Lamp Shade Makeover

I decided it was time I gave my lamps a makeover. I am decorating my living room in peacocks so I thought, 'Why not do a peacock lamp shade?'

Here is what I started with....Pretty plain, pretty basic and the inside plastic was starting to crack.

This is everything I used for my project:
1. New Drum style lamp shade. (I like these because they are a little more contemporary and they emit more light out of the top.
2. Poster board
3. Fabric to wrap around my shade. I used Argos Bisque item #170273 from InteriorMall.com. It's still a light colored fabric but will add texture to the shade.
4. Fabric to use as a trimming. Fabric trim works well too. I used Dupioni Silk 9033 Peacock item #60307 from InteriorMall.com. I'm using this same fabric for my window treatments so I wanted to tie it all in.
5. Peacock feathers
6. Spray glue

First I wrapped the shade in my base fabric Argos Bisque, spraying the shade with glue as I went.

 Then I took strips of poster board and wrapped them in fabric. (Note - if using silk or faux silk for this be sure to only spray the strip on one side with glue as it might discolor the fabric.) Then I wrapped those around the top and bottom of my shade. If using a trim for this it is best to use a hot glue gun. Spray glue will not hold a trim or gimp over time.

Then I glued on my feathers and voila!

How to Pick the Right Lamp Shade

Lamps are an important design element to any room. Without them you are subjected to harsh overhead lighting from your ceiling fan or no light at all. However, like any design element lamps go in and out of style and they also wear out with age. If you have decided to keep your current lamp base but change out your worn out lamp shade here are some tips for selecting a new shade.

First, select the shape of your shade. There are many different styles so try and picture how each one would look on your lamp and in your room.

Second, select the shades bottom diameter. The best way to determine the bottom diameter of the shade for your table lamp is to measure the lamp height from the bottom edge of the table lamp base to the top of the lamp stem, (just below the socket cap).

The shade you choose for your lamp should have a bottom diameter that is within 2”, plus or minus, the measured height of your lamp. For example if your lamp height is 14" tall, your shade should have a bottom diameter of 12"-16"

Third, select the shades overall height. The overall height of the shade is directly related to the height of the harp. As a general rule, the overall height of the shade should not exceed the the height of the harp plus 1/ 2”, and should not be smaller than the height of the harp minus 1/ 2”.

For example, if your harp is 7” tall, the shade you select should have an overall height in the range of 6 1/ 2” to 7 1/ 2”. The shade height is important because you want adequate coverage of the bulb without covering the lamp base.

Hopefully this helps and it makes your shade decision making easier. Don't forget to visit Interiormall.com for an extensive array of lamp shades.

From Jewelry to Home Accents

We are always looking for new and unique ways to decorate the home, especially on a budget. What better way to do that and reuse old, unused items then to use jewelry as home accents. 

Have a beautiful brooch passed down to you but it's just not your taste? Don't keep it locked up in a jewelry box. Use it to create a piece of wall art like the butterfly brooches to the right. To create these pieces paint a gesso-finish artist's canvas with water-thinned dark umber paint and then rub it off. Use a graphite pencil to draw lines depicting the wingspans. Simple, easy and the end result is gorgeous!

Another idea for that vintage pin is a pretty curtain tieback. Wrap sheer ribbon around the curtain panel and tie, leaving tails about a foot long. Pin the flower brooch at the knot. Brooches like this one are easy to find.

Have some necklaces lying around? Why not use them as wall art? Wrap a picture frames cardboard insert in paper or quilting fabric and suspend a pendent over it. Or spruce up that plain vase by restringing faux pearls on light-gauge wire and wind around the neck. Thread glass beads onto fishing line to make a sparkly "necklace" for another vase.

Have a set of earrings that are no longer a set? Decorate a paper lampshade by punching holes evenly around the bottom edge. Insert earring posts through the holes and secure with earring backs, or use clip-on earrings. 

This also works great for adding a unique fringe to a table runner. Make sure the runner is fabric so the earrings can pierce freely.

You can also dress up an old picture frame by attaching old earrings or brooches to create a gorgeous vintage frame that would please anyone to receive.

If bracelets are your weakness and you just have far too many slip them over votives for an eclectic look. Be sure to only use votive candles that are in glass holders.

Bracelets also make fantastic napkin rings. Take ordinary metal napkins rings and morph them into gem-encrusted beauties when you thread beads and crystals onto craft wire and wrap it securely around the rings. Thread more beads onto wire to make a coordinating set of wineglass charms.

Dig through that jewelry box and spend some time making some gorgeous and unique accents your home. It'll be fun and you'll love the end result!