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Table of Contents
What is the best fabric for lampshade?
Cotton is a popular lampshade fabric that is easy to clean, and it drapes and gathers well, lending itself to pleated and decorative lampshades. Cotton fabrics come in an almost endless variety, but one of the best choices for lampshades is soft-touch cotton.
What material is safe to make a lampshade?
A pressure sensitive styrene, also known as adhesive styrene, is a go to material for many lamp makers. In addition to being safe, it is also flexible making it the perfect lampshade material. It can be found at most craft stores.
How do you make a lampshade without a kit?
Make a lampshade using just a food container and a piece of cardboard. Some accessories like strings, scissors and glue, and fabric or paper is readily avail…
DIY Making Tailored Lampshades
How do you bind a lampshade?
- Position your tape on the inside of the frame diagonal to a strut, making sure the slightly raised edge of the tape is on the right edge of the tape as you are looking at it.
- Take the tape up and over the ring.
- Then take the tape down diagonally to the left of the strut.
DIY Making Tailored Lampshades
Why do I need to bind a frame?
Binding the frame means you have a base that can be sewn in, allowing you to attach your chosen outer fabric and lining to the frame.
What type and width of tape should I use?
Cotton ribbon is the ideal ribbon for lampshade manufacturers and we supply it in two different widths – 12mm and 20mm. For a small or medium shade, a 12mm cotton ribbon is perfect. The 20mm tape is better for larger shades as you can cover more area. Read our last post in our Soft Shade Making Series for more details on cotton ribbons – Soft Shade Making Series: Binding Tape
Where should I start binding?
There are different schools of thought on where to start with binding. Some professional lampshade makers tie the top and bottom of the frame first, then the struts of the frame, while others prefer to start with the struts, which they need to tie first, and then hide any loose ends inside the binding of the top and bottom rings. Before you decide what to do first, you should also consider whether you need a temporary binding, which is explained below.
How much of the frame should I bind to create a panel template?
The top and bottom of the frame must always be tied as this is where the outer fabric and lining attaches to the frame. Depending on the number of panels you want for your soft shade will depend on how many struts you tie. By panel we mean the piece of template fabric that sits between the braces.
What is temporary binding?
Temporary binding is when braces are only bound to create a panel template and can then be removed again as the fabric pieces are cut from the templates, sewn together and pulled over the frame. When creating a temporary binding, we recommend adding it after binding the top and bottom sides for easy removal.
Temporary Bindings Guide
Check out our guide below to learn which struts to temporarily tie to create an outer fabric template with an 8 strut lampshade.
What finish am I looking for when binding the frame?
Ideally your bond is:
· Wrapped diagonally around the frame with half of the tape covered by the next wrap
· Lays flat with no visible lumps, bumps or creases
· Tightly wound with no loose areas
Professional lampshade maker Amanda Wheattie from @wyreandgimble offers this expert advice:
For a professional result without waves or sagging, foundation is key; Stable frame, firmly connected with non-stretch cotton band. The finished binding should be smooth, free of lumps and bumps, and shouldn’t move when you try to move it with your fingers. Attempting to stretch and pin to a moving foundation will yield less than satisfactory results.
What preparations should I make before tying my frame?
Measure the amount of tape you need to tie the top of the frame by measuring 3 times the circumference of the top ring. The easiest way to do this is to simply wrap one length around the circumference and multiply that by three. It’s also good to have a needle pre-threaded with extra strong cotton or pad weight thread.
If you are upcycling an old frame, ensure that any previous adhesives or solvents are removed from the frame (separator minerals can be useful for this) and any chipped white paint or plastic coating on the frame is covered and sealed with white nail polish.
What tools and materials do I need to tie a lampshade frame?
Aside from the soft lampshade frame itself, all you need for this part of the process is cotton ribbon, a sharp needle, extra strong cotton or upholstery weight thread, tailor’s scissors and/or embroidery scissors, and clamps or mini-wonder clips.
Tying your first soft shade focuses on keeping the tape taut and not having an extra hand. We found our Mini Wonder Clips perfect for the job. They grip tightly around the wrapped lampshade frame and hold the tie in place while you plan your next wrap or reach your needle for a thread.
How to tie a soft shadow frame
1. Position your tape on the inside of the frame diagonally to a strut and make sure the slightly raised edge of the tape is on the right edge of the tape when you look at it.
2. Take the tape up and over the ring
3. Then take the tape diagonally down and left of the strut.
4. Pull the tape up and diagonally across the base of the brace and back across the right side of the brace.
5. Continue to wrap the ribbon diagonally along the length of the frame. Each wrap should cover half of the previous wrap. By running the raised edge up in step one, it should be covered in the wrap of tape.
6. When you reach the next strut, either work your way past the strut by continuously wrapping along the ring with the strut sitting between the wraps, or repeat the initial figure of eight around the base of the strut.
