Not Fabric, Not Doilies: This Unexpected Thrift Store Find Makes A Stunning Lampshade In 10 Seconds
One of the quickest and most effective ways to transform the feel of a space is by adding creative indoor lighting. Sculptural, textured, or patterned lamps act as both pieces of decor and functional additions to the room, helping to improve visibility, create a more calm vibe, and spruce up the design in one fell swoop. The problem? They can be shockingly expensive. Simple IKEA floor lamps and bland options from Walmart or Amazon won't break the bank, but they won't make a statement, either. Consider giving them an instant upgrade with one unexpected thrift store item: a child's skirt.
This idea might seem a bit out there at first glance, but when you consider the shape of a standard lampshade, things start to make more sense. A basic A-line skirt mimics the flare of a tapered drum or bell-shaped lampshade, and with the help of the convenient waistband along the top hem, it easily becomes a cover. Simply draping the skirt over the existing shade is enough to completely change its look, and thanks to the massive array of fabrics, colors, and prints you can find while browsing the clothing aisles at the thrift store, there's plenty of opportunity to find a skirt that will complement your home's design.
With that being said, however, we do have to issue a brief warning. One of the biggest differences between LEDs and incandescent bulbs is the amount of heat they emit, and placing additional fabric on a shade that covers a hot, older-style bulb could be a fire risk. If you're worried, save this hack for a newer lamp.
How to try out this skirt hack in your own space
For this DIY, you'll only need two things: your skirt of choice and a lamp with a boring shade. Before you head to the thrift store, measure the height of your shade and the circumference around the top opening — this will give you an idea of what size skirt to look for. If the circumference is 21 inches, for example, you'll be looking for a skirt that's around a kids' size four with a similar length to the height measurement of the shade. Luckily, kids' clothing often features a flexible elastic waistband, so the sizing doesn't have to be super exact.
Unless you're planning to completely block out the glow from the sides of your lamp, the fabric will still need to let light through. Tutu-style skirts are perfect for this, but you can also find options made of semi-sheer fabric like lace, organza, or gauze. If the skirt has an opaque lining, be sure to carefully cut it out before use for that glowy look.
@denadanielle_designs It's pink AND has hearts. 😂 I had to buy it! #pinkhousestuff #diyhomedecoreasy #thriftstorefind #pinkdecor
Now, all that's left to do is drape the skirt over your lampshade, using the waistband to secure it along the top. If you want some extra staying power, you can also add some straight pins into the material. The final result will look gorgeous while the lamp is off, but once it's on, you'll get to enjoy a more subtle, soft glow tinted by the color of the skirt you chose.