Ideas on how to decorate a paper lampshade. DIY chandelier: manufacturing methods, examples, photos

Lighting is the most important component of the interior. The coziness and level of comfort of our home depends on lighting. The play of light and shadow allows you to play up the winning moments of the interior and divert attention from the unsuccessful moments. And also - lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers and lamps create the atmosphere that we call “home”. Unique lamps will help you make your home just “yours,” personal and individual, and the best way is to make a lampshade with your own hands. Homemade lampshades and lampshades are the thing that will make your home stand out from others.

A few words about safety

When manufacturing lamps, floor lamps and chandeliers in industrial conditions, the minimum distance from the “body” of the lamp to the materials is first calculated. This distance depends on the power and thermal radiation of the lamp and on the type (flammability) of the material from which the lampshade/shade is made. At home, it is unlikely that anyone will bother with such calculations. And in order not to create a dangerous situation, you should adhere to certain rules.

In general, after making a lampshade and installing it, in the first few days pay attention to whether the lampshade is heating up. Heating is any increase in temperature above environment. If the lampshade feels “warm”, change the bulb to a less powerful one. Check again. Do this until the homemade lampshade gets warm.

Where to get the frame

If you want to remake an old lamp, floor lamp, sconce whose old lampshade has become unusable, you can simply use the existing base, stripping off the old material. Before starting work, take a good look at the frame; if there is rust or damaged coating somewhere, maybe it’s worth stripping everything off and painting it again? At the same time, the color can be changed. If there are no old frames, you can buy an inexpensive lamp (in a store or at a flea market) and do the same operations with it. By the way, good lampshades can be made from waste baskets. There are wire ones and there are plastic ones. The main thing is to find the right shape and size. Then make a hole in the bottom for the cartridge. Then it’s a matter of decoration/plating, but here there are a lot of options.

If this method is not available, you can make a lampshade without a frame (there are some) or make the frame yourself. The material for making a frame for a lampshade with your own hands is: wire, wood (wooden or bamboo sticks, specially cut elements), plastic bottles.

How to make a frame for a homemade lampshade from wire

The wire for the lamp frame needs aluminum or steel. Aluminum is easy to work with, but it wrinkles easily. This is not very important when the lampshade is already in use, but this fact must be taken into account during work: the shape can be ruined. On the other hand, such plasticity allows you to easily and simply make changes to the shape during work. So it's a good option. Aluminum wire can be “mined” from electrical cables. You will have to remove the protective shell and you can use it.

Steel wire is more elastic, so it retains its shape well. You can look for it on the construction market. It's more difficult to work with. It is advisable to have strong male hands nearby.

In addition to the wire, you will need powerful wire cutters and pliers for the job. The lampshade frame usually consists of two rings and posts connecting them. The shape of the future lampshade depends on the size of the rings and the shape of the stands. Questions may arise regarding the number of racks and methods of their fastening. The number of posts depends on the size of the rings and how “round” you want the lampshade to be. The more stands, the smoother the fabric will lie. So it's up to you to choose, but optimal distance between the posts in the bottom circle - about 5-6 cm.

Techniques for creating a wire lampshade frame

How you attach the stack to the lampshade rings depends on the thickness and type of wire, as well as the tools you have. The simplest one is to make a small hook at the end, then clamp it tightly. To prevent the ring from sliding left and right, first sand the wire at the attachment point with coarse sandpaper. This is an option for thick aluminum wire. If the wire is steel, with a diameter of 1.2-2 mm or more, the best way is. Thinner wire can be bent and wrapped around a ring or also made into a hook.

If you make hooks, wrap wire, appearance It turns out far from being as perfect as factory frames. But this imperfection will be covered by the lampshade itself. If you still care about it, find a ribbon of a suitable color (usually matched to the color of the lampshade) and carefully wrap the resulting frame. It will get much better. The tape can be coated with PVA glue and, wet, tightly, turn by turn, wrapped around the frame.

Wire mesh

If you can find a mesh of thin wire, you can quickly make an almost perfect cylindrical lampshade for a floor lamp, table lamp, night light, lampshade for placing a candle, etc. All you need to do is cut a piece of mesh of the required length and width, roll it into a ring and secure the wires by wrapping them around the posts.

To prevent the mesh from straightening out, when cutting a piece, cut so that there are long free ends on both sides. We will use them to fasten the cylindrical lampshade. And the imperfection of the upper and lower rings can be masked with a ribbon of the desired color.

From a five liter plastic bottle

An interesting shaped lampshade can be made from a large plastic bottle. There are bottles for 5-6 liters and even 10. These are what you can use. Cut off the top or bottom of the container, depending on what you like best. In the cut off part we make a ring for the cartridge. If the top is cut off, a neck can be used for some cartridges. For those with a larger diameter, it will have to be cut off.

Then we cut out the excess plastic and form the rims and pillars of the lampshade. To avoid mistakes, you can first draw all the lines with a marker. It will be easier to cut. Everything is elementary. Then we just decorate. And yes, it is necessary to cut out the plastic, otherwise warm air there will be nowhere to go.

Making lampshades on a frame

There are enough options for how to make a lampshade cover:

From tapes

The simplest and quick way transform an old lampshade for a floor lamp or table lamp - use ribbons. You need a frame or lampshade in the form of a cylinder. It can be “naked” or covered with fabric. If you use a “bare” frame, light will shine through the cracks, which will create interesting lighting effects, but the lighting will be uneven. It is uncomfortable to read in such light - this is an interior solution. If you need even lighting, first cover the frame with fabric. It can be the same color as the ribbons, a couple of shades darker or lighter, or it can be contrasting. It all depends on your desire. And remember that the darker the fabric, the less light the lampshade transmits.

We take a ribbon 1-2.5 cm wide. We fix it on the wrong side of the lampshade using PVA glue, additionally securing it with a pin. If you took a wire frame without fabric, attach it to the upper or lower rim (you can sew it on by hand, you can use glue). Then we begin to wrap the entire frame, from top to bottom, placing the turns of tape close to each other, but without overlapping.

Having completed the circle, turn the tape 90°. We fix it in this position (with a needle and thread or PVA glue, glue from a gun, temporarily fixing it with a pin, pressing it with a clothespin). Then we pass the tape under the first tape, pull it out, lay it on top of the second, then pull it down again, pull it up through one tape. So, gradually, we create an interlacing, filling the entire lampshade.

Alternatively, you can pass two vertical ribbons at a time. But then you need to make sure that each next row moves one crossbar. Then you get a different type of weave. This type of lampshade is ideal for floor lamps, since the light will be directed downwards and the dispersion through the walls will be small.

In this version, the ribbons can be the same, they can be the same color but of different textures, they can differ by a couple of tones or be contrasting. The tapes can be passed in a circle in a continuous stream, or at some distance. If you find a wide tape and apply it with an overlap, then you won’t need horizontal ones at all. And if you use a braided or twisted cord (in the lower photo on the right), we will get a completely different-looking lampshade. So this lampshade finishing technique alone gives you a lot of options.

Let's briefly present the ideas. There are many options for how you can design standard frames for lampshades in a non-standard way. The first method has already been announced: you can knit or crochet a cover for a lampshade. Several options in the photo.

Not everyone knows how to knit. It is easier to work with beads, especially if you glue them. You can decorate old fabric using beads, sequins, beads of different shapes and sizes. You can make this “new-old” lampshade with your own hands in a couple of hours. Select decorations that match the color, coat the fabric with PVA glue, and stick on the decorations. To complete the look, you can assemble pendants from beads and beads that are attached to the lower rim, but this is already painstaking work. The effect is interesting though.

You can sew a new lampshade from fabric. But it doesn’t have to be an updated copy of the old one. You should use your imagination! If a lamp or floor lamp is in the girls' room, a new cover for the lampshade can be made in the form of a skirt. You choose the style of the skirt yourself. They look interesting when folded. With and without ruffles.

In a boy's room you can use an old one geographical map. They are on thick paper. If the paper is not thick enough, you first need to glue the card onto the cardboard, and then glue the lampshade from such a blank.

Original lampshades are obtained if the finished frame is woven with threads or ropes. Ropes can be natural. In this case they are gray, brown and beige. You can find thin synthetic colored cords. They will make products that are more “cheerful” in color. The situation is even simpler with knitting threads. They are thin, thick, textured, with smoothly changing colors. In general, there are a lot of options.

We take the frame and braid it according to a certain pattern. You can start with the racks. Braid each stand with a braid (the length of the threads should be 3 times the height of the stand). When this work is completed, we begin to stretch the threads/ropes between the posts. They will need to be passed through the braids, so with threads it is more convenient to do this with a needle, but ropes can be inserted this way.

The second option is to first entangle the entire frame horizontally, and then braid the racks. The braid won't work here, you just need to secure the turns to the stand using inclined stitches with a certain slope. This option is somewhat simpler in execution, but the “braids” look more decorative.

Homemade lampshades without frame

Many materials are rigid enough to hold their shape on their own, but at the same time they are flexible enough to make something interesting out of them. There are a lot of such homemade lampshades. And almost all of them are worth your attention. We will present here only part, the other part will go in the section with photos (see below).