6. When you reach the gimbal arm, just work around it just like you would a strut. We have opted for the continuous winding method.
How to end your bond
Joanna Hepinstall, in her book Sewing Lampshades, suggests “tucking the long end back under the last loop and pulling tight to create a flat loop as shown below, followed by trimming the ends cleanly near the knot.
Natalie Price-Cabrera prefers the sewing method in her book Handmade Lampshades. By guiding the binding along the outside edge of the frame at the bottom of a brace, she then sews it securely in place with a prepared needle and thread. Natalie emphasizes “using a colored thread that matches your binding” and “always stitching on the outside of the frame so you can’t see the stitching on the inside.
Whichever method you choose, your binding ends must be neat, not bulky, and should not show through the outer fabric.
How do I complete a temporary commitment?
Since a temporary binding is just that…temporary, it doesn’t need to be sewn in place since you’ll need to remove the binding again after you’ve created your template panel. Just finish this off with a tight knot, making sure the tie stays in place.
More binding tips
With over 3,000 professional makers in our Lampshade Makers Facebook group, there is a lot of knowledge about making soft shadows. Join the group here and just use the search function to find out pretty much everything you need to know!
We love this clever tying tip from one of our most generous Facebook group members, Jane Warren of The Lampshade Loft, a skilled lampshade maker with years of experience making beautiful lampshades of all shapes and sizes. Jane says:
For these two lampshade remakes I use over 18 yards of lampshade tape to wrap around the rings! The base ring is over 3.5 meters long so putting a band around it is a good tip so you can easily work around those curves!
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Do lampshades need to be fire retardant?
Any flammable material in a home or business can catch fire once a fire is going. However, a fire will not continue to burn if it runs out of oxygen or items that can sustain it like lampshades, carpet, curtains, paper, and wood.
DIY Making Tailored Lampshades
There is no specific flame retardant spray for lampshades. Rather, you must read the label to see what materials each fire retardant spray will work on.
UK products vary in how they are treated and used, but our fire retardant spray has been tested to health and safety standards. It was subjected to a heat test after use on standard household towels.
Common materials that fire retardant sprays work on
The most common materials include:
natural fabrics
synthetic fabrics
Cardboard
Untreated wood
Hessian
foam rubber
Cotton
polystyrene
Wool
Cotton backed draylon
nylon
Mixed fiber products such as cotton and polyester
A lampshade made from these materials that has been treated with fire retardant spray is protected against most fires. Fires burn at different heat levels depending on the accelerant or cause, so tests indicate the most common heat levels.
Materials that cannot be treated
Fire retardant sprays and treatment options will not cover all man-made or natural materials.
metal
plastics
Waxed cardboard
Waterproof fabric
Lacquered or varnished surfaces
Ripstop nylon
Most fabric fireproofing sprays will attack metal and cause discoloration. If something hits a metal surface, it’s best to wipe it clean immediately.
Application of the fire protection solution
To protect a lampshade or other surface, the material must be evenly and completely coated. The spray penetrates the surface and thus ensures safety.
A clean product is required to apply the solution, dried after wiping away dust, animal fur or other contaminants that would prevent the solution from adhering. After treatment, the solution is imperceptible. Products indicate that the lampshade or other surface will be protected for life, although if the surface gets washed or wet it will need to be reapplied.
Use safety precautions
Only use the solution on surfaces it will cover. The product is harmless to health; However, if it gets in your eye or on your skin, it can cause irritation. It could be harmful for some with sensitive skin or allergies
Do not allow pets near the spray and securely fence them away from the area where you are covering your lampshade. Flame retardant spray is a chemical and must be used with care to avoid problems.
Can you make a lampshade out of any fabric?
The general rule of thumb with fabric is that anything goes, as long as it’s woven and isn’t a stretch fabric, although it’s always worth bearing in mind how much light the lampshade will give out, especially when using a thicker fabric such as wool or tweed.
DIY Making Tailored Lampshades
The general rule of thumb with fabrics is that anything goes as long as it’s woven and not stretch fabric, although it’s always worth keeping an eye on how much light the lampshade will give off, especially when using a thicker fabric such as wool or tweed .
As experts in the lampshade industry for over 30 years we have proudly made shades for some of the finest home furnishing stores, so we know a good fabric when we see one. And we want to share this know-how with you, so we now stock our own range of classic fabrics that are perfect for making lampshades and cater for all tastes.
From eclectic and traditional linen, calico and cotton fabrics to luxurious and sumptuous rich velvets, here is our guide to our range of fabrics for making lampshades.
Chic
One of the most popular fabrics in the lampshade industry, the Chic fabric is available in 32 different colors and is particularly suitable for making soft or rigid lampshades. It’s woven from a polyester/cotton blend and at 110gsm falls into the lightweight fabrics category, making it perfect for sharp edges of lampshades, with bold colors that stand out! Choose from bold and vibrant lemon yellow, fuchsia or orange, or opt for a cooler palette of powder blue, Lincoln green or champagne.
