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Doily Covered Lampshade

Posted on Last updated: By: Author Alecia

Categories DIY

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.

vintage doily covered lampshade

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

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.

 
2. Pick a spot and start randomly clothes pinning doilies on. Start with one large doily or piece of lace and clothes pin than on and then add other pieces. It’s basically a giant puzzle.

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.

Functionally there is nothing wrong with the brown base, and it was only $2 at a garage sale, but I’m not crazy about the shape.

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.

Check out my Sewing page for more DIY Home Dec projects or start here:

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