From knitted lace doilies

Many people have crocheted napkins and they lie in “stashes”, because it’s a pity to throw them away and they don’t know how to use them. There are very interesting idea- make a lampshade out of them for a suspended chandelier. In addition to napkins, you will need a large balloon or inflatable ball, glue for heavy wallpaper (vinyl, silk-screen printing, etc.), and a brush.

Soak the glue according to the instructions and wait until it swells. We inflate a balloon or take a ball and hang it up. When the glue is ready, lay out a napkin on some clean surface, coat it with glue, and place it on the ball.

It must be laid out in such a way that there will be a hole in the center for the cartridge. We glue the napkins one by one. They need to be laid out so that the edges overlap slightly. When all the napkins are laid out, coat them with glue again and leave until dry. When the glue has dried, deflate the ball or ball (the ball can be pierced, if you don’t mind) and take it out through the hole. That's all, the lace lampshade is ready.

In some cases, problems arise with how to hang the finished lampshade on the socket. The problem can be solved simply - take a transparent plastic bottle, cut off its neck, if necessary, expand the hole to the required size (so that it fits tightly onto the cartridge), then cut the plastic so that you get a ring 5-7 cm wide. Coat this ring with PVA glue , and glue it to the lampshade from the inside of the ball.

Round lampshades made of threads

Almost the same technology can be used to produce round and semicircular stylish lampshades. Choose threads of a suitable color. Their composition is absolutely unimportant - what matters is color, thickness and texture. They can be shaggy, smooth, twisted, thinner and thicker. The appearance depends on this. It is most convenient to work with cotton threads of medium thickness. They absorb glue well and then, after drying, keep their shape perfectly.

You will also need a ball or ball. This will be the base of the lampshade, which gives the shape. You can choose the dimensions of the base as desired. The threads will need to be glued together; for this you will need PVA glue. It is poured into a container and diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio.

You can use other glue. It is important that it becomes transparent after drying. This is WB-29 from TYTAN Professional and D2 glue for carpentry. If you use any of these types of glue, read the instructions.

On the ball or sphere we will draw a circle, which will be slightly smaller in size than the lamp socket. On the opposite side, draw a larger circle - this will be the lower edge of the lampshade. Now everything is ready, we can start.

We coat the threads with glue and wind them around the ball in a chaotic manner. It’s more convenient to do this if the glue is poured into a container - you can put the whole skein in there and just pull the thread slowly. With glue in a tube, everything is not so comfortable: you have to coat sections up to a meter long, wrap it around, and coat it again. It takes much longer. This is if you do not use PVA. But the products turn out to be more rigid and do not sag or change shape over time, as can happen with PVA thread lampshades.

When winding threads around the ball, carefully go around the drawn circles. If you accidentally climbed into the “forbidden territory”, simply move the threads, forming a smooth (more or less smooth) edge. When the threads run out or you decide that the density is enough, the process can be stopped. We tuck the edge of the thread between the others. All. Next, coat the ball with wound threads again with glue (PVA can be poured over) and leave to dry (at least 2 days). To prevent the ball from rolling, we find a bowl or pan and use it as a stand.

The last stage is to deflate the ball or balloon. If the ball has a nipple, press it with a thin wire, releasing the air. We take out the deflated ball. That's all, you can thread the lamp inside and test the lampshade.

The technology is the same, but the appearance is very different...

Using the technology described above, you can make not only round lampshades. Rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal. Choose a base that is easy to remove, wind threads soaked in glue, braid, even sticks, newspaper tubes, etc. After drying, remove the base and voila, you have made a lampshade with your own hands. A couple of examples in the photo below.

You can also use chopsticks... Just wrap the ball with cling film and use transparent carpentry glue rather than PVA glue

It's pasty polymer clay in a tube, which was applied to a milk carton, then dried and the bag was removed...

Creative homemade shades for lamps, floor lamps and chandeliers

It’s simply amazing what people don’t make beautiful and unusual things out of. A lampshade made from a cup, grater, bottle, beer or glass jar, metal parts and beer can rings... It seems that everything can be used...

Lampshade made from an old sieve... stylish

Candlesticks turn into lamps... without lampshades

You can't tell in real life, but these lampshades are made from hooks used to open metal drink cans and canned goods... if you paint them, it will be even more interesting

Don't know what to do with grandma's crystal? Make lampshades out of it...

Lighting plays an important role in the home. A well-chosen light source is a combination of the correct brightness and power with the beautiful design of the lamp. A good solution would be a chandelier, floor lamp or lamp under a lampshade. But if neither the styling is suitable for the interior last century, nor modern product, you can make a lampshade with your own hands!

Popular materials

Interior elements made according to individual project, are conveniently and beautifully integrated into the home environment. They are made from those materials and in those colors that are combined with the design of the rooms and are key to a particular style direction.

But appearance isn't everything. Any product must not only match the interior, but also perform its functions. Before learning how to make a lampshade with your own hands, it is important to determine what to make it from. The choice of materials is influenced by the following nuances:

• Lampshade location. Several options are common: ceiling lamps, floor lamps on a high leg, wall-mounted, table lamps. It is difficult to imagine on a bedside table the same dimensional structure as under the ceiling. In turn, a small bedside lamp will not cope with the functions of a chandelier in the living room.

• Dimensions. The larger the diameter of the lampshade, the more difficult it is to make it from small elements. If you only need a meter of material for a fabric lampshade, then for a shade made of ice cream sticks you will have to eat more than a dozen popsicles.

• Purpose. Lampshades are suitable for many occasions. They create a romantic atmosphere for a date, a cozy intimate atmosphere for friendly conversations, give the interior zest and lightness. The more light a room requires, the thinner and lighter the materials should be; the darker the lighting is planned, the denser the materials and the more saturated the colors.

• Price. Not all materials will be cheaper than purchasing a ready-made lampshade. Thus, lace, velvet, and some other noble fabrics are many times higher than the cost of a product made from scrap materials.

Lampshades made of fabrics, leather, various types of paper, fragments of wood, ropes and ribbons, beads, and metal are very popular. No less common are products from “junk” items and “alterations” that have received a new life.

Textile

Not every fabric is suitable for sewing a lampshade. Conventionally, it can be divided into two types: transparent and dense.

Transparent is intended for chandeliers and floor lamps that should illuminate large area. This fabric allows you to create beautiful designer lampshades without compromising the technical characteristics of the lighting. Light veils, airy items made of thin lace, and “knitted” openwork lampshades are suitable.

Transparent fabrics should be kept at a great distance from incandescent lamps, and lace fabrics should preferably be starched so that they retain their rigid shape even without a frame.

Thick fabrics needed to create a chamber atmosphere. These include satin, jacquard, linen, matting, flock, silk, staple, fabrics with photo printing. There is also a fabric on a lighting canvas intended exclusively for lampshades of geometric shapes.

Thick fabrics are more variable in terms of design. They come in any desired shades and can have a pattern: geometric patterns, various types of cells, subjects, birds and animals, floral and plant motifs. Separately, it is worth noting leather products, corrugated fabrics and the possibility of using adhesive tapes and ribbons to form folds of any shape.

Repurposing old things will help you save on creating an original fabric lampshade. You can use holey jeans that you didn’t dare throw away, a sweater that moths have eaten, pieces of burlap and any worn-out clothing.

Tree

In the design of lamps, the base is often made of wood, while the lampshade requires less heavy materials. However, this does not prevent the use of small, light wooden parts of non-trivial shapes to create a lampshade.

These can be wicker products made from strips of wood (like a basket or box), flexible thin branches (willow, hazel, birch), thin wood cuts with a diameter of up to 10 centimeters, strung on ropes like curtains for a doorway. A lampshade looks more original, the frame of which is made from an old trash can, and the shade is decorated with even rows of wooden clothespins. Budget options include a lamp decoration made from sushi sticks or a simple and elegant lampshade made from a knitting hoop.

Solid wooden lampshades are also found on the market. These are the thinnest cylinders that retain the texture of wood and transmit light, but they are difficult to manufacture and require some skills carpentry. In addition, due to the material and production technology, they are highly expensive.

Metal

When many people hear the phrase “metal lampshade,” they conjure up associations with bulky candelabra under the ceiling made of gothic interiors, however, modern technologies make it possible to produce elegant and laconic products from aluminum and metals with similar properties. They have a variety of shapes, dome depths, and can be solid or consisting of only “ribs,” like a bare frame.

You can easily make a budget option with your own hands from wire (aluminum or copper). Aluminum is larger in diameter, suitable for products of fancy shapes, but without decorative elements. Copper wire is thinner and more flexible. It produces not only intricate lampshades, but also beautiful decor any degree of complexity. The finished wire product can be painted entirely or in separate fragments.

To give the wire the desired shape, use a small bucket, a salad bowl on a leg, a shaped vase, a fruit basket, or any other item that can be wrapped around the top and then removed.

Another option for home creativity- lampshade made of coins. If you have old money from the Soviet era at home, then these depreciated rubles can be turned into an original lampshade if you glue them together with edges using superglue. Metal circles of different sizes should form a deep bowl into which the light bulb will fit.

