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If you’ve been reading my blog for even a hot minute, you know that I have a thing for lamps. Light fixtures, too. Anything that lights and includes a shade is what I gravitate to. Well, I can’t say everything because I am choosy when it comes to lamp bases, and light fixtures, however I don’t feel that you need to spend a lot of Do Re Mi on either one. Details are important and you can upscale any lamp shade with ribbons or trims, and even some paint.
Yes, you can paint a fabric lampshade!
I Have The Secret!
The shades I’m referring to are the ones on our dining room light fixture. As I like to change things up, sometimes more often than not. One my say I’m a tad ADHD when it comes to said light fixture. Perhaps. But in my defense, I love to change things up a bit.
My Inspiration
From thumbing through interior design magazines and books, to watching design shows on TV and YouTube, I always seem to study lampshades. There could be a photo of a gorgeous living room, and I’m zeroed in on the lamp and shade. Go figure. But it’s with all these publications that got me wanting to change out the shades on the dining room light fixture.
So I got busy and starting researching and looking for chandelier shades that I had in my mind. Thing is, holy price tag. I mean, I know I always harp on budget, but I’m harping on budget. Such small shades can garner a price upwards of $45 a piece. Our chandelier has 8 arms, so that would certainly add up quickly.
Where It All Started
Let me back up for just a minute and come to the defense of the current shades. Their shape is perfect, and they’re fabric, albeit some type of manmade kind, which is totally cool, but I just grew tired of the white with black cording concept. Meh. Over it.
But then my wheels started turning. What if I could just paint these fabric shades? I mean, what’s the harm. I got them for a song a long time ago, so even if I messed up, the mistake wouldn’t cost me a fortune.
Then I started mulling over types of paint. Brushing it on was ruled out immediately. Even coverage would be impossible with that method. And, would run the risk of the paint looking caked on. Kind of like a gal in the ’80’s with a bad makeup job.
Spray paint was a must, but what type?
I needed the paint to look soft, as if the fabric was that color to begin with. Then I started thinking about flowers and how they’re painted. I consulted a friend of mine who is an amazing floral designer, and he agreed. Give it a shot, he said.
The Secret: Use Floral Spray Paint To Paint Fabric Lampshades!
Turned out to be a genius idea. For real.
Think about it – floral spray paints come in a large variety of colors and they’re designed to spray delicate surfaces, like flowers. Why not lampshades.
I went for a navy spray, and I went ahead and sprayed over the black cording, which in my opinion, gave the shade even more of a finished look.
I ordered the floral spray paint from here.
How To Spray Fabric Lamp Shades
Always spray in a well ventilated area.
First, you want to make sure the fabric is free of dust and lint. To do this, simply use a lint roller or tape to remove all the fuzz.
Shake the spray can vigorously for two minutes, which is what the directions on the can state. Pays to follow this step.
In even strokes, spray the shades, making sure you spray the underside as well. This will take several coats; don’t try to coat thoroughly on first spray because it just won’t look even. You can certainly correct the error if you do, but it will take a lot more time and thoroughness. Trust me on this because I rushed on one shade and paid the time-price. Spray from side to side, moving your arm kinda quickly. Turn shade and spray from side to side again. Repeat. Make sense?
Let dry completely between coats.
Floral Spray Paint Tip
Another tip I want to give you when spraying: make sure the finger you’re using to hold down the spray lever is not anywhere near the nozzle. I say this because if your finger does interfere, big drops of paint will spray out and you’ll then need to correct that mishap. Trust me on this too, I learned this for you.
Again, let the paint dry completely before hanging the lampshade.
Didn’t they turn out great! Who knew floral spray paint would hold the secret to spraying fabrics. It’s like I have new shades – like, the ones I was looking at online for a bazillion dollars. Although my new shades cost me a couple cans of floral spray paint.
I have eight 6-inch lamp shades on my dining room light fixture, and I used two cans of floral spray paint. I’m telling you this to help you gage how much you’ll need(ish) for your project.
