This burlap lamp shade has been on my mind for a while now. I’m always hunting for the perfect lamp shade to fit our home décor. I’ve had the hardest time finding one that works so, I’ve finally decided to make my own. Give me a glue gun, fabric, scissors, and I am ready for most projects.
Easy DIY Burlap Lamp Shade
The following post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Materials you’ll need
- Lamp
- Barrel Lamp Shade
- Glue gun
- Scissors
- Fabric
- Ribbon
Every month, I cruise through our local thrift shops and just the other day I hit the jackpot. This cute white lamp showed up for a mere $13, and I quickly snatched it.
Next, you’ll need a barrel shape lamp shade. Ok, you’re probably wondering what the heck I’m talking about when I mention the term barrel? It is a lamp shade that has the same diameter on top and bottom. This shape makes cutting out your patterned fabric easy since you can cut a straight line across. If you want to cover a shade that has a smaller top circumference than the bottom, this is a cone, and the layout of the material would be different.
Burlap is easy to cut. Measure and choose the line you need to cut and gently pull out one thread. You will have an empty row where you now will cut with your scissors.
Place your fabric on the shade and glue down the top selvage. Roll over the top to the inside edge and glue. If your edge is a little off and rough, no worries since you will finish it off with a ribbon.
The rest is pretty much the same, finish off the where the two edges meet on the shade and glue together. Next, complete the bottom and finish it off with a line of ribbon.
I love my new lamp shade and its whimsical parakeet pattern. I always have to add some cheerful elements to my decorating to make our home an inviting and warm atmosphere.
Cheers,
Janine
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Alan Gore says
August 22, 2016 at 9:43 amThat is great lamp. I was thinking how you finished outside edge on lamp. Some fabrics when you cut them not leave nice end. Did you also used ribbon like on top and bottom edges, or barrel has some kind of clamp which hides edges. Thanks
Brenda says
August 22, 2016 at 8:16 pmThanks for sharing the lampshade craft. I love it. I’m not a crafty person but this one I think I can do!
Gina Luker says
August 31, 2016 at 3:33 pmGo for it Brenda, you can do it!
Peggy says
August 22, 2016 at 8:20 pmHey Janine, love the shade. What kind of glue did you use? Hot or fabritac or Beacons 3in1
Marcia Kerstetter says
August 23, 2016 at 8:11 pmI am curious about the parakeet burlap fabric. My daughter is on the Autism Spectrum and is extremely interested in raising tropical birds. We are in the process of decorating her bedroom and we would love to find some of this fabric to us as an accent in her room.
Is there any chance you recall the company that manufacturers it or where it might be found? We care having a difficult time finding anything similar. Any help you might be able to give would be so very much appreciated!
Jennifer says
September 24, 2016 at 12:25 pmI’m not sure if this this exactly the same, but I found one here: https://www.fabric.com/buy/0426211/waverly-retweet-vermeil?cm_mmc=pinterest-_-social-_-product-_-0426211
Crystal @ Hello Creative Family says
August 24, 2016 at 12:02 pmThat fabric is to die for Gina! My family has a bit of an obsession for things with budgie birds on them! I love that you made it into a lamp. Perfect for your cheery living room. 🙂
Gina Luker says
August 31, 2016 at 10:51 amThanks Crystal, they are cheery!
Sr Gail says
September 4, 2016 at 12:55 pmHi Gina! My first time visiting your site and I’m loving your spirit, ‘quirks’, and creativity! I share the same passion, although nothing I make is for me but for our religious community’s up coming 150th social, so I’m always looking for new, fun ideas! I have set aside 2 lampshades I found, and I love burlap, but I didn’t even give thought to the shape and mine are both cone! Probably not the easiest for a first-timer? I really appreciate your inspiration and I will be returning to your site often! You are definitely gifted!
Gina Luker says
September 4, 2016 at 2:48 pmThanks so much, you’re so sweet! You’ll do just fine with your lampshades! Good luck and thanks for stopping by!