Paint An Ombre Lamp Shade
I often get caught in a cycle of creating and improving. Whenever I make an improvement, it seems to highlight the things around it that are not up to par. Or it inspires me to do something else because of the way the improvement has changed the feel or look of the room. Does this ever happen to you? That’s just the way of decor, I guess. We are always improving!
I’ve had this issue with my lamps & end tables for a long while. For three years I had these crappy plant stands as lamp tables.
Recently, I built two new end tables out of bar stools. They were really an improvement!
I loved the more modern look the end tables brought to the space, but it highlighted the fact that the lamps (particularly the shades) were a rather outdated style. Most lamps in the store now have a simpler shape. Suddenly the lamp bothered me. So, I went to Shopko and bought some replacement lamp shades on clearance for $5 each.
I loved the shape and texture (they’re covered in burlap!) of these lamp shades, but something didn’t sit right with me. Perhaps it was just the fact that I had added MORE BEIGE into my already beige couch on beige wall on beige carpet living room. (Read about my beige aversion here).
I took the plunge and decided I would improve them the way I improve everything–with paint! I removed the shades and brought them to my craft room to get started!
Initially I planned to just paint the whole shade one colorful hue, but I decided to do something a little different. To give the lamps even more sass, I tried a trendy ombré.
I used the teal color from my coffee table redo to paint the lamp shades. I’m a little in love with teal. I coated the bottom of the lamp shade with paint and then just spread that down, moving my brush in all one direction. This is very important: move one direction with your brush the whole time.The burlap material was very forgiving. I don’t think I could’ve made a decent looking ombré on a different fabric.
In the process…
I am pretty happy with how it turned out! At first I wasn’t sure about the ombré vs full color look, but the way it looks is growing on me. I would love your opinion on what you think would look better! Should I keep the ombré or paint the whole thing teal?
It’s amazing what a little paint can do! And I do mean little. Try this project with the free sample size paints many stores give out. There are endless possibilities.
If you’re interested to see the look of my whole living room, check it out! Thank you for reading! Do let me know what you think of my ombre lamp shade!
I love the colors. I’m a quilter & I really love all colors.
Thank you Judie!
I love the ombre.
Thanks Dianne!
I think it looks fantastic, I tried to paint a shade and added glitter as I found anold 5ft lamp base in brown, i painted with white chalk paint and I tried to do the lampshade but it came out very patchy even after a second coat! Now I don’t know if I can redeem it or buy a new one ,I’m loving all the glitter paint for upcycling stuff,disappointed the shade as I have read several tutorials but I seem to get it wrong and I’m pretty handy 😪 but I live the ombre 👍❤❤
What type of paint is safe to use to paint a burlap lamp shade
This project I used regular wall paint, but it turned out a bit hard and crusty. I’d recommend using fabric paint if you’re attempting to paint a burlap lamp shade. My favorite is DecoArt SoSoft.
I love the ombre!!!!! (I’m a quilter also). Love your colors, your art and your stunning coffee table. Great job!!!!
Thanks Karen!