It is important to consider that this is painstaking work, and you will need a lot of coins even for a small product, so you should not choose this option for decorating a chandelier in the living room. But in quality decorative decoration It will be very useful for a table.

Gypsum

Plaster lampshades are a rare occurrence. Semicircular and figured sconce lampshades are more often used in interiors in a historical, especially antique, style.

It’s not difficult to make it yourself. All you need is a plaster mixture, water, a medical bandage and a base on which the future lampshade will be formed. The work is carried out using the papier-mâché technique, only instead of pieces of paper, small fragments of bandages soaked in a plaster mixture are used.

After drying, the plaster product will be textured and uneven. It can be left like this or sanded with fine sandpaper until smooth.

Plastic

Finished plastic products amaze with a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. No fewer original plastic lampshades can be made with your own hands, using household items from this material. Among the popular ones are products made from bottles, cups, disposable spoons and straws. The most convenient are large-capacity drinking bottles.

Colored plastic is used to cut out small parts. For example, you can make leaves, circles, ovals, diamonds, and then attach them to the frame. Transparent plastic serves as the basis for painting with acrylic and stained glass paints.

Bottles of 5 liters or more produce a finished lampshade if you cut off the bottom part of the container. The remaining top already has a hole for the cartridge, and the bottom edge can be cut off figuratively, set on fire (the heated plastic becomes fancy shapes), finish with other material. All that remains is to apply the drawing.

Paper

Paper lampshades are one of the cheapest, most convenient and easiest to make. They are lightweight and versatile. As with textiles, they can be more transparent or dense.

Lightweight and transmitting a lot of light, such lampshades are made of parchment or rice paper. Before cutting out the parts, the sheets must be smoothed with an iron. Thick lampshades can be made from cardboard, wallpaper, newspaper pages using the papier-mâché technique.

Threads

The most popular and simplest option is a product made from threads (string, sisal, twine, jute), which are soaked in a large amount of PVA glue and wrapped around a balloon or inflatable ball. Due to the fact that when the glue dries, it becomes transparent, there will be no marks left on the threads, even colored ones.

A rougher-looking and more complex lampshade is made from braided clothesline or rope. Give it to him round shape it won’t work, but a classic semicircular, cone-shaped or cylindrical lampshade will be ideal for nautical-style rooms and loft interiors. Wicker lampshades made of wicker, twine, and macrame technique also look interesting.

Available materials

With good imagination and skillful hands, you can make a lampshade from less pliable materials: beads, seed beads, scraps of satin ribbons, used disks, shells, book sheets or unnecessary music notebooks, corrugated cardboard, cupcake tins and many other little things that are no longer used.

Style direction

Choosing a specific style direction for interior design requires adhering to it even in the smallest details:

• If the interior is dominated by one of the classic trends, you should give preference to high-quality materials and noble shades. Suitable fabrics, lace, bronze, gold and silver elements, graceful shapes, white, beige, burgundy, emerald, brown, as well as ivory and shades of precious wood. A lampshade that looks as if it was inherited from an intelligent great-grandmother will look especially advantageous.

• Ethnic design implies the presence of the national flavor of a particular country. European styles tend towards primness and elegance, the Asian region is more characterized by lightness, airiness, simplicity, oriental style embodies fairy-tale motifs, bright colors, precious jewelry, a combination of a large number of shades.

• Russian style, contrary to ideas, this is not a heap national symbols, but wealth, solidity, beauty and good quality; American - freedom of expression and original materials, for example, a lampshade made from tabloid pages.

• Styles, close to nature, favor natural and simple materials– wood, straw, coarse threads.

• Modern directions free from restrictions as much as possible. They allow the use of absolutely any materials, waste items and the most unexpected solutions: lampshades made of rope, candy wrappers, used discs with a mirror surface, paper cups and cocktail straws. And these are just a few variations on the theme.

Master class on making

At first glance, making a lampshade yourself may not seem like an easy task, but a detailed description will help you figure it out in a few simple steps. The easiest ones to make include frameless products made of paper, twine, and lace.

To assemble a paper accordion lampshade for a chandelier, floor lamp or table lamp, you will need:

• Prepare a piece of paper (or wallpaper) 150 cm long and at least 30 cm wide;
• Using a simple pencil along a ruler, outline the “edges” of the accordion, 3 or 5 cm long;
• Assemble the accordion, focusing on the outlined lines;
• Using a hole punch, make holes in the lampshade along the upper edge and insert a ribbon or string into them to adjust the width of the upper edge of the lampshade;
• Glue the two ends of the accordion with superglue.

To create the most popular spherical lampshade You will need: 20-25 meters of cotton-linen thread (thick) or soft rope, scissors, PVA construction glue, water, a container for glue, a marker, a thick one-color inflatable balloon, medical gloves, Vaseline, a base for a lamp.

Actions are performed in stages:

• Prepare your work surface. It is most convenient to perform actions on a table covered with film;
• Dilute glue with water in a ratio of 2 to 1, and lower a ball of thread into the resulting solution. It should be thoroughly wet. If necessary, you can add more solution during operation;
• While the threads absorb the glue, inflate the balloon until the right size, around the tail of the ball, mark a circle with a marker, the diameter of which is equal to the diameter of the light bulb. Lightly brush the ball with Vaseline;

• Tie the tail of the ball with a thread and wrap it in a chaotic manner until the threads run out. It is desirable that the weaving be thin and cobwebby;
• When the weaving is finished, the tip of the thread must again be secured around the tail of the ball and the excess must be cut off;
• Hang the ball in a dry place for 48 hours until completely dry. It is important to take into account that glue will drip from it, so there should be a container at the bottom.
• Puncture or deflate the balloon and remove it from the lampshade. The product is ready.

Lampshades made from round lace doilies look incredibly beautiful. They add sophistication and romanticism to the room, and at the same time are very simple to implement.

Since the basis of lace is thread, the manufacturing technology is similar to the previous version:

• Prepare workplace and everything you need: scissors, white glue without yellowness or transparent, lace or lace napkins, water, contrasting inflatable ball without a pattern;
• Dilute glue with water, immerse napkins for decoration in the mixture;

• Inflate the balloon, mark the hole for the light bulb, grease the surface of the balloon with Vaseline;
• Lay out the lace circles overlapping, moving clockwise from the intended hole for the light bulb;
• Leave for 24-48 hours to dry completely;
• Secure the socket and lamp.

Frameless lampshades also include products made from metal, plastic and wooden fragments that are glued together to form a semicircular or round lampshade. For example, from coins, gears, cups, branches.

A frame is necessary for more complex products made from thin paper or fabric. It allows you to assemble lampshades of different shapes, sizes and complexity.

How to make a frame?

The base from an old lampshade is ideal for realizing your ideas.

If it is not there, you can make a new one from the following materials:

1. Wire.
2. Metal hangers for clothes.
3. Plastic containers for drinks.
4. Plastic and wicker baskets.
5. Embroidery hoop.

The wire frame is the most labor-intensive, but the product made from it is reliable and strong. The main advantage of the wire is that it allows you to give the base any shape: cone, cylinder, square, tetrahedron.

For assembly you need steel wire 2-3 mm thick, wire cutters, pliers (pliers), round nose pliers, hammer, wooden block, sandpaper, enamel for painting, soldering iron.

Progress:

• Straighten the wire on a wooden block using a hammer.
• Cut the wire into pieces in accordance with the diameter of the upper and lower rings and the height of the “ribs” of the frame.
• Clean the finished fragments from unevenness and rust with sandpaper; Using pliers and pliers, give them the desired shape. The classic frame consists of two round bases of different diameters and 4-6 ribs.
• Cut the ends of the base blank at an angle and set them aside.
• At the upper end of each piece of wire for making ribs, make a small buttonhole and thread them into the upper ring of the frame. Distribute evenly.
• Wrap the ends of the wire on the upper ring and the junction of the base with the ribs with thin copper wire, press with pliers and solder.
• Use pliers to bend the loops at the lower ends of the ribs, place the bottom ring of the base on them, adjust the distance, press with pliers, wrap with wire, press again with pliers and solder.
• Cover the finished frame with light-colored enamel so that after a while the wire does not begin to darken and leave dirty stains on the fabric lampshade.

A frame made from old metal coat hangers is assembled according to the same principle as a wire one, but requires less effort and is less durable.

To make it, you need to untwist the hangers into long wire strips, from which parts of the desired shape and size are formed using pliers and round nose pliers. You can bite off the excess with wire cutters. The parts are connected to each other using construction adhesive, thin wire or electrical tape.

Empty plastic bottles with a volume of 5 liters or more can also serve as a good base for a lampshade if you remove the lid and cut off the bottom. The resulting lampshade can be painted, painted, and decorated with plastic parts.

Three-kopeck plastic baskets for used paper and outdated wicker baskets provide great scope for imagination. They are almost ready to be used as a lampshade; all that remains is to make a hole in the bottom for a light bulb, and if you use your imagination and decorate them, no one will recognize yesterday’s trash can in the luxurious floor lamp.

The last type of frame is also based on the use of a familiar object in an unusual way. For making simple and convenient wooden base You just need embroidery hoops of different diameters. The rings are connected to each other using a rope, braid or cord using any convenient knot or through holes drilled around the perimeter. You can arrange them by size in ascending order for floor lamps and in descending order for ceiling chandeliers.