Hessian
With an open weave, our range of burlap allows light to shine through the tactile jute fabric, adding a natural, organic feel to any space. Choose from natural or white, or for a touch of sparkle try natural with gold thread or white with silver – we look forward to playing with them this holiday season! Measuring 130cm wide, they are perfect for lampshades or craft projects.
velvet
Full of luxury, no matter what you make out of velvet – it always looks expensive! Perfect for creating shades, our Venetian Velvet Collection is of beautiful quality and available in five sumptuous colors: Jet, Burgundy, Ruby, Slate and Navy – all 150cm wide. Also great for home sewing projects, why not make some gorgeous cushions to match your shade?
naturalists
As well as being natural in color and tone, our Naturals range is a mix of fabrics with interesting textures and weaves that give your shade a subtle earthy look and striking detail when backlit. Including 100% natural calico fabric (Lenette) and cotton base with linen and raw silk finishes, each can be ordered in either a natural or bleached finish. Our favorite is the Mulroy, which has a regular open weave to allow light to shine through. To order a free sample of our natural products, simply click here.
Flanders
Named after the northern Belgian province of Flanders, a traditional linen-growing area, this classic natural linen fabric is suitable for both hard and soft lampshades. Available in the darker jute, black and red tones and three neutral colors of calico, cream and white, Flanders is also suitable for sewing and upholstery projects and is 137cm wide.
Use our PVC lamination service
If you are making lampshades by hand in bulk and want to save time, try our lamination service. We are happy to laminate your chosen fabric to tour 290 micron white PVC for a small additional cost and you can simply add this on before going onto any of the fabrics above at Dannells.com.
If you would prefer your fabric to be laminated to one of our alternative Stick It PVC products, simply email [email protected]
Don’t forget that any shade you make from one of our lampshade making kits is eligible to enter our monthly #memadeshade Instagram competition and with a £100 voucher to spend at Dannells it’ll be well worth it definitely!
Check out our July winner here or follow us or search #memadeshade on Instagram.
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How much fabric do you need to make a lampshade?
lampshade. 3/4 yard of fabric per shade. 3 yards of ribbon trim per shade.
DIY Making Tailored Lampshades
How do I make a vintage lampshade?
- Wrap the entire lampshade frame tightly in a seam binding.
- Measure and cut the fabric for lining. …
- Cut decorative fabrics of choice and attach them to lamp in the same way.
- Measure and cut chiffon for the rosettes. …
- Dye to the desired color and let it dry (optional).
DIY Making Tailored Lampshades
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Can you Mod Podge a lampshade?
Step 5: Starting at the seam or edge of the lampshade, apply Mod Podge Gloss all over with a large paint brush and press the fabric on top, smoothing it with your hands. Work in sections until the entire lampshade is covered with fabric.
DIY Making Tailored Lampshades
This Mod Podge lampshade remodeling project takes less than 30 minutes and is incredibly easy to do! Use your favorite fabric.
Required Skills: Beginner. I recommend having basic Mod Podge experience to complete this project. The hardest part will be cutting the fabric to match the shade, so work slowly.
Let’s be honest – I’m having such a hard time sticking to my decorating plans. When that happens, it’s nice to know that there are ways to switch up my style whenever I feel like it. I change my mind too often, but this lampshade hack from Mod Podge comes in handy when I do!
The lamp on my entryway table always had a white lampshade that had started to change color due to wear and tear, so to save money and get a nice change of pace I simply covered the lampshade with new patterned fabric and Mod Podge medium .
The entire decoupage lampshade project takes less than 30 minutes and is incredibly easy when you have a shade that is either square or smooth and round.
If you have a bell shaped lampshade, this DIY can be more difficult. Mod Podge perfectly blends the new fabric with the existing linen-style lampshade, but I still feel like I have a brand new lamp!
Learn how to make this craft at home below.
Mod Podge lampshade revamp
Gather these supplies
Flat lampshade (square or round, not bell-shaped)
Mod Podge Gloss
Big brush
Cotton fabric – 1 yard
scissors
pen pencil
Step 1: For best results, pre-iron the fabric to remove wrinkles. Otherwise, iron the fabric once it is cut into shape.
Step 2: Lay the fabric, wrong side up, on a flat surface. Place the seam or edge of the lampshade against an edge of the fabric, leaving enough room at the top and bottom as the round lampshade pattern will curve.
Step 3: Lightly trace the top and bottom of the lampshade as you roll it over the fabric and reach the edge again. The marks don’t have to be exact as you won’t be cutting along them.
Step 4: Then cut out the pattern, leaving about 1 inch around your markings to allow for folded seams. It should be a long curved shape for a round lampshade.
