attach the lampshade to the base), simply cut a small slit with scissors and fold the seams in around it. Allow to dry before using.
    Fold over the fabric on the edge of the Mod Podge lamp shade