I just touched up the edges of a "found" lampshade with black permanent marker, sponged it off, and it's amazing how respectable it looks now. I found the shade on trash day on an old corroded brass lamp and rescued it. I had seen a decorating tip about sprucing up your white, or other colored, lampshades with colored marker. They used to have a lot of decoration on lampshades in the old days (see old movies) and this is a very simple modern way to do some decorating.
By pamphyila from L.A., CA
(Archived Jul 15, 2010)New Life For An Old Lampshade
Tip: New Life For An Old Lampshade
Peel off the old fabric and any foam padding. Use a razor blade to carefully scrape off any residue of glue or foam. Use leftover wallpaper to create a new cover for the shade. Use a paper bag to create a template, then trace it onto the wallpaper. Double check your fit before wetting the wallpaper then apply wallpaper following manufacturers instructions. We used self adhesive wallpaper. Let dry and trim upper and lower edges. Get out your glue gun and apply some cording to finish the upper and lower edges to complement your decor. Voila, you've got a new lampshade for next to nothing!
By Katie in NY
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