Step 5: Starting at the seam or edge of the lampshade, use a large brush to apply Mod Podge Gloss all over and press the fabric onto it, smoothing it out with your hands. Work in sections until the entire lampshade is covered with fabric.
Step 6: Where the two ends of the fabric meet, fold one side over about half an inch and glue to the other edge to create a clean seam.
Step 7: Fold over the remaining fabric edges at the top and bottom of the lampshade and glue on the inside. If rods get in the way (that attach the lampshade to the base) simply cut a small slit with scissors and fold the seams around it.
Once the glue is dry, which should only take a few minutes, put the lampshade back on its base and enjoy a fresh look!
If only I could remodel every aspect of my home that easily. Let me know what you think of my Mod Podge lampshade makeover in the comments.
Skip to Contents Yields: 1 Lampshade How to Print a Lampshade Learn how to cover a lampshade with fabric and Mod Podge! This is such an easy home decorating project. Prep Time 30 minutes Active Time 1 hour Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes Difficulty Easy Estimated Cost $2 Materials Flat lampshade (square or round, not bell-shaped)
Mod Podge Gloss
Cotton Fabric – 1 Yard Tools Scissors
Big brush
pen pencil
Ironing Instructions For best results, iron the fabric beforehand to remove wrinkles. Otherwise, iron the fabric once it is cut into shape. Lay the fabric wrong side up on a flat surface. Place the seam or edge of the lampshade against an edge of the fabric, leaving enough room at the top and bottom as the round lampshade pattern will curve. Lightly trace the top and bottom of the lampshade as you roll it over the fabric and reach the edge again. Cut out the pattern, leaving about 1 inch around your markings to allow for folded seams. It should be a long curved shape for a round lampshade. Starting at the seam or edge of the lampshade, apply Mod Podge Gloss with a brush. Press the fabric onto it and smooth it out with your hands. Work in sections until the entire lampshade is covered with fabric. Where the two ends of the fabric meet, fold one side over about half an inch and glue to the other edge to create a clean seam. Fold over the remaining fabric edges at the top and bottom of the lampshade and glue to the inside. Allow the glue to dry completely before reinstalling. Did you do this project? Please leave a review or share a photo on Pinterest!
If you like lampshade makeovers, here we have a few others. Look at her:
What can I use to line a lampshade?
Almost any fabric works well for a lampshade, although thinner fabric and those in lighter colors allow more light through if you don’t want a dim lamp. Most lampshade liners are made of plastic styrene, which you can find at craft stores and lamp suppliers.
DIY Making Tailored Lampshades
How do I make a vintage lamp shade?
- Wrap the entire lampshade frame tightly in a seam binding.
- Measure and cut the fabric for lining. …
- Cut decorative fabrics of choice and attach them to lamp in the same way.
- Measure and cut chiffon for the rosettes. …
- Dye to the desired color and let it dry (optional).
DIY Making Tailored Lampshades
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How to make a silk lampshade
See some more details on the topic how to make a silk lampshade here:
DIY Making Tailored Lampshades – Top Tips – JSInteriorsUK
Traditionally silk has been the lampshade makers choice for tailored lampshades, as the closely woven threads and luxurious sheen diffuse light …
Source: jsinteriors.uk
Date Published: 9/16/2021
View: 6018
How to Make a Silk Lampshade – Our Pastimes
Embellish the shade. Embellish your lampshade with trim. Place fabric glue on the bottom edge of your lampshade. Place your trim on the glue at the start of the …
Source: ourpastimes.com
Date Published: 1/18/2021
View: 3369
Luxurious lampshade making – hints and tips for using luxury …
Applying the faux silk and finer fabrics … “When I make lampshades using thin or faux silk fabric, I use a different method of making my shades.
Source: www.dannellsblog.com
Date Published: 5/16/2022
View: 1556
Top 10 How To Make A Silk Lampshade – Thư Viện Hỏi Đáp
1. DIY Pleated Lampshades – Jessica Sara Morris · 2. Silk Lampshade – Etsy · 3. Custom Shades | Linen | Fortuny – The Lamp Shoppe Atlanta · 4. How To Choose the …
Source: thuvienhoidap.net
Date Published: 10/23/2021
View: 595
VIDEO – Tutorial : How to make a lampshade?
Items needed to create a silk lampshade: … The lampshade assembly is quite technical, but with a little patience and by following these instructions, …
Source: www.aubijouxlasoie.com
Date Published: 11/27/2022
View: 8268
15 Ways to Refurbish or DIY a Lampshade – The Spruce
Does your lamp need a new look? Create a DIY lampshade or refurbish an old one using these 15 eas.
Source: www.thespruce.com
Date Published: 12/13/2022
View: 9403
How To Choose the Fabric of a Lampshade
Lamps come in almost every design, color and size imaginable and add warmth and character to our homes.
But no lamp is complete without its shade. Lampshades, like lamps, come in endless shapes and styles, from bold geometric designs to traditional bell-shaped curves. But our favorite shades get old too – many of them yellow over time or the decor of the room may have changed.
