Before and After: A Top to Bottom Bedside Lamp Makeover

Brittni Mehlhoff

I found this inexpensive table side lamp on clearance at Target and thought it would be the perfect shape for a bedroom makeover I recently put together. After recovering the lampshade and embellishing the base, I was able to create a custom light for about $30. Here’s how you can make your own.

Brittni Mehlhoff

Materials:

Lamp Base and Lamp Shade
Spray Paint
Sandpaper (medium to fine)
Fabric
Mod Podge
Foam Brush
Painter’s Tape
Iron

How-To:

1. Start by removing the lampshade from the base and lightly sanding the base (if necessary).

2. Using painter’s tape, cover all areas that you want to protect from spray paint (light bulb housing and cord).

3. Spray the base with several coats of spray paint, in a well ventilated area. Outdoors is really the best option when using spray paint. Allow paint to dry completely.

4. While the paint is drying on the base, you can get to work on covering the lampshade. Using some scrap linen I already had, I measured and cut a piece of fabric that was large enough to wrap around the entire lampshade and still have several inches of room on the top and bottom.

5. Iron out any wrinkles before beginning to glue the fabric to the lampshade with Mod Podge. Apply the Mod Podge directly to the lampshade in even coats, covering small sections at a time. Smooth the fabric over the glue until secure enough to move forward to the next section.

6. Repeat this process until the lampshade is completely covered and secure. Then, cut off excess fabric on the top and bottom of the lampshade, leaving 1.5-2 inches on either side so you can secure it to the inside.

7. Fold the excess fabric inside the lampshade and secure with Mod Podge. You will most likely need to cut a few slits in the fabric so that it can lay flat against the inside of the lampshade. Repeat this process for the underside of the lampshade and let dry.

8. Next, remove tape from lamp base, attach lampshade, add a lightbulb, and plug in. All done.

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