How to sew from fabric?

To sew a classic fabric lampshade in the shape of a cylinder, you will need a pattern, textiles, upper and lower frame rings, PVC film for lampshades or white cotton, textiles and a spool of thread in color, a sewing machine, iron, glue, scissors, clothespins, a wet wipe, weights .

Step-by-step instruction How to reupholster an old lampshade with new fabric or cover a new frame with a cover includes several steps:

• Preparation of the workplace.
• Creating a pattern drawing. It is enough to measure a cylindrical lampshade with a centimeter tape, and a conical one needs to be “rolled” over a sheet of paper to draw a pattern. Having marked the beginning, it is applied to the line on the paper so that it coincides with the mark, and rolled along the sheet, marking a new point at the top and bottom every 3-5 centimeters until the “beginning” mark touches the paper again. A second line is drawn at this point. To the finished drawing you need to add 2-4 cm along the edges, then transfer the pattern to fabric and PVC film. Cut out the part on the film.

• Pasting film onto fabric. It should exactly match the drawing, plus allowances of 3-4 cm from each edge. Now you can cut.
• Assembly. There are two options: sew or glue the cover to the base. The second one is much faster and simpler, so most people prefer it. Assembly begins by securing the lampshade to the top and bottom rings using clothespins or clips. It is important to maintain a uniform distance from the edge so that the fabric adheres well to the base. If the lampshade is fastened correctly, you need to mark the top and bottom edges, and the place where the seam joins at least two points.

• "Stitching." Remove the clothespins, unfold the lampshade, and place it face down on the work surface. Then connect at the marked points and glue with superglue. Afterwards, the product must be turned over and weights placed on the seam so that the glue sets well.
• Edge processing. This is where the allowances left at the beginning will come in handy. They are treated with glue, and then folded inward, around the base ring, and secured with clamps. This must be done alternately with the upper and lower rings.

How to update an old lamp at home?

Restoring an old lampshade will not take much time, and the result will please all the inhabitants of the house. There are a great many variations on the theme: an old children's lamp with cartoon characters can be reupholstered with new fabric and an inscription or patterns can be applied with a spray can through a stencil; a starry sky can be made with backlight in the bedroom, and a floor lamp in the living room can be decorated with butterflies.

For decoration in the kitchen, decorating with colored paste in interesting shapes (bows, shells, spirals) is suitable. Decoration with lace napkins looks original, metal elements in steampunk style, paper flowers.

The decoupage technique using beautiful designs on napkins and special compositions for transferring them to fabric can save an old lampshade. Antique products are created using the same technique.

If the house has gone through global changes, the lamp should also be transformed to match the new style. Romantic light shades, floral prints, straw braids and lace frills will be appropriate in the Provence style, industrial themes will support modern interior, chrome surfaces and sharp shapes will fit perfectly into minimalism, techno and hi-tech, lavishly decorated with beads, pearls, beads, ribbon and lace, lampshades will find their place in historical interiors, and paper, bamboo, jute and others natural materials will appeal to lovers of national colors.

Stylish and beautiful ideas for homemade ceiling, floor and tabletop models

Designing an unusual lampshade with your own hands is one of those situations when treasures from the mezzanine and old things from the balcony can find a second life. Thus, colored scraps of fabric and jewelry can turn into a boho lampshade, and rough materials, metal and glass - into decoration for a loft-style interior.

A beautiful ceiling lampshade in the living room or bedroom can be made from lace, paper, large beads, or decorate the cotton base with fabric flowers. The kitchen theme will be supported by lamps made from old utensils, wine corks, cocktail straws, spoons, bottles. In the nursery, you can make lampshades from halves of a globe, use wallpaper with stars to frame a night light, and decorate the room with bright small lamps in a fairy-tale oriental style.

It is very difficult to part with your favorite things, especially if they are still in working order, but have become worn out in appearance. Therefore, many try to restore such things to their former luster and freshness through repairs, or even make them even more spectacular.

In the case of table lamp shades, this is more than possible. There are a great many options for updating them and even creating them from scratch. You can come up with your own or use the ideas of designers and simply creative people who have already implemented them and shared the result.

How to make a frame for a lampshade

In old table lamps, the frame usually does not undergo such irreversible changes and deformations that it cannot be used to create a new lampshade. But a person may not be satisfied with its shape or size, and then he has to make a new one with his own hands. The question is: how and from what?

The easiest way is to use aluminum or steel wire of such a cross-section that it holds its shape well. The skeleton of the future lampshade is formed from it.

Stages of work	Description
	We cut out templates from cardboard for all lampshade diameters. It can be one if the shape is assumed to be cylindrical, two if it is cone-shaped, three or more if it is complex. We cut off pieces of wire and form circles from it according to the template. Twist the ends tightly, using pliers if necessary.
	We decide on the height of the lampshade and the number of vertical jumpers. We cut the wire for them 8-10 centimeters longer than needed.
	We bend the excess ends of the wire perpendicularly and wrap them around the upper and lower circle. We additionally fix all joints and mask them with electrical tape. You can wrap it around the entire frame.
	If the lamp does not have a stop for the socket, we modify the frame. Why do we first make a wire ring with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the cartridge and connect it to the frame posts with horizontal jumpers.

The frame can also be assembled by welding or soldering. When soldering, it is better to use soldering acid instead of rosin.

Advice. Ready-made items can also become the basis for a lampshade. For example, plastic or metal wire waste baskets, wicker vases or plastic bottles. They just need to cut a hole for the cartridge.

Prices for different types of lampshades

Making lampshades with a wire frame

So, there is a frame, you can think about what to dress it up with. The first thing that comes to mind is new textile clothing.

Fabric lampshades

To make fabric lampshades, you do not need to have a sewing machine or know how to sew. But you will have to make a pattern in any case. What you need is a sheet of newspaper or whatman paper, scissors and tape.

The newspaper is wrapped around the frame, the joint is secured with tape and the excess is cut off from the top and bottom. Then the paper cap is cut lengthwise and the pattern is transferred to the fabric, leaving allowances for the hems.

The edges of the workpiece are folded inward and ironed. Its dimensions after this operation should remain slightly larger than the newspaper pattern.

We wrap the fabric around the frame and glue the joint or carefully sew it with a needle and thread. We wrap the edges at the top and bottom inward and glue them to the frame.

With tailoring skills, you can make a lampshade of a more voluminous shape. And you don’t have to be tricky with the pattern. You need to cut a rectangle out of fabric according to the height of the frame and the length of the largest circle. This is usually the bottom circle of the frame. Of course, don't forget about seam allowances.

We sew the fabric from the wrong side with the short sides to form a cylinder, the diameter of which exactly matches the diameter of the lower part of the frame. Then we bend and stitch the lower edge and put the fabric cylinder on the lampshade. We assemble its upper part with uniform folds, temporarily securing them with pins, fold them onto the upper circle of the frame and glue them. All that remains is to sew a braid or lace strip to the bottom edge and tie the lampshade with a ribbon.

also in top part fabric cylinder, you can insert an elastic band - the look of the lampshade will be completely different.

Lampshade from an old knitted skirt. Elastic band inserted on top

In the end, you can simply put a children's skirt of a suitable length on the old frame. It can be sewn from any fabric - calico, knitwear, jeans, organza, etc. The main thing is that the color and style should be in harmony with the interior of the room.

Lampshade made from napkins

Crocheted napkins and capes now seem to many to be completely unnecessary, old-fashioned things. Well, or simply not applicable in the interior of an apartment for its intended purpose. But it’s a pity to throw away items knitted by your mother or grandmother. But you can make a lampshade out of them, similar to a fabric one. Only first, all the napkins will have to be sewn into one fabric, the shape and size suitable for covering the frame.

Advice. To prevent the metal frame from being noticeable through the openwork fabric, paint it, wrap it with tape of a suitable color, or cover it with paper/cardboard, creating a hard inner layer.

A table lamp with such a lampshade will fit perfectly into girl's bedroom in Provence style.

Compare these two photos.

The same fabric is used here, but different techniques finishing. And the second lampshade looks more elegant, richer. The secret is in using not a whole cloth, but strips cut from the fabric and creating the effect of folds.

Image	Description
	You need to prepare a frame, thread and needle, scissors and durable fabric that does not fray around the edges.
	The fabric needs to be cut into long strips 3-4 cm wide. Things will go faster if you simply cut it from the edge and tear it with a sharp movement.
	The resulting strips are smoothed with an iron. If desired, you can fold the edges and press them inward, but this is not necessary. Simply trim off any loose threads.
	The first strip is secured to the top of the frame using glue or thread.
	And they begin to carefully wrap the frame in a circle, alternately wrapping the strip around the lower and upper ring. In this case, it needs to be stretched and laid with a slight overlap on the previous layer. Then the next one is hemmed to the first strip, trying to ensure that the seam is on the wrong side of the lampshade.
	Having wrapped the entire frame, the tip of the fabric strip is hemmed from the inside. You can stop there - the lampshade already looks very attractive. Or you can make the edging with contrasting fabric.
	A strip of this fabric 12-15 cm wide is folded on one side, the fold is ironed and double-sided tape is glued to it.
	With the other side of the tape, the strip is glued to the edge of the lampshade and tucked inward. The tape must be glued on both sides, so it is bent along the axis.
	The other edge is finished in the same way, and the excess fabric is carefully trimmed with scissors.