I was also considering a pretty grey flannel color to spray the shades, as flannel everything is trending right now, and so classic and pretty. A light lavender/hyacinth would be gorgeous, too.
Another easy and budget friendly DIY project in the books.
I’ve also gotten a lot of comments and questions on the large mirror in the corner and where I got it. You can find a similar one here.
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The shades look awesome! You are such an inspiration with your projects and tips. A few years ago I was spray painting a number of items. The finger on the nozzle definitely can be an issue. I picked up a snap and spray gun at a craft store. It snaps on to the metal rim around the nozzle of a spray can and a plunger pushes the nozzle when I pulled the trigger. It helped so much with finger fatigue and control.
Thanks so much for sharing your ideas and tips for execution.
Nancy, Thank you so much!! The snap on spray gun is a finger-saver and lifesaver, for sure!!
xo,
Brooke
Great idea! You’re so talented!
Ahhh, Thanks Babe!
The shades look great! I was just wondering how many cans of paint you needed. I have a chandelier with eleven shades. Approximately how many shades can I cover per can?
Hi Rob,
I used two cans of spray paint plus very very little of a third. For your 11 shades, I would suggest 3 cans of floral spray paint, but buy a 4th, just in case. It’s good to have the extra can for touch ups in the future.
Best,
Brooke
I didn’t even know floral spray paint existed – genius idea Brooke! I have lamp shades just like this and am so doing this!
Hi Sara, I’m so glad you’re going to try this tip! Absolutely follow this how-to for your lampshades! You’ll get custom lampshades at a fraction of the price!
xo,
Brooke
Oh my Goodness!!!! I would never have thought of using florist spray paint but it’s totally brilliant. Oh the possibilities 🙂 All our lampshades are in desperate need of a redo.
Hi Michelle, Yes! Floral spray paint works beautifully on fabric. In no time, your lampshades will look like new again!!
xo,
Brooke
I love the beautiful richness of your lamp shades. What a gorgeous transformation.
I have needed this tutorial. I have a shade that needs some sort of fresh looks. This is just the answer I have been looking for.
Hi Meegan, I’m so happy to hear that you love my tutorial. I have No doubt in my mind that your lampshade will look beautiful when you are done.
xo,
Brooke
Brooke, I love this idea because I have some shades I would love to paint. Thank you for letting us know what type of spray paint to use.
I love this post, Brooke! I’ve been procrastinating on this very DIY for my naked family room chandelier. I can tell you I would have never thought of trying flower paint. The shades I thrifted months back are paper , I think, so I’ll have to do so more thinking!!
Thank you so much, Lori!!!
I have never even heard of this paint, so that was the first great tip. I would not have thought to paint them. I love the navy colour you chose.
Hi Anita,
Floral spray paint is definitely a game changer when painting fabric. Works like a charm!!
xo,
Brooke
I love this idea painting lampshades it turned out stunning
Thank you so much, Maria!
I’m scratching my head. Floral spray paint??? I didn’t know such a thing exists. Hmmm. I use fabric paing all the time but haven’t tried this EVER. I’m definitely going to have to dig deeper. Thanks for introducing this interesting find!
Hi Allison, floral spray paint works like a charm on fabric!!
These turned out fantastic! Ihave spray painted silk flowers with regualr spray paint but they get hard and almost canvas ike. Which is great if thats what you are looking for. I wil look for floral spray for my fabric projects!
Thank you so much, Kim!!
Wow- I knew there are those out there brave enough to spray furniture and cushions – never thought of lamp shades! Mainly because – well – are they heat safe? When we host dinner parties our chandy with shades is on the entire time. I would freak out if my chandy’s shades caught on fire.
Hi Michele,
The shades are heat safe, but I would like to suggest that you use LED bulbs. They come in dimmable chandelier bulbs, which is a win win. Warm lighting and all.
xo,
Brooke
What a great idea!! They are stunning! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Brooke,
I am wondering if you could give me advice on how to clean a lamp shade that has faded over time and has many stains on it. It has also been sitting in a basement for years and may have mold on it. While I hope to clean it to get it back to its original condition I would consider painting it for sure. I just need to make sure that I can get rid of any mold there may be. The shade is from at least the 1960’s . Any ideas for this project?
