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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Carol Christian
Saturday 4th of January 2020
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.
sally
Sunday 13th of July 2014
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 .
Alecia
Sunday 13th of July 2014
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
Monique Riese
Thursday 15th of August 2013
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?
Alecia
Thursday 15th of August 2013
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.
Helen @ Blue Eyed Beauty Blog
Thursday 25th of July 2013
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
Crystal
Wednesday 3rd of July 2013
love the ides. just what I needed for my memaw's old lamp shade. love your sense of humor. thanks for the smile