Instead of one fabric, you can use different ones, alternating stripes by color and width. It’s even more convenient to use ribbons - you don’t need to sew them.

Lampshade made of ribbons with bows

Alternatively, strips or ribbons of different colors are not sewn together, but the ends are left to hang down freely.

Ribbons and fabric strips are excellent materials for weaving. Having made the base according to the method described above, it can be intertwined with transverse or diagonal lines.

Lampshades made from braid, yarn, and twine look very original. If the frame has many intersecting ribs, they can be wrapped in different directions.

If the smooth fabric lampshade you have or made yourself is satisfactory in all respects, but lacks some zest, you can always decorate it. Beads, rhinestones, paper flowers and butterflies, fringe, etc. But there is a more original and effective way decorating lampshades... using wood putty. It's best to take it ready-made polymer putty. It comes in white and the color of different types of wood. White is perfectly tinted in any shade.

The technology is extremely simple: a flexible stencil is glued to the lampshade using tape, and then an even layer of putty is applied to it. After it dries, the stencil along with the tape is carefully removed along with the excess putty.

Other types of lampshades

If you don’t want to bother with wire, fabric and paper, you can use completely different materials and techniques for making lampshades. Here are some examples.

To make a lampshade in eco-style, you will need wooden or plastic embroidery hoops, quick-setting glue and slats.

The slats are sawed to length, equal height future lampshade. And they stick to the hoop. That's it, the lampshade is ready. It can be turned into a full-fledged table lamp, if several slats are made longer and used as support.

Any work with wood is always exciting, because it gives you the opportunity not only to show your own imagination, but also to make something that fully suits your needs and tastes. Agree, it’s nice when there is something made by yourself in the house. Read on our website about how to make a wooden box with your own hands.

Lampshades made from disposable spoons

Most suitable as a frame for such a lampshade plastic container volume 5 liters. It is this that is used in the proposed master class on making an original lampshade in the shape of a pineapple. But you can take any other container of a suitable size.

Using a sharp knife, cut off the bottom and neck of the bottle, leaving a hole through which the light bulb socket will fit.

We cut the cuttings from the plastic spoons, leaving “tails” 1.5-2 cm long. We paint the convex side of the spoons yellow with odorless paint. Acrylic is best.

Apply a drop of hot glue to the cuttings and glue the spoons with the painted side out to the bottom edge of the bottle close to each other.

We glue the second and subsequent rows of spoons overlapping the previous one with an offset, in a checkerboard pattern. There should be no gaps between them.

In this way we cover the entire container.

From thick paper or thin green cardboard, cut out a circle with a hole in the center, coinciding with the hole in the top of the bottle.

Cut the outer edge into large cloves and bend it slightly downwards. Glue it to the lampshade. Cut it out from the same paper long leaves and insert them in a bunch into the upper hole, having previously installed the cartridge in the lampshade.

Note. Lampshades made from materials that are not resistant to fire or strong heat can only be used with LED or fluorescent lamps.

Using this technique, you can create lampshades in a completely different style. If “Pineapple” will look great in a children’s room, then the lamp, the production of which is shown step by step in the following photos, will decorate the bedroom.

Lampshade "Pineapple" with feathers

Tiffany lampshade made from a plastic bottle

Big plastic bottle can be an excellent basis for making a lampshade that imitates the Tiffany style - multi-colored stained glass mosaic.

The bottom part of the bottle is cut off. The cut can be smooth or curly. Then a drawing is applied to it and the contours are outlined with a special contour paint of golden or silver color. And after it dries, the plastic inside the contours is painted in different colors.

Lampshade made from paper plates

If your old table lamp has a thick cylindrical shade, you can transform it beyond recognition by using disposable paper plates. Their number is easy to calculate by measuring the circumference of the cylinder: one plate is needed for every centimeter.

Manufacturing instructions are given below.

Bend each plate in half, step back 5 mm from the fold line in both directions and draw two parallel lines.

Apply a ruler to these lines and, with a little force, draw along them with the blunt side of a knife or other pointed (but not sharp!) object.

Fold the plate along the punched lines and glue it to the lampshade using hot glue.

Glue gun prices

Glue gun

Glue the second piece and all subsequent ones close to it and at the same height.

This is what should happen in the end.

This method is known, if not to everyone, then to many. Instructions included.

Inflate the balloon to the desired size and lubricate it with Vaseline so that the threads soaked in glue do not stick to the rubber. You can also wrap it with thin cling film.

In a jar of PVA glue we make an awl through hole slightly above the bottom.

We thread the needle and pass it through the jar, after which we remove the needle.

We wrap the balloon with thread and glue in any order until we obtain the required winding density. It is better to leave the area around the tail of the ball free so that you can then put the lampshade on the lamp.

We wait for the glue to dry completely and pierce the ball. Before this, the lampshade can be painted with aerosol paint from a can.

We decorate a ball of thread with paper, wire or fabric flowers, if desired, and put it on the lamp.

Video - How to make a beautiful lampshade with your own hands

A very unusual material for decorating a table lamp is metal clasps from tin beer and other cans.

For the first row, they are folded in half and secured to the top ring of the frame lampshade.

For all other locks, cut one ring in half and begin the second row, hooking the lock with the cut ears to two adjacent rings of the first row.

Having reached the bottom ring, the clasps are again bent inward with a hook and hooked to the frame.

These different, but very beautiful and original lampshades can be made from traditional and, it would seem, materials that are not at all intended for this purpose.

Video - Lampshade using origami technique

Unconditional harmony should reign in the interior of the room, therefore, when decorating it, it is necessary to take into account every detail, even if it seems trivial at first. Lighting devices always play an important role in design, which can often even become the central element of the overall design. However, it is not always possible to purchase the desired option- for the banal reason of the lack of the necessary design solution in the offered assortment.

In such cases, some homeowners have a desire to put their own efforts into interior design. And especially such a solution arises in those situations where beautiful bases remain from old chandeliers, floor lamps or table lamps. Therefore, this publication will consider the question of how to make a lampshade with your own hands for different types of lighting fixtures. Perhaps one of the proposed solutions will save some money from family budget and at the same time acquire an exclusive item of general decoration of the room, which will certainly become a source of personal pride for the master.

Advantages of making your own lampshade

There are a number of advantages to making your own lampshade for any type of lamp. And these circumstances should be taken into account when the question arises of whether to buy this element of interior decor or make it yourself.

Option for a homemade lampshade for a table lamp or floor lamp

• There is an opportunity to end up with an exclusive model of a lighting fixture.
• The master has a much wider choice decorative design lighting fixture corresponding to the general design direction of the interior.
• Very significant savings are achieved.
• For work, it is quite possible to use things that have accumulated in home pantries, which take up quite a lot of space, but it would be a pity to throw them away for one reason or another. So, in many houses there are lamps that are quite functional and interesting in their shape, but have long gone out of fashion. Any of them will be suitable for creating a new product.
• You should never discount the “psychological component” - the opportunity to clearly demonstrate to everyone your own creative ambitions, and then to be deservedly proud of the manufactured product.
• It is possible and even necessary to involve a child in the joint production of a lampshade - this is an excellent opportunity to instill in him the desire to create useful things with his own hands. In addition, time spent together and creative communication “as equals” will definitely benefit both parents and children.

We hope the arguments are quite convincing. Therefore, you can move closer to the practical part.

Safety of selected materials

The principle here is simple - a homemade lampshade should not pose a danger. This, of course, is primarily about fire safety, since any lighting device emits a certain amount of heat during operation.

When producing lighting fixtures on an industrial scale, technologists from responsible companies calculate the safe distance from the lamp to the lampshade material. This distance is determined depending on the power of the lamps that are recommended for installation in a particular lamp, and on the degree of heat resistance of the material used to create the lampshade.

At self-production lampshades, it is important to consider the degree of heat resistance and flammability of the materials used

• IN homemade lamps Only certain types of lamps are used that do not heat up to high temperatures. Thus, incandescent lamps should be completely excluded, in which the lion's share of consumed electricity is converted into banal heating, and often to very high temperatures. The fact that it is extremely uneconomical is not so bad. But the “neighborhood” of the lampshade material with a source of strong heat is extremely unsafe!

Today, there is no shortage of other light sources in the assortment of stores - these are LED or compact fluorescent energy-saving models. Moreover, they all must have reliable bases made of ceramic or metal. The cost of such lamps is, of course, much higher than that of incandescent lamps, but the heating here does not reach critically high temperatures. Plus, add a long service life and a calm, even, but quite powerful luminous flux.

• Highly flammable materials - synthetic or cotton fabric, plastic threads, wooden parts, as well as paper or cardboard from which the lampshade can be made must be at a distance of at least 50÷70 mm from the lamp.
• Having made the lampshade and installed it on the lamp, it is recommended to observe the intensity of heating of its walls. If you feel heating of the material, which can be described as more than warm, then you should change the light bulb to a less powerful one (we mean power consumption, and not a conditional criterion for assessing the brightness of the glow).

