How to Decoupage a Lampshade
This decoupaged lampshade makeover project is an easy way to give a plain lampshade a fun and colorful new look.
I’ve had this one dollar thrifted lampshade around for what seems like forever, and it was long overdue for a makeover.
Sponsored: Decoupage product provided by DecoArt. This project idea, choice of product used, and all opinions are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy here.
Here’s my stash of postage stamps, which I have organized by color.
I’m not a stamp collector, but I love the way they look. These stamps were purchased specifically with crafting in mind.
This lampshade is very sturdy. It’s made of some kind of strong canvas material.
Applying Stamps onto Lampshade
This is the kind of project that you just have to jump right into, without giving it much thought.
If I think about this kind of thing too much, I might never get started at all.
I just applied decoupage medium on to the lampshade, and put the stamps in place.
As I went along, I smoothed out the stamps with my fingers.
This is very much like a puzzle, especially when you make your way towards the bottom of the lampshade.
It’s helpful to have different sizes of stamps to pull from.
That way you can fill different sized spaces.
Trimming Stamps from Corners of Lampshade
After you’ve applied one coat of the decoupage medium to the stamps you can easily trim them with an xacto knife. The trick is to let the blade do the work. You don’t need any pressure at all.I
If you fold the stamps over onto the other side of the lampshade you’ll be able to see that when it’s lit up, so it’s best to cut the bits off.
I finished all four sides, just sort of winging it as I went.
And then I trimmed off the final corners.
Finishing Touches to Decoupaged Lampshade
A light sanding with a fine grit sanding block s a good idea to smooth down any bits that might be sticking out on the corners.
Also, it’s a good idea to do this on the flat surfaces too, but make sure to support the lampshade with a hand underneath.
And this is just a light sanding, not much pressure needed.
I gave the decoupaged lampshade three light coats of the decoupage medium, with a light sanding in between.
At this point you could glue some kind of trim around the top and bottom if you wanted to, but I kept it natural because it goes with the outlines of the stamps. You could also put some kind of trim down the outside corners, but again I decided to keep it as is.
There’s no right or wrong here. It’s really just about personal preference.
Views of Finished Decoupaged Lampshade
I love that all four sides are different, but similar at the same time, and all it takes to get a new look is to rotate the shade.
And here’s one side lit up so you can see how it looks. It takes on a sort of antique-ish feel because of the creamy color of the lampshade material underneath.
Supplies for Decoupaged Stamp Lampshade
- sturdy lampshade
- postage stamps
- decoupage medium
- foam brush
- xacto knife
- fine grit sanding block
Here’s a side view before.
And the after.
Here’s the front view before.
And the after.
I wanted a colorful sort of random mosaic look, so my focus was on the colors and shapes of the stamps rather than what was actually depicted on the stamps.
You could easily use stamps that are all one color, or you could go crazy and use one color per side. 🙂
Hmmm, now there’s an idea I might have to try next time. I’ve been know to like a little, or a lot, of crazy in my home’s decor.
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If you enjoyed this project you might also enjoy there decoupage stamps projects.
Decoupaged Vintage Magazine Table
Decoupaged Bracelets, and Floral Earrings
Decoupaged Vintage Sifter turned Pencil Holder
Thanks so much for reading and until next time,
keep on keepin’ on!
XOX
What a fun project. I think I may have enough postage stamps from the ones my husband has been clipping off envelopes to cover a small shade.
That’s awesome Judy! This is a great way to create a unique lampshade. No two would be alike.
Love how the postage stamp lampshade turned out. I have done one in fabric before using the same method. My fabric was the size of the lampshade. I like all your fun crafts.
Thanks Olivia! I’ve used fabric for makeovers too. Lampshades can be dressed up in so many ways. 🙂
Very creative!! I love the look of the lampshade! It would do great in a study, office, library, teen’s bedroom, etc!! Now to find those postage stamps I saved years ago! lol
Thanks Sandra! I hope you find your stamps. 🙂
You are really making good use of all those stamps! Need to get myself some! Another winner, girl! Dona
Thanks very much Dona!
Such a cute idea! Such colorful stamps!
Thanks MaryEllen!
What a cool idea, Tuula! I love the new look and the shade looks so good against that pretty wall color of yours.
Thanks very much Marie!
Looks awesome, Tuula! I love that vintage car stamp. I’ve got my dad’s whole stamp collection packed away; can’t wait to eventually get it out & do some projects with them!
Thanks Lora! I look forward to seeing what you do with you’re dad’s stamps.
Your lamp shade turned out beautiful Tuula! I always notice how polished and perfectly lined up and neat your projects turn out. Everything looks so professional. It just goes to show how patience and planning plays in to the outcome of your projects. I hope you, your hubby and all your kitty kids are staying safe and healthy!
Thanks so much Pam! I hope you and yours stay safe and healthy too. 🙂
Hi Tuula, The stamp lamp shade came out great. This is another great thing Iv’e seen you do with stamps. And thanks for the bunny story. We all need to step back and enjoy the things God sends us. There really is beauty everywhere.
Thanks Kaye! There is definitely beauty everywhere, even in our own backyards. 🙂
Those stamps on that shade up against that wall could not have been planned and come out any better. All the colors look so great together.
Thanks so much Carolyn! This was a really fun project.
Wow ! I’m loving this lampshade ….so much fun : ) Think this is going on my must try list as soon as I can find enough stamps to work with. Very creative !
Thanks so much Kim! I found my stamps in bulk quite a while back on etsy. They’re used and were sold especially for crafting purposed.