These Thrifting Finds Are Giving Boring Lampshades A Stylish And Personalized Makeover

Unique and distinctive lighting can set the tone for any room, with many options for fixtures and shades available. Lamp shades can usually be pretty basic, relying on the lamp base itself for much of the piece's character. There may be an inexpensive and creative way to turn a boring lampshade into stylish decorative pieces using thrifted pins, buttons, and brooches. The result is a distinctive and one-of-a-kind accent for your space, whatever your aesthetic, that looks as cool in the daytime as it does when lit at night.

This is a great chance to change up a boring lampshade you already have or give a thrifted lampshade a fun makeover. You can usually find an abundance of pins in the jewelry and accessory section of your favorite thrift store, or buy them in lots from sites like eBay. Choose pins that you find pretty, go together well visually, or represent your hobbies or interests. This technique is also a great way to show off an enamel pin, pinback button, or brooch collection you may already have and are looking for a way to display, allowing them to become a part of your décor. You can use a regular lampshade, or cover the shade in fabric or paper to make a fitting background for your pins, and give your old lampshade a fresh new look.

To add pins to the lampshade, simply punch the pin portion through the shade where you want it to go. If the pin has a back, add it on the other side. For backless pins, push the pin through and angle it to keep it firmly in place. (If they are pins you won't be using or wearing again, you can also add a dab of hot glue under the pin to make it permanent.)

You can add the pins with even spaces between them or create a more random layout. Vintage brooches look especially pretty when placed together for a full covering of brooches. Or create shapes like hearts or flowers with your pins as you add them. Other cute ideas for customization include adding trim like cording or fringe around the top and bottom. While this works perfectly for a table lamp shade, you could also use a hanging shade for an installation held aloft.