What is very important to know about the characteristics of lamps and lighting devices?

Before choosing, manufacturing, and installing lighting fixtures, it is strongly recommended to obtain some theoretical knowledge in this matter. The various methods for calculating room illumination are described in great detail in a special publication on our portal.

Varieties of lampshades according to design principle and material of manufacture

A few words need to be said about the types of lampshades, those that can be made at home. They can be divided according to the principle of design and material of manufacture.

Frame and frameless structures

By design, such products can be divided into frame and frameless.

Example of a frame for a lampshade

• Frame lampshades have a rigid base on which one of the selected materials is fixed. The frames can have different shapes - its choice depends on the preference and imagination of the master, as well as on the availability of the material necessary for manufacturing. The advantage of this type of lampshade is that the frame immediately determines the distance between the external finishing material and the lamp, and then maintains it throughout the entire life of the lamp. In addition, the product acquires rigidity, thanks to which its original shape is preserved.

Lampshade made using frameless technology

• Frameless lampshade. In this embodiment, the role of the frame is played by the material from which the product is made. In order for the lampshade to acquire the desired shape, a template is made as a temporary base, onto which the selected material is fixed with glue. The base is removed after the glue has completely dried.

When choosing this method, you must immediately calculate at what level inside the lampshade the light bulb will be located, taking into account that a certain distance must be maintained between it and the lampshade.

The advantage of this product is its light weight. The disadvantage is the fact that if the shape of the lampshade is accidentally deformed, its walls can get dangerously close to the lamp, which will lead to overheating of the material, which can lead to melting and fire. This is especially true for lampshades made for floor lamps, the shape of which can be damaged by accidental mechanical impact.

What materials are used for the external decoration of the lampshade?

A very wide variety of materials are successfully used to make homemade lampshades. Some of them don’t even have to be purchased - they can be found in the household, and sometimes even lie under your feet, almost in the literal sense of the word.

Illustration	Description of the material, its advantages and disadvantages
	Textile. Only frame versions of lampshades are sheathed with it. Not recommended for use synthetic materials, since they do not withstand heat well, they can shrink, melt and fade. Cotton or linen are perfect for lining. It will be better if the fabric is treated with a special water-repellent impregnation, thanks to which the lampshade will also attract less dust.
	Threads or yarn. This version of the material is most often used to create a frameless lampshade, but is sometimes used to cover the frame. To form a lampshade from threads, different versions of them with a thickness of 1 to 5 mm are used.
	Rope. Used for making rope different thicknesses. It covers the finished frame in different variations, and also assembles frameless lampshade models. It is best to use twine from natural materials- they are especially well suited for lamps made in eco-style.
	Ribbons of different widths are suitable both for forming weaving around the frame and for frameless versions of decorative lampshades.
	Hand woven lace made of cotton threads is used for fastening to the frame and forming a frameless lampshade. Instead of lace, you can use fragments cut from tulle with a suitable pattern.
	Hand knitted fabrics , having different patterns can also become an excellent decoration for the lampshade frame. They can be knitted specifically for a specific product, or you can use for this purpose ready-made items of clothing that have completely gone out of fashion or simply stopped being liked.
	Wooden parts - branches, planks, slats, etc. are also often used to make lampshades. Thin, peeled and specially treated branches are used to weave lampshades; thicker ones are installed as a palisade or cut into small pieces and randomly assembled into the chosen shape. Thin planks themselves are capable of forming a frame, while simultaneously performing a decorative function. Some craftsmen prepare plywood parts with through threads, which, when the lamp is turned on, gives a beautiful shadow on the walls.
	Plastic fittings , which are sold in sewing stores and used to decorate clothes, are also used to create lampshades or lampshades. You can add beads or buttons to this category of materials different sizes and forms.
	Origami is a technique for working with paper and cardboard, from which various decorative parts are made, including lampshades for lighting fixtures. The advantage of such decorative products is the speed of production (if you have some experience, of course) and the ability to change them depending on your mood or the need to decorate the room for a specific holiday. The disadvantage is the fragility of lampshades made of paper and cardboard.

In addition to the materials listed above, the most unexpected creative elements can be used to create homemade masterpieces - rings from metal cans, vases, ordinary kitchen graters, clock gears and much more. You just have to use your imagination...

Making a frame lampshade

How and from what can a frame be made?

If a frame version of the lampshade is chosen for manufacturing, then a logical question immediately arises - where to get it or from what and how to make the frame yourself. This stage of work can be called the first when creating a product.

If you plan to update the lampshade on an old floor lamp, chandelier or table lamp, in which the frame remains intact, then it can be used, decorated with new material. The old casing is removed from the base. Then the frame is carefully inspected, if necessary, cleaned of rust, and then painted.

If the lighting fixture is being created anew, or in the case where the frame is missing or has become unusable, you can purchase an old lampshade, for example, at a flea market, and perform the manipulations described above with it.

Well, if this option does not triple or is impossible, you will have to do it yourself.

Frame from a waste basket

One of those options that doesn’t force you to great effort To create a frame, you need to buy a metal basket for office waste.

You can find metal and plastic baskets on sale, but for the lampshade it is recommended to choose the first option. If the size and shape of the product is suitable, then the problem with the frame will be solved. A neat hole is cut out in the bottom of the basket to install a lamp socket, which should be securely fastened to the mesh surface. By the way, the bottom of many baskets is a solid metal plate, which means it can be even easier to secure the cartridge.

Often, it is not enough to completely cover the basket, but only to carefully paint it and use several decorative elements

Sometimes for the intended lampshade it is enough to carefully paint the mesh surfaces in desired color and decorate the top or bottom line with fabric, braid, etc. You can cover the frame completely with one of the above-mentioned materials. Design options are unlimited.

Wire frame

The most common material for making a frame is thick wire. If steel wire is used, then connections when assembling the frame can be made using spot welding. However, such technology is available to few, and, as a rule, most home craftsmen fasten individual parts together using the twisting method.

Steel wire has considerable rigidity and elasticity, and it is quite difficult to twist together parts with a thickness of, say, 3 mm. Therefore, some nodes are made using thinner wire, which secures the connections of the main frame elements.

Fixing turns of thick elastic steel wire with thin soft windings, such as copper

If the twisting method is chosen for connection, aluminum wire is often used. It is not difficult to work with, but it is too plastic and easily deformed. When the frame is covered with decorative cladding, it will, of course, acquire greater rigidity. But when making it, it is necessary to take into account the properties of the wire and act very carefully.

Wire for making the frame can be purchased at a hardware store. But home owners often find quite suitable “free” material in their sheds

The advantages of aluminum wire include the same plasticity, since when creating a frame, adjustments can be easily made to it.

To carry out the work, you will need some tools that will probably be found in any home workshop:

— pliers for bending and straightening wire;

- round nose pliers will help bend the ends of the wire for further twisting;

- wire cutters;

- a hammer will also help to straighten individual areas;

— sandpaper for cleaning the surface of steel wire before painting;

- thin copper wire for winding connecting parts;

— soldering iron for connecting copper wire;

- enamel paint and thin brush;

— electrical tape for additional fixation of parts together;

- a wide wooden block on which it will be convenient to straighten the wire and perform soldering.

Several options for wire frames for lampshades

Work on the manufacture of the frame is carried out in the following order:

• The shape of the future lampshade is selected and a drawing of the product is made taking into account its dimensions.
• Next, if necessary, the prepared wire is straightened.
• Then, according to the dimensions indicated on the drawing, pieces of wire are cut. Here it is necessary to take into account the overlap of the ends of the wire on each other when forming the upper and lower circles, by at least 150÷200 mm. For determining height vertical elements the segments must have longer length than stated in the drawing, approximately 40 mm. This is necessary to secure them to the frame circumferences.

The frame traditional for a lampshade consists of two large circles - upper and lower, a small ring for holding the socket, 4÷6 vertical holders and 3÷4 horizontal jumpers that will hold the ring for the socket inside the structure.

Naturally, there are much more complex forms of lampshades. In any case, each of the options is made according to the drawing. However, when choosing an overly intricate design, do not forget that cutting and sewing a cover for it will also not be easy.

• If necessary, cut pieces of steel wire are cleaned of rust with sandpaper.

• Next, circles of the required diameter are made. The ends of the wire must be wrapped with copper wire, and it is better to solder the resulting clamp immediately. Another fixation option is insulating tape.
• Then the frame posts are made, which will connect the upper and lower circles and thereby give the structure the outline of a truncated cone. At their ends, using pliers, peculiar loops are bent. With their help, these racks are put on first on the upper and then on the lower ring of the frame. The parts must be distributed around the circles so that there is an equal distance between them.
• After this, the rings at the ends of the posts are clamped with pliers. You can finally fix the connections of the parts with copper wire and then solder it, or you can do it easier - wrap it with insulating tape.

The frame is assembled from thick wire, the connections are made overlapping and then fixed with electrical tape

• If electrical tape is chosen for fixation, the parts are painted before they are assembled into a single structure. It should be rightly noted that the appearance of a frame fastened in this way is not highly aesthetic. Therefore, this option should be used only for lampshades, decorative cladding in which a dense opaque material protrudes.