When deciding on a new lampshade, one of the most important decisions is the material of the new shade. Finding the perfect shade material for your lamp and space involves considering many different points, including fabric color, light diffusion, and the surrounding décor.
The color of the shadow
When choosing a new lampshade, one of the first decisions you will be faced with is the color of the shade. In many ways, this decision comes from a decorative rather than a functional point of view. For example, if you want your tones to be a focal point in your room, you should choose bold colors that stand out from the rest of the decor. On the other hand, if you want a more subtle approach, try choosing a lampshade with neutral tones.
To help you decide which shade color best suits your lamp, your space, and your existing home decor, consider these three factors—the type and location of the lamp, and the surrounding furniture.
type of lamp
When choosing the right fabric color for your lampshade, the first thing to consider is the type and style of your lamp.
There are three major lamp styles – round, candlestick and square/rectangular. Round bases have a traditional and timeless shape, while square or square bases are more modest and candlesticks fall somewhere in between.
To determine the right shade for your new shade, examine the lamp type underneath. Is it a floor-heavy, round base? Or is it a classic and streamlined candle holder? Your choice of color will depend on both the style of the lamp base and your decor – do you want your lamp to look bold and trendy, or classic and traditional?
If you have a traditional lamp, combine it with a traditional shade color for a cohesive effect. Neutrals like white and a warm beige go with virtually any lamp base. Complementing a classic lamp style, these shades add a gentle sophistication to the base, helping it blend effortlessly with the rest of the decor. A retro or modern color like dark blue or a rich red pairs well with a geometric or angular base and brings an unexpected and stylish flair to a room.
Alternatively, the contrast between the style of the lamp and the color of the lampshade will add dimension and interest to any decor. If your base is in a traditional style, top it off with a deep shade of blue (why only that color?). If you have a fun, unique lamp, try pairing it with a neutral hue for a softer effect.
Here are a few general lampshade color recommendations based on the type of lamp base.
Experiment with a few different shades to find the perfect fabric. Ultimately, the most important rule when choosing a lampshade is that you follow your sense of style.
location of the lamp
The position of the lamp also plays into the color of the shade. Notice where you placed your lamp. What is the current furnishing of the room? Is it timeless and traditional? Are the walls white and minimalist, with lots of potted greenery on the floor? Is it a more masculine space with rich woods and deep colors? Pay special attention to the colors that run through the decoration. Is it mostly light neutrals or light pastels?
Also examine what other lamps and lampshades are in the room. What are the dominant colors and styles of the other lamps? Would replacing one lampshade mean you have to replace them all?
If you like the current decor in the room, choose a lampshade color that matches the theme. For example, if the room is full of traditional pieces and colors, choose a classic lampshade fabric to match. Light satin and cotton add understated elegance to a classic interior concept, while bright, fun lampshades would flow effortlessly into a space awash with vibrant accent colors and modern touches.
To simply upgrade the tone and theme of your room, try adding a lampshade shade that matches a subtle accent color.
surrounding furniture
When your room has a mix of different themes, it can be difficult to decide which one matches your lampshade. Are you going for a neutral hue to match a traditional sofa, or go for a funky color to go with wall art?
If you’re having trouble narrowing your search, examine the furniture in the immediate vicinity of the lamp. Is it next to a cherry wood dresser, a black bookcase or a side table next to an antique chair?
The pieces immediately surrounding the lamp can help you determine the color and fabric of your new lampshade. Bright, subtle colors can blend seamlessly with classic furniture or soften dramatic accents. Bold colors like black or navy blue can look beautiful on a wooden table or next to an abstract or attention-grabbing piece of art.
amount of light scattering
When choosing a replacement lampshade, the second decision you need to make is the lighting effect you want. Different lampshade shapes and styles have different light distributions in a room – knowing your desired effect can help narrow your search.
Both the color and the material of the lampshade affect the diffusion of light. In the past, most lampshades were white or other neutral light colors because these colors diffuse the most light. A white hue is most effective at spreading light around a room, while colored or dark hues direct light toward the base of the lamp. Alternatively, dark hues tend to add a touch of drama by creating cones of light in a room.
Lampshade fabrics can be either translucent or opaque. Translucent lampshades allow light to escape through the sides of the shade, diffusing the light evenly across a room. Opaque shades are made from materials that prevent light from scattering off the sides. Instead, light from the lamp shines through the top and bottom of the shade, creating a unique lighting experience.
When choosing between translucent and opaque fabric for your lampshade, think about the purpose of the lamp. If it’s for reading or to diffuse ambient light, you should choose a translucent screen. If you only use the lamp as an accent light and do not need a lot of light in the room, you can use an opaque shade.
While the color of the lampshade depends on furnishing and design preferences, the function of the lamp determines whether an opaque or translucent fabric is purchased.
