You know that old lampshade you’ve been avoiding? The one in the cupboard, or hanging lopsided in the guest room? Maybe it’s dusty, stained, or just plain dated—but you keep thinking, “Surely there’s something I can do with this…”
You’re not alone. Whether you picked it up at a charity shop, inherited it from your nan, or just can’t bring yourself to toss it, there’s something about lampshades that feels like they should have potential. The shape is there. The structure is solid. But the style? Not so much.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be crafty, spend a fortune, or follow a 47-step tutorial to breathe new life into tired lighting. With a little imagination—and a few things you probably already have lying around—you can turn that forgotten lampshade into something fresh, stylish, and actually useful.
In this blog, you’ll find creative, low-effort ways to update old lampshades, whether you’re into boho vibes, minimal elegance, or just want to do something a bit different. We’ll blend budget-friendly ideas with clever design tricks—and yes, we’ll keep it safe and practical too.
Let’s turn that “should I bin this?” moment into a “why didn’t I do this sooner?” one.
Why Repurpose? (The Value of a Second Life)
It’s easy to overlook something as ordinary as a lampshade. When it starts to look tired or dated, it usually ends up in a skip—or worse, shoved in the back of a cupboard “just in case”. But before you toss it, here’s why giving it a second life is worth it.
1. It’s better for the planet
Let’s start with the obvious: repurposing keeps waste out of landfill. Most lampshades are made from a mix of materials—wire, fabric, glue—which makes them hard to recycle. By updating what you already have, you’re doing your bit for the environment. And in a world where everything feels disposable, that actually matters.
2. You’ll save money
Buying a new lampshade might not break the bank, but updating one you already own? That’s £20–£50 you didn’t have to spend. And chances are, you already have most of the tools or materials you’d need—paint, fabric scraps, glue, even old jewellery or ribbon.
3. It’s fun and surprisingly easy
Repurposing might sound like a full-on DIY project, but it doesn’t have to be. Some of the best transformations are the simplest—like wrapping a wire frame in twine or covering a plain shade with patterned paper. No need to be a crafting wizard.
4. It adds personality to your space
Let’s be honest—most store-bought lampshades are a bit… samey. Updating an old one means you get something that’s totally unique, that actually fits your style, and that you won’t see in anyone else’s home. Whether you want something bold, quirky, or elegant, this is your chance to make a statement.
10 Creative Ways to Update Old Lampshades
You don’t need fancy tools or an art degree to give a tired lampshade a glow-up. Whether you’ve got a classic fabric drum, a bare wire frame, or something completely random, here are ten ideas that’ll help you turn “meh” into “wow” in no time.
1. Paint It
Sometimes all it takes is a splash of colour. Use fabric paint, acrylics, or even spray paint to give your shade new life. Try bold block colours, ombré fades, or abstract brushstrokes. Pro tip: a stencil can help keep things neat if you’re not confident with freehand designs.
2. Re-cover with Fabric or Wallpaper
Find some leftover wallpaper or dig through your fabric stash—this is one of the easiest ways to refresh a shade. Use spray adhesive or fabric glue, and wrap it tight. Go for florals, geometric prints, or textured linen depending on your vibe. Instant transformation.
3. Turn it into a Hanging Planter
Have a wire-frame shade? Flip it upside down, remove the inner ring, and hang it with some twine. Line it with coconut coir or moss, pop in a trailing plant, and you’ve got a boho-style planter perfect for a sunlit corner.
4. Make a Pendant Light Frame
Bare wire frames make stunning pendant lights. Strip off the fabric, spray it a chic matte black or brass, then hang it with a bulb and cord set. It adds instant industrial or vintage charm.
5. Wrap It with Yarn, Twine or Ribbon
This is one of the simplest (and oddly satisfying) methods. Wrap the entire shade tightly with yarn or twine for a rustic feel. Or use satin ribbons for a softer, more luxe look. Go monochrome or create a rainbow effect—it’s totally up to you.
6. Decoupage It
Grab some old magazines, maps, book pages, or even sheet music, and get stuck in—literally. Use Mod Podge or PVA glue to layer your chosen paper pieces onto the shade. It creates a vintage, eclectic look that’s full of character.