Using a metal strip to create a frame

• These manufacturing methods are by no means the only possible ones. For example, in combination with wire, you can use a metal strip 10÷12 mm wide. It is convenient in that you can drill holes in it, through which you can then fasten the parts together using screws and nuts, and also secure the cartridge to a threaded coupling.

By the way, the connecting nodes, if the frame is made of thick copper wire or even a tube, can be made simply by soldering - you just need a fairly powerful soldering iron. Yes, and aluminum can be soldered - however, this requires some experience and a certain set of chemicals.

Other frame material options

Perhaps other recommendations on the material for making the frame for the lampshade will be useful for someone. Moreover, all the examples of “raw materials” listed below can be found in almost every home or purchased “for pennies.”

Illustration	Brief description of the use of materials to create a frame for a lampshade
	If you don't have steel or aluminum wire, you can use wire hangers to create the base. The hangers must be untwisted into even segments, which are straightened using pliers. Then frame parts are formed from them. They are connected to each other according to the principle described above, and fixed, for example, using electrical tape. Making a frame from such wire requires less effort, but the base is less rigid and durable.
	You can find it in hardware stores metal mesh, intended for reinforcing surfaces under plaster. They may have various sizes cells. For lampshade suitable option with cells 15×15 or 20×20 mm. A frame is formed from a cut-out fragment of the mesh, and to join, the edges are overlapped by one or two cells and tied together with twisted wire. However, from this material it is possible to make a frame only in the form of a cylinder or a truncated cone. If such a form does not contradict the general design solution premises and suits the master, then this option for creating a frame can be called the optimal solution.
	You can also use a grille from an old fan to make a lampshade, especially since it has already been given a certain shape of a peculiar spherical segment. If necessary, the frame can be made deeper by attaching an additional tier of wire of the same thickness to the bottom of the grille, or the edges of the lampshade can be lengthened with facing material.
	Another option for frame material offered by some craftsmen is five-liter plastic bottles. You can use them in their entirety, removing the bottom part, or cut the walls of the container into strips of the same width. Then the desired shape of the lampshade is created from the strips, and its lower side is fixed to a wire circle, which will give rigidity to the structure. An obvious disadvantage of this material is its deformation when overheated, and also the fact that only a small lampshade can be made from a bottle.
	The frame can also be made from embroidery hoops of different shapes and sizes. It can be a lampshade of a traditional configuration, round or semicircular. This material is easy to work with and produces a lightweight and reliable structure. When making a classic lampshade, hoops of different diameters are selected, the upper and lower circles are fastened together wooden slats. To form the internal part of the structure intended for installing the cartridge, you can use aluminum wire.

Several options for decorating the lampshade frame

So, as mentioned above, for cladding the frame they can be used different materials. The most popular options will be presented in this section.

Covering the frame with fabric

In order to sew a traditional fabric lampshade in the shape of a truncated cone or cylinder, you will need a prepared frame, decorative fabric, white cotton or PVC film, threads, glue, scissors, an iron, a silicone hot glue gun, clothespins, and a pattern. The amount of decorative fabric will depend on how you plan to sheathe the frame, whether it will be stretched evenly or whether folds will be formed on it.

The work of decorating the frame is carried out as follows:

• Making a pattern. In order not to spoil the prepared fabric, it is recommended that the first step is to make a paper pattern. Making it is not difficult at all. If the frame has a cylindrical shape, then its diameter and the height of the lampshade are measured. Everything is clear with the height, and the length is calculated using the formula for circumference:

L=π× D

L- frame circumference;

π - a constant that can be taken to be rounded equal to 3.14;

D- cylinder diameter.

As a result, the pattern will be an even strip of fabric. To its calculated length, 20 mm is added for the seam, and to the measured width - 40 mm for the bend on one side and the other.

If the frame has the shape of a truncated cone, then either the development parameters are calculated, or its graphical construction is carried out using a special algorithm. But often they do it much simpler. To do this, paint the outer side of the upper and lower circumference of the frame with a black marker and roll it over a sheet of paper.

Using the marks remaining on it, a pattern is drawn, to which extra millimeters are also added for the bend and seam. The pattern is cut out and applied to the frame, adjusted if necessary, that is, an additional segment is added to it or excess length is removed.

After the pattern is ready, it is transferred to the fabric, and also PVC film or lining fabric. Next, the marked parts must be cut out with scissors.

The rolling method is not always suitable. Sometimes you have to draw the development of a truncated cone yourself. If this becomes necessary, you can go to the appendix to this article. Mathematical and graphical methods are described in detail there, and calculators are placed for carrying out the necessary calculations.

• PVC film and fabric are combined with each other, pinned and sewn. Another option for bonding materials is gluing using a very hot iron. Ironing is carried out from the fabric side; when heated, the film melts and sticks to the decorative layer.

Attaching fabric to frame for initial fit

• The next step is to secure the fabric first to the top and then to the bottom circumference of the frame using clothespins or office clips. When fastening, it is important to ensure that the fold of the fabric is uniform. The fabric should be well stretched over the frame.
• When the fabric is fitted, marks are made on it along the vertical seam line and along the upper and lower folds. Next, after removing the fabric from the frame, sew a vertical seam using a sewing machine.
• Then the stitched cover is put on the frame and aligned with the upper and lower marks.

Final gluing of the fabric to the frame

• The fabric is bent through the wire of the upper circle, melted silicone or superglue is applied to the bend with a gun, after which it is temporarily fixed with clothespins or clamps. Then, the same process is carried out along the line of the lower circle. The glued fabric is left until completely dry.

Adhesive trims that complement the fabric pattern

• The final stage of work may be gluing a satin ribbon along the upper and lower edges of the lampshade in the color of the fabric, or the same material - to complement the unfinished design.

The glued strip must be immediately fixed with clamps or clothespins. After the glue is guaranteed to harden, the temporary fixation is removed.

Finished lampshade on a table lamp

• The finished lampshade is placed on a table lamp or other lighting fixture.

The method of attaching the lampshade depends on the characteristics of the lighting fixture. These can be special clamping flanges on the outside of the lamp sockets, a threaded bushing, and more. Any House master can easily deal with this issue.

Covering the frame with tape

This option is available for anyone, even a novice craftsman, since decorating with ribbon is very simple.

To finish the created frame in this case, the following materials will be required:

• Tape of the required color, 15÷20 mm wide. Its quantity will depend on the size parameters of the frame and the intended density of its braid.
• To make the product decorative, a border can be used that is well suited in design and color to the main cladding material.
• Superglue or silicone hot glue gun (gun).
• Clothespins or stationery clips for temporary fixation of the tape while the glue dries.

Stages of lining the frame with tape

Decoration work is carried out in the following order:

• The edge of the tape is attached to the upper circumference of the frame using glue and additionally secured with a clothespin.
• When the glue has dried, they carefully begin to wrap the tape around the walls of the frame, winding it through the upper and lower wire circles. When performing this process, the frame circumferences are pre-lubricated with a small amount of glue (usually small area, for several turns) and secure the tape with clamps. It is also necessary to take into account that the tape is wound onto the walls so that in the upper part it is more closely aligned with the previously laid one, and at the bottom its strips diverge somewhat, but no gaps are created between them.
• When winding the last turn, the edge of the tape is coated with glue and hidden behind the previous strip.
• After the glue has dried, a border is glued along the bottom edge, and, if desired, along the top edge. Its ends are fixed with an overlap, which is additionally coated with glue.

Decorating the frame with coarse rope

Another interesting option decorating a metal frame involves braiding it with thin twine and coarse rope. There are quite a few ways to decorate a lampshade with this material, and in the example below only one of them will be presented.

To create this lampshade model you will need:

• Frame with frequently spaced side guides.
• Thin twine.
• Twisted rope made from twine.
• Scissors.
• A silicone hot glue gun and several sticks of such glue.

The manufacture of this lampshade is carried out in the following sequence:

• The first step is to secure the end of the thin twine with a loop in the upper part of the frame, the upper circle.

Braiding the side frame guides with twine

• Next, each of the metal guides is braided with twine as tightly as possible, using one of the units of the “macrame” technique. In the illustration, one of these simple tying knots is highlighted separately.

Fixing the ends of the twine with silicone hot glue

• When a piece of twine runs out, it and the end of a new piece should be secured to a metal stand or circle using silicone hot melt adhesive. Then this area is covered with weaving to make it invisible.

Fixing the rope with twine on the frame

• The vertical guides are braided to the level where the horizontal twisted ropes will pass. In order not to miss the height of their passage, it is best to metal parts frame using a corrector, mark the points of passage of the horizontal pattern.
• In the designated places, the horizontal rope on the frame posts is firmly fixed with twine.

The result of decorating a metal frame with twine and rope

• Such a lampshade can be attached to the ceiling either with the wide side up (shown in the illustration below) or in a suspended position, with the open part of the hemisphere down.

Lampshade mounted on the ceiling in the form of a lampshade

• Additionally, the lampshade can be decorated with beads or glass garlands, placed on top of the frame of “butterflies” or attached with artificial flowers.