Types of lampshade fabrics
When choosing the material of your shade, you need to consider the look you want for your lamp and your space, as well as the purpose of the lamp. There are four broad categories of lampshade materials: silk, synthetic, linen and cotton.
silk
Silk is the luxury fabric. For thousands of years, silk has been a coveted export item, adding a sense of elegance and sophistication to everything from scarves to drapes.
On a lampshade, silk tends to create an air of romance and opulence – the smooth fabric reflects the light and can create an iridescent effect. There are many different types of silk fabrics, including the following:
Shantung — A popular material for making wedding dresses, shantung silk is thinner and more delicate than dupioni silk. Shantung silk has little to no slubs
— A popular material for wedding dresses, shantung silk is thinner and more delicate than dupioni silk. Shantung Silk Has Dupioni Silk – Dupioni silk is more textured than shantung silk and has distinctive nubs
— More structured than shantung, dupioni has pongee — Native to the forests of Asia, pongee silk is crisp, robust, and has no noticeable lumps. The fabric’s thin, tight weave has made it a favorite for centuries, and garment makers first used it in ancient China to line kimonos
Taffeta — Taffeta silk is a fine fabric with a smooth hand. Considered a high-end fabric, taffeta looks like pongee silk but is thicker and has a more polished appearance.
— Taffeta silk is a fine fabric with a smooth hand. Considered a high-end fabric, taffeta looks like pongee silk but is thicker and has a more polished appearance. Habutai – Also known as “porcelain silk”
When to use: Choose a silk lampshade for spaces where the romance, luxury and elegance of the fabric are a perfect match.
synthetic
While real silk comes from the cocoons of silkworms, synthetic fabric is made by human hands. It is an industrially produced fusion of different fibers.
Two common types of synthetic lampshade material are Anna and Supreme Satin.
Anna Synthetic – The synthetic version of pongee silk, Anna fabric is not quite as fine as real silk. With a tight and thin weave and durable texture, Anna synthetic fabric is a popular choice for lampshades.
Supreme Satin — Supreme Satin is the synthetic version of shantung silk. Shiny and glamorous
When to use: Choose a synthetic lampshade for retro or sophisticated decorating themes.
bedding
Linen is derived from the flax plant and has been a prized fabric for centuries, found in everything from ancient Egypt to household tea towels. It is also one of the best fabrics for a lampshade.
Linen is two to three times stronger than cotton fabric. Porous and lightweight, linen wicks both heat and moisture easily and is a naturally antibacterial material.
Other members of the linen family are fine, flax and handkerchief linen.
Linen – With a light, even weave, linen fabric has a natural, more relaxed texture than other materials.
Fine Linen — Fine linen is woven even more evenly than plain linen. With a tighter warp and weft, fine linen is delicate and airy.
— Fine linen is woven even more evenly than plain linen. With a tighter warp and weft, fine linen is delicate and airy. Flax Linen – Flax is more textured than other linens, has a lot of naps and gives a relaxed, less formal look.
— Flax is more structured than other linen fabrics, has a lot of naps and gives a relaxed, less formal look. Handkerchief Linen – Handkerchief linen is made from 100 percent natural, pure linen fibers and is often more difficult to source than other types of linen fabrics.
When to use: Bedding has a charming, simple feel and is a perfect complement to traditional and comfortable spaces like living rooms or cozy dens.
Cotton
Known for its versatility and durability, cotton fabric is one of the most commonly used materials around the world.
A popular fabric for lampshades, cotton is easy to clean and drapes and gathers well, making it suitable for pleated and decorative lampshades. Cotton fabrics come in almost endless varieties, but one of the best choices for lampshades is soft cotton.
Soft Touch – With a uniform appearance and smooth texture, soft touch cotton is a lightweight and durable fabric. Soft Touch is more tightly woven than linen and fine linen, making it a beautiful alternative to linen lampshades.
When to use: Cotton lampshades bring a rustic and understated beauty to any interior scheme. Choose a shade of cotton for a relaxed living room or bedroom, or a room where dust can collect – being easy to clean, cotton is the perfect choice for places that tend to get dirty.
silk synthetic linen cotton
shantung
Light slubs.
Thinner and more delicate than Dupions.
dupione
More texture. Celebrity Clubs.
It is similar to shantung but slightly thicker and heavier.
pongee
No clubs.
Thin, tightly woven fabric.
taffeta
Fine silk with a soft feel.
Considered a high-end fabric.
Looks like pongee silk but thicker.
Only available for custom shades.
Habutai
No clubs.
Thin, light silk.
Only available for custom shades.
Good option for shades with fine details and wrinkles. ann
Not quite as fine as real silk.
Synthetic version of pongee silk.
Highest Satin
clubs.
Synthetic version of shantung.
linen
Uniform fabric.
Natural, more relaxed texture.
Fine Linen
Uniform fabric.