7. Add Fringe, Tassels or Beading
Fancy a little drama? Glue a row of fringe or beads along the bottom edge of your lampshade. Great for adding movement and texture—especially pretty when the light’s on and casting playful shadows.
8. Flip It Into a Side Table Base
For larger, structured shades, flip it upside down and top it with a circular wooden tray or piece of glass. Voilà—a quirky side table or plant stand. Ideal for small spaces or as a creative corner piece.
9. Create a Birdcage-Style Light
Take a wire lampshade frame and add faux birds, vines, or fairy lights inside. Whether you hang it or keep it on a sideboard, it adds a whimsical, garden-inspired touch.
10. Make Sculptural Wall Art
Remove the fabric and bend or layer multiple wire frames into an abstract wall sculpture. Spray paint in a statement colour and mount it up. It’s bold, unexpected, and totally one-of-a-kind.
Quick Tip: Before you start any project involving light bulbs or wiring, make sure your materials are heat-safe—and always unplug the lamp before working on it.
Tips for Safety + Style
So you’ve picked your favourite idea—or three. Before you grab the glue gun or start rewiring things, here’s what you need to know to keep things safe and stylish.
1. Mind the heat
If you’re planning to reuse the lampshade with a bulb, you must check your materials. Fabric, paper, and glue can all be flammable if placed too close to the bulb—especially with high-wattage incandescent bulbs.
Your best bet?
- Stick to LED bulbs, which give off very little heat.
- Make sure there’s at least a couple of centimetres clearance between the bulb and the inside of the shade.
- When in doubt, skip reattaching the shade and repurpose it into a non-lighting project instead.
2. Don’t block the light
It’s tempting to go all in with heavy fabrics, layers of paper, or thick paint—but remember: it’s still a light source. If the shade ends up blocking too much of the bulb, you’ll lose brightness and your room could feel dim or gloomy.
Quick fix: Hold the material up to a lamp before you attach it. If the light shines through nicely, you’re good to go.
3. Keep the look intentional
The difference between “quirky vintage” and “what happened here?” is usually just a bit of planning. Think about how your updated shade fits into the rest of your room—your colour scheme, textures, and vibe. The more your project looks on purpose, the more stylish it’ll feel.
4. Check the frame and fittings
If the lampshade’s frame is rusty or unstable, it’s not worth the risk—especially if you’re planning to use it on a working lamp. A quick clean with a wire brush and some rust-inhibiting spray can work wonders, but don’t try to save anything that’s falling apart.
5. Want to hang it? Test the weight
If you’re turning your old shade into a pendant or hanging planter, make sure it’s not too heavy for whatever hook or ceiling mount you’re using. And always double-check the strength of your hanging cord or chain.
A little prep now saves headaches later—and means you get something you’ll love looking at and using every day.
Final Inspiration Boost
Here’s the thing: repurposing isn’t about perfection—it’s about creativity. That old lampshade you’ve been side-eyeing? It’s a blank canvas. It doesn’t need to look like it came from a showroom. It just needs to feel like you.
Maybe your paint job’s a bit uneven. Maybe you glued the trim on slightly crooked. Doesn’t matter. That’s part of the charm. In fact, the more character it has, the more it feels like something made with intention—not something churned out by a machine.
So go easy on yourself. Try one idea. Try three. Mix them together or make up your own as you go. And if it doesn’t turn out exactly how you pictured it? You’ve still learned something, and your creativity’s had a workout.
Your home should feel like yours—and giving forgotten things a second life is one of the simplest, most joyful ways to make that happen.
So, go on. Grab that old lampshade and give it a glow-up. You might just surprise yourself.
Alex is the creator of Homely Haven, a space dedicated to simple, stylish ideas for interiors and gardens alike. With a passion for cozy living rooms, inviting outdoor spaces, and practical DIY solutions, Alex shares tips and guides that help turn any house into a true home.
From budget-friendly decorating hacks to weekend garden projects, the goal is always the same: to inspire you to create spaces that feel personal, beautiful, and welcoming. When not writing, Alex is usually rearranging furniture, sketching new garden layouts, or exploring design trends for the next project.