As you can see, nothing complicated even for a novice master. True, the work may seem tedious, but there is no need to rush, maximum accuracy - and everything will work out.

Making a frameless lampshade

This section will look at three options for frameless lampshades, which are even more affordable than products that require a rigid frame.

There is, however, a fundamental caveat. In order to set the desired shape of the lampshade, a frame (more precisely, a template) will still be required, but it will be temporary. Such a template, which determines the configuration of the product, most often serves as a balloon, inflatable rubber or plastic beach ball.

To make a lampshade in a similar way, various materials are used, but the principle of performing the work remains the same. Of course, each case has its own nuances, which will be discussed below.

Lampshade made of knitted napkins

In this option, you will need several knitted napkins of the same color or several shades that combine well with each other.

A tightly inflated balloon is used as a temporary template. For ease of use, so that the template remains motionless when gluing decorative materials, the ball is placed on a suitable open container, for example, on a pan or bowl of the required diameter.

Making a lampshade from knitted napkins - step by step

In addition, prepare a bowl for diluting the glue. In this case, transparent casein glue is sometimes used, which is often used for wallpapering. However, PVA is considered more durable in its qualities, and it is more often used for the manufacture of frameless lampshades.

• So, now you need to soak each of the napkins with glue and place them in a certain order on the ball template. The elements are completely immersed in the glue until completely saturated, and then wrung out, straightened and laid on a temporary frame. It is taken into account that in the upper part of the future lampshade there should be a hole for mounting a light bulb socket. However, it can be carefully cut out later, after the resulting three-dimensional figure has completely dried. And after cutting, it is best to frame this hole with a plastic ring, placing it on glue and basting it with thread.
• The top one is glued first, and then the side napkins. All of them are laid overlapping each other, approximately 100÷150 mm, so that after drying these fabric parts are securely glued together.
• Now all that remains is to wait until the glue has completely dried, since the lampshade should acquire a certain rigidity due to it.
• When the glue dries, the ball is punctured and deflated, and the lampshade continues to retain its shape.

Plastic ring framing the hole for the cartridge

• Next, a lamp socket with the power cord already connected is installed in the hole. In the lampshade window, this unit is tightened from the outside and inside by special flanges that move along the threads on the outer surface of the socket. This connection will give additional rigidity to the upper part of the lampshade.

"Lace" clothesline lampshade

This lampshade option, made from clothesline, can be used for any type of lamp. Moreover, it can be hung in the form of a classic lampshade or, as in the example discussed below, it can be fixed with the wide side to the ceiling.

Materials for making a lampshade

To create this lampshade model you will need to prepare:

Inflatable beach ball. The advantage of such a base is that upon completion of the work, you can simply bleed the air out of it, keeping it intact, and subsequently continue to use it for its intended purpose. Another option is a glass shade, the shape of which will be used to make a decorative lampshade.

Clothesline.

White regular thread and needle for sewing.

Glue intended for design work using the decoupage technique “Mod Podge”. This glue is quite expensive, so it will be easier to make it yourself. To do this, ordinary PVA glue is diluted with clean warm water in a ratio of 2:1, and for greater strength and, if necessary, to give a glossy effect, approximately one tablespoon of colorless water-soluble varnish is added for every 150 ml of glue.

Water-soluble paint - preferably in aerosol form.

Clear or white regular and masking tape.

A wooden plank with an even milled groove inside or with sides nailed on both sides - for forming a figured “snake” from a rope. A plastic cable channel of the required width may also be suitable for this purpose.

As a result of the work done, you should get such an openwork lampshade that will be a real decoration of the ceiling during the day. And when darkness comes, it casts unusual shadows on it and on the walls.

• The first step in creating this product is making blanks - a pattern is formed from rope.

Making a figured “snake” from a rope - with such blanks it will be much easier to lay rope loops on a spherical surface

For this purpose, the rope is generously lubricated with glue and laid in the form of a “snake” in the channel of the prepared slats. It is important to ensure that the relief is laid at the same pitch, that is, it is even.

Here you need to pay attention to the fixation of the rope pattern. In the illustrations, the threads that fix the bends of the rope in the required position are barely visible. In order to complete this process you will need regular white thread and a needle. The bends are sewn together without tightening them in such a way that the fastening threads mainly pass inside the rope and are visible only in some places. Fastening is carried out along the upper and lower edges of the “snake” workpiece.

The workpiece will be ready when the glue is completely dry.

• The next step is to prepare the ball to form a lampshade on it. To prevent the rope from sticking to the plastic surface of the ball, after inflating it should be covered with masking tape.

Laying a rope “snake” on the surface of the ball to create a spherical lampshade surface

• The dried rope blank must be carefully placed on the ball. The installation is carried out in a spiral, starting from the top, not forgetting to leave (form) a hole for the cartridge or for another fastener, depending on the characteristics of the lighting device. When laying a rope “snake”, it is advisable to attach each next turn with threads to the previous one - using the same technique that was used when forming the “snakes”.

• After the shape of the lampshade is fully formed, that is, the rope “snakes” are laid and tied with threads into a single structure, it must be generously coated with glue and then left until completely dry.

Applying spray paint to a lampshade

• Next comes the dyeing process. It is carried out on both sides after removing the finished product from the ball, from which the air is first released. For painting, paint of any shade can be used - white, gold or silver. If desired, the lampshade can be decorated in the “amber” style.
• After the paint has dried, the lampshade-shade is installed on the ceiling lamp using a special decorative clamp or again using the socket flanges, depending on the model of the lighting fixture. When installing, it is important not to press the lampshade too hard against the base, otherwise it may become deformed.

When you want to change the decor in your apartment and add a little originality to it, start with the little things. Try changing the lampshade, and you will be surprised at the transformation of your family nest.

And if you manage to find an original model that differs from analogues, then the changes will impress not only you, but also your guests.

True, unique lampshades cost a lot of money, because you can’t buy one-piece works by famous artists for pennies.

But no one is stopping you from creating your own unique masterpiece from cheap, and sometimes even waste materials, which will look much better than the samples presented in the store.

All you need are simple materials, a little patience and a flight of imagination, and we will tell you how to make a lampshade with your own hands.

Materials

You can create a masterpiece from everything you have at hand: fabric, paper, thread, twine, wire, plastic bottle, beads or beads.

In general, absolutely everything is suitable, even what you usually throw in the trash bag.

Don't believe me? Just look at the photo of the lampshade.

Frame

If you have a frame from an old lampshade, then that's just great.

However, don’t be upset if you don’t find one, because you can create a frame yourself from ordinary wire.

Copper, aluminum, steel - anything that you can independently combine into a single structure will do.

The metal frame of a classic lampshade consists of three rings and six jumpers between them. The small ring is a holder, which is connected by three jumpers to a ring of a larger diameter.

The same, in turn, is connected by jumpers to the last ring. The following photos will help you understand the design.

From fabric

When you have a frame for a lampshade, the easiest way to create your masterpiece is to wrap the base in fabric. For this you will need:

• paper (newspaper);
• scissors;
• textile;
• chalk or pencil;
• threads

Wrap the frame with newspaper in such a way as to form a pattern out of it. Then transfer the resulting shape onto the fabric using chalk, adding 1 cm to the seam on each side.

Make a pattern, cut off the edges and sew the sides, forming a cover for the base of the future lampshade. We bend the upper and lower edges of the “cover” in such a way as to close the frame rings and secure them with a seam.

Note!

Voila, your lampshade for the floor lamp is almost ready. All that remains is to add a few highlights to your taste, making it unique.

From threads

How to make a lampshade when there is no frame? As easy as pie.

Take a balloon without drawings, glue, thread, marker and start creating.

First you need to inflate the balloon and mark on it the upper and lower boundaries of your future masterpiece. Then take the threads and wrap them around the ball, trying not to protrude beyond the marked contours.

Apply glue diluted with water 1:1 to each layer of thread. When the thickness of the wound thread satisfies you, fix the cut edge and hang the ball to dry. After 3-4 hours the threads will dry. Then pierce the ball and carefully detach it from the walls of the finished lampshade.

Leaves and flower petals woven between layers of threads can add additional charm to a thread lampshade.

Note!

A ball decorated with sparkling drops of beads also looks original. In general, watch and be inspired.

From paper

Regular sheets of office paper, glossy magazines, a cheap newspaper, an unnecessary book or an ordinary notebook, a paper towel or a napkin - these are all future lampshades.

It doesn’t matter whether there is a frame or not, the main thing is that you have scissors, glue and paper. A thousand and one versions of such lampshades can be described with the words “cut and stick”.

The main thing is not to forget a few simple rules:

• It is safest to use a paper lampshade together with economy light bulbs, which heat up significantly less than incandescent bulbs;
• the diameter of the lampshade should be large so that the paper does not heat up excessively;
• for a light room you can make a lampshade from thick paper, but for a dark room you need a thin one that transmits light well;
• be careful with color. For example, red or yellow paper will add warmth to the room, green and blue will add coldness.

Well, that's all. Charge yourself with new ideas, arm yourself with the means at hand and move forward to easy changes that will bring warmth and comfort to your home.

Note!

DIY lampshade photo