Tighter warp and weft.
Flax Linen
clubs.
more structured.
Relaxed and less formal look.
Linen handkerchief
100% natural pure linen.
Only available for custom shades.
soft touch.
Uniform appearance.
Tighter woven than linen and fine linen.
Other lampshade materials
Lampshades are available in more than just the fabrics mentioned above. There are many other non-flammable and safe lampshade materials available, including unique options like canvas, stained glass, stamped sheet metal, and seashells.
In particular, burlap is a trendy fabric for lampshades. If you choose a burlap lampshade for your home, try pairing it with a farmhouse or country-style room for a charming, pastoral look.
When choosing which fabric to choose, consider the maintenance levels of the different materials. While cotton and glass are easy to clean, more delicate fabrics like silk and satin require special care and attention.
Some onions will yellow certain fabrics over time. If your lampshade is white, off-white, or some other neutral light, pay attention to the wattage of the bulb you put in your lamp to keep the lampshade in prime condition.
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Safe Materials to Use on a Lampshade
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you might just want to make your own lampshade. This is a great way to get a custom look that you know you’ll be happy with.
When choosing fabric, you should go for something aesthetic, but it’s also important to choose a material that you know will be safe. Your lampshade will get hot, so you need to choose something that won’t damage, melt or discolour.
You should also ensure that the lightbulb does not have high wattage or other characteristics that may pose a fire hazard. With that in mind, here are a few tips that will help you create a product that looks great and is safe.
lining
The inner lining of your lamp is at the forefront when it comes to absorbing heat. A pressure sensitive styrene, also known as adhesive styrene, is a material of choice for many lamp manufacturers. Not only is it safe, but it is also flexible, making it the perfect material for lampshades. It can be found at most craft stores.
outer shell
For the outer shell, it is best to use natural materials such as cotton and linen. The fact that they can be ironed means they will look smooth once stuck to the styrene. In addition, unlike synthetic fabrics, these organic materials do not discolor over time.
Not traditional
Nobody says that lampshades have to be made of fabric. The beauty of going the non-traditional route is that most non-cloth materials won’t melt or burn from the heat of a lightbulb. These include metals, embroidered materials, ribbons and stained glass.
Think outside the box with the following safe outer shell materials:
Glass: Glass is non-flammable and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Stamped Tin: Stamped tin is non-flammable and durable. It emits light through the embossed designs, creating a unique, industrial-inspired look.
Shells: Shells are eco-friendly and naturally translucent, making them an ideal material for lampshades.
bulbs and sockets
In addition to using a material that won’t damage the shade, you also want to make sure your bulb and socket are safe and compatible with each other. Check the lamp socket for a label that states what maximum lamp wattage is considered safe. Then find a lightbulb with a wattage equal to or lower than the maximum wattage allowed. If you’re using a thin material like rice paper for the lampshade, play it safe and choose a lower wattage.
Making your own lampshade can open up a world of creativity for your interior design. Now that you know the safe materials to use, the options are open to you. Which ones will you integrate into your product?
At A Lamp and Fixture we stock over 1000 lampshades, contact us today.
DIY Making Tailored Lampshades
Classic, neat, traditionally tailored lampshades bring a timeless elegance to both formal and relaxed room designs. Bespoke lampshades suit all shade frame proportions and a wide range of fabrics, offering endless design possibilities. Whether you’re inspired by brightly colored scraps of fabric, embroidery or luxurious silk, the only limit is your imagination. Read on to learn more about DIY making bespoke lampshades – top tips…
Which fabric should I use?
Today there are countless fabrics that are suitable for bespoke lampshades. Traditionally, silk has been the lampshade makers’ choice for bespoke lampshades, as the tightly woven threads and luxurious sheen diffuse the light perfectly when stretched. Silk is also lightweight and durable as a natural fiber and is inherently heat resistant. For the purpose of this demonstration, and always a firm favorite for me when using silk, is the Orissa collection from James Hare Fabrics. With that in mind, I encourage you to experiment when making your own DIY lampshade with patterns, colors, and textures, utilizing Jacqueline’s top tips. Depending on your frame shape and design choice, there are a variety of cotton and linen fabrics that will also work, and even some wool velvet, damask and/or embroidery that would look great on bespoke lampshades.
How much fabric do I need?
Fabrics for classically tailored lampshades are often cut across or diagonally. This allows the fabric to “give” the most as it loosens around the curves of the visor. Using a solid color fabric is an economical way to place your pattern. However, if you are considering a pattern fabric with a specific design element, that should also be considered. As a rough guide I give 1-2m depending on the frame size. And of course, leftovers can always be used for future projects!
How to get started with DIY custom made lampshades?
