Doily Covered Lampshade
A few weeks ago I was given an old lampshade. I immediately went on pinterest for ideas and I saw a gorgeous lampshade covered in doilies.
I'm pretty sure the first word out of my mouth were "Wow! That's gorgeous! I'm totally not doing that" Odd combo right? I do love it, I'm just not sure where a vintage doily covered lampshade was going to fit my house.
Then I ended up with some unexpected free time when my parrot decided he wanted a vacation. And flew out the door, I did end up getting him back by the way.
Anyway thanks to that free time and a pile of doilies I decided to try my hand at a doily covered lampshade. I also did it all on my back deck so that's why the pictures are all shown on an aged wooden surface.
Doily Covered Lamp Shade Supplies
- Old Metal Framed Lamp Shade
- Doilies
- Upholstery Thread
- Blunt Needle
- Scissors
- Clothes Pins
How to Make a Doily Covered Lampshade
For the record this is almost the exact opposite of the way the inspiration tutorial did it. To be honest her way was probably easier, but I like the layered look I got with my method
1. Remove the old lampshade, mine sort of crumbled off because it was ancient and completely dry rotted.
I used vintage doilies so there was quite a variation in sizes and colors, I tried to keep some contrast by mixing it up. My other goal was to avoid cutting anything, I wasn't sure if they would straight up unravel.
3. When your happy with your placement it's time to start stitching them down. I started by tying knots around the 'braces' and stitching the doilies to the top part of the frame.
I worked my way around in sections. It's a bit tricky to keep the tension right. You want the doilies taught but not squished. Use thread that blends in with the doilies and then you don't have to worry about trying to hide the stitches.
I'll be honest, this took quite a while. At least 5 hours split over two days. If you aren't such a perfectionist you should be better off.
I'm still in love with the final product 4 years later. I ended up putting in my bedroom where it does absolutely nothing to shade the lamp but does create beautiful shadows on the wall.
My bedroom is always in a state of disrepair but I really think this is the year I get my shit together and that means in my bedroom too. The lampshade is staying but I'm on the lookout for a new base.
As for the parrot? This is how I ended up luring him home. I was going to pull on the red string to close the door when he went into the cage. He landed on my head instead.
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I love that doily lampshade! So cute!
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Vanessa @ {nifty thrifty things}
Adore the lampshade - so pretty!
Found you through Sunday Blog Love 🙂
Greetings from Australia♥
~Pernilla
Really LOVE this! I think I'll give it a try!
FAb! You just saved me the time of looking for ideas, it's perfect. I'm going to do my two little lamps in my kitchen and one in my sewing room. Loving the vintagey look.
Lovely idea! Think I'm gonna make one myself! Liz
LORA S. ~ [email protected]
HI, I FOUND YOU THRU KNICK OF TIME ...
I TRULY LOVE <3 YOUR LAMP SHADE... EVERYTHING ABOUT IT IS SO PERFECT! YOUR WORK & YOUR IDEAS ARE TRULY BEAUTIFUL!!! IT'S SOMETHING I'VE ALWAYS WANTED :-). BUT NEVER HAVE I SEEN ONE AS LOVELY AS YOURS! THANKS FOR SHARING THIS!!! OMG IF YOU DECIDE YOU WANT TO SELL IT PLEASE KEEP ME IN MIND!
LOL... BIG HINT~ ~ ~ MY BIRTHDAY IS IN JUNE... I WOULD BUY THIS FOR MY SELF & IT WOULD BE A BIRTHDAY GIFT FROM MY GIRL (DOG) ...
HOPE YOUR BIRD IS OK!
I WILL BE A NEW FOLLOWER !
WARMEST BLESSINGS!
LORA S.
love the ides. just what I needed for my memaw's old lamp shade. love your sense of humor. thanks for the smile
This is GORGEOUS!!! I'm pinning it because I'd totally make this! I have doily's and one of my lamps needs a makeover so this just might be it! 🙂
Helen
Blue Eyed Beauty Blog
Exercise Encouragement GROUP Blog
Hi there, looks great! Have and easier way to put the doilies together (with your permission) Measure height and length (around the lampshade) lay the doilies on a flat surface and Modge podge edges etc together until in will cover the lampshade. Wait until dry then sew together on you sewing machine. Once done, put it around the the lamp's skeleton and sew overlapping ends together then sew top and bottom ends around the lamp. ???? hope it is clear?
I don't see why you couldn't try that, I'm just not sure how well the mod podge would hold up. My lampshade was curved in the middle so it wouldn't have worked for me though. I was happy with the way mine turned out so if I did it again I'd probably do it the same way.
try iron on adhesive next time. it comes in sheets and u cut to whatever shape u want. it will also add a little stiffness for shape . then sew on frame .
I'm not sure what you mean, the doilys weren't attached to any backing fabric and the way they were sewn together held the shape
Beautiful job. Get some spray paint. Paint your base. That beautiful shade deserves
A lovely base to help it shine. I love the base, lovely slender length like a lady.
I love this idea! Thanks for sharing. I have many crochet doilies that were my mother's, but I had no idea how to use them. And, I have two old lamp shades that need an update. Your idea has solved two of my problems.
WOW as a nonrepentant hoarder I have 2 shade frames from my husband's ugly lamps. I am going to look for pretty bases and use them in a bedroom that has not seen a bed in 14 years. However, once we get that room cleared and the electrical needs done, it will!
Fishing line is great for sewing when you want to not haves thread showing. Love your shade. An old iron base lamp would look great with it.
Love all of your ideas. I’m going to try a lampshade with dollies. And burlap curtains!! I never would have thought of that one. They are lovely. Thanks for sharing❤️
I have a tablecloth like a giant doily,with too many holes for a fancy top, this is a great idea!