First you need to tie your frame and create a template for your outer fabric and balloon lining. My website has a Top Tips blog with specific step-by-step instructions, how to create a template, and specific guides on different theme options. When using a patterned fabric, I like to make a copy of the tissue paper template so I can position exactly how I want my pattern. With a little patience and pattern adjustments, it’s also possible to combine panels with patterns, just like you would with made-to-measure curtains and blinds. Our workshops and residential retreats take an in-depth look at panel design options, pattern matching and getting the most out of your fabric. However, if you try this at home, most patterned fabrics are very forgiving and this is not at all necessary with very busy fabric designs and solid color fabrics.
How do I cut the outer fabric?
Press your fabric first. This will be the last time your fabric gets a press, so take the opportunity to iron out any stubborn wrinkles. For this demonstration I’m using a plain dupioni silk in Wedgewood by James Hare. I positioned and folded the fabric so that the pattern is at an angle. Pin and cut with 1 cm seam allowance along the edge and 5 cm seam allowance at the top and bottom. You’ll need the 5cm excess to manipulate the tension.
How do I adjust the outer fabric?
Machine sew 1 cm along the side seam. Then check the fit on the frame by carefully pulling the outer fabric over the frame from top to bottom. The outer fabric should feel fairly snug. Align the seams with 2 vertical braces. Take the fabric from the frame and give and adjust depending on the fabric; Sew a second seam 2mm in or out of the first seam. Then shorten the seam evenly to approx. 3mm.
Gently pull the face fabric back over the frame and line up the seams against 2 braces on either side of the gimbals. Pin the top and bottom of each seam, making sure to go right through the Indian cotton tie. Start to tuck the top ring, making sure to tuck through the binding. Flip the shade and gently repeat along the bottom ring. Begin to relax some tension in the fabric and pin again.
How do I ensure a smooth finish on handmade lampshades?
Pins, pins and more pins! Spend time tweaking the tension and pinning for a smooth finish. At this point, ripples and bumps are quite normal when making your custom lampshade. Now you need to twist your frame back and forth, pin and stretch again and again to put more tension in the face fabric to achieve even tightness, and keep pinning!
To remove stubborn wrinkles and create an evenly taut skin, follow the fabric flow from the crease to the edge, pull until the crease disappears, then pin.
How do I secure the edges?
Draw tension in the side seams. Continue rotating the lampshade to 45 angles and pull the same tensions into the cover across all sections and continue pinning. Once you’re completely happy with the fit, use a lampshade stitch and strong matching thread to secure the outer fabric to the frame, making sure your stitches go through all the layers. Getting the lampshade stitch right is key to maintaining tension and something we cover extensively in our workshops. Some of these dynamics are covered in our Lampshade Stitch video.
How do I hem my lampshade?
There are a variety of fabric lining options suitable for traditionally bespoke lampshades, which are explored in more detail in another of my top picks, blogs and under resources on my website. For this demonstration, however, I’m using cotton tana turf, one of my favorite linings as it diffuses the light so beautifully. Cut and sew the lining in the same way as you did for the outer fabric.
Place the lining inside the umbrella frame, wrong sides showing. Align the side seams of the lining with those of the outer fabric. Pin the side seams to the bottom ring and evenly distribute the tension on each brace around the bottom ring. Turn the umbrella over and repeat the pinning, ensuring even tension on the top ring. Make sure you maintain even tension and that the seams line up with the braces.
What about the gimbals on traditional DIY lampshades?
The gimbals will get in the way, but for now just clip them around them. Turn the shade back upside down and pin it at closer intervals by pulling tension in the lining. Flip the umbrella all the way up and now that there is some tension in the lining you can poke a small cut in the lining fabric to allow access around the gimbal. This is pretty tricky to get right. There is a video on my site under Resources showing how to do this in detail.
Begin pinning the liner to the bottom ring and secure with a pin to each strut to evenly distribute the tension. Turn the umbrella over and pin the top edge back to the top ring to evenly distribute the tension. The gimbals will get in the way but just get stuck around them.
How to complete the lining on self-tailored lampshades?
Keep twisting, pulling, and tucking until you’re satisfied with taut, even tension and a smooth finish, just like the outer fabric. Be careful not to overstretch and keep the seams in line with the braces. Continue to gently relax the tension at a 45-foot angle. Secure your lining with a lampshade stitch, lightly at the front of the shade and trim off the excess lining.
How do I complete and cut my traditional bespoke lampshade?
First, tidy up your gimbals with small bias strips. There is a video on my site under Resources that shows this in more detail. Getting the trimming right can take a few pins and some patience. Depending on the style and design of your trimmings, of which there are tons, the best technique will be defined. For anything other than gluing and/or sewing the simplest bias cut, please see my top tips for trimming lampshades on my blog or website.
After reading this blog on how to make a custom made DIY lampshade – top tips, you are ready to make your own professional, handmade custom made lampshade. For more information on JSInteriorsUK’s upcoming courses on bespoke lampshades click here and for other home furnishing workshop retreats click here.
The main thing is to have fun!
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