Thank you,
Maureen
Hi Maureen, here is what I would suggest: To clean the shade, bleach would be your only option to remove the mold. Apply a solution of one part bleach to three parts water to the stain and mold, and allow the solution to sit for a few minutes. Then I would follow up with a light brushing of laundry detergent, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
I hope this helps!
Very pretty, and a great idea! Interesting how the black trim stayed black!
Liberty
Thanks, Liberty.
Amazing! I’m confused though….the piping appears to be in its original state/color black. I thought you wrote that you spray-painted right over it. How did they stay black?
Hi Nancy,
The trim stayed black because black is darker than navy blue, therefore a dominant color. Since the threads on the cording are tightly woven, the navy didn’t truly change the color black. Make sense?
Can the floral paint be used on Larger shades (table lamps) and what about painting over a darker color?
Hi Judith,
Yes, you can absolutely spray on larger shades. Just make sure you spray even coats. Works like a charm!
Brooke,
Holy fabric painting! Ha. You’re inspiring! Your writing is not only informative and helpful. You’re hilarious! Love your humor. Plus, you’re a girl after my very own heart, I love crafty things. I actually have an entire craft room. I’m fascinated with lampshades too! First of all because I love to place small, low in the room lighting because of the beautiful lights it throws out everywhere, picking up color and interest all around the room. Secondly, I experimented with painting lampshades years ago. And also found that you can buy paper patterns of lampshade to cut out fabrics and glue them into the shades, and totally change their look! It’s a blast to play with and cheap! I found that you can buy swatches of quilt material that are perfect sizes for small lampshades, that you just glue right on!
Anyway, today I’m trying to find out if I can use regular acrylic spray paint on my fabric lampshades. I found the perfect color, Burnt Sienna. I bought a 2 ounce bottle to try out. I love it, but need to find a larger quantity and also think spray painting is the way to go instead of brushing. Can’t find it, hence the question about using just regular acrylic. So, I googled that and found you! Not only is your writing very entertaining, but you answered three questions that I had!
Keep up the good, informative, entertaining work! You’re a hoot,
Rosemary Kuhlman
Texas Hill Country
Rosemary!
Thank you so much for writing in and your feedback!! So fun! Let me know how your lampshades turn out! I love a good lampshade story!!
Be sure and subscribe to my blog! I promise, I’ll certainly keep you entertained and bring a lot of wit to the party!
xo,
Brooke
I just typed in, can you spray paint lampshades and this link was one of the answers that popped up. It wasn’t even one of the first five but for some reason, I chose this one to look at first and my gosh I’m so glad I did. I was lamenting over the fact that the sheer, navy blue, shimmer fabric I’d purchased for my guest bedroom didn’t work out because you could still see the white of the lampshade under the fabric. It was just a test run. I folded the fabric so that it was four times as thick and you still could see the shade! Sigh… Your tip is going to do wonders for all of my lampshade projects now and going forward. I’m actually going to order the EXACT same color flower spray paint you used for your chandelier shades and overlay it with one layer of the sheer, navy blue, shimmer fabric. I’m a VERY happy woman because I have 10 lampshades in my house that I’m about to go crafting crazy on! Thank you so much, you’re AWESOME!
Hi Ronnie, I am So happy to hear this!! This how-to is certainly a game changer and the end result is so pretty!! Happy crafting!
Can you tell me if the shade would become too opaque even if the spray color was an off white? I plan on painting two large drum shades in my bedroom, but I do not what the light that comes through the shades to be compromised (I have no overhead lighting in there). Also, I have a beautiful brass colored trim at the top that I want to preserve. Would painters tape give me a clean line if I sprayed them, or am I better off with chalk paint- or does that become too opaque? Thanks for your help.
Hi Carolyne, a great thing about using the floral spray paint is that it doesn’t become too opaque. Painters tape provides a good clean line. Also, since you’re wanting to stay away from opaque, then I definitely Would not use chalk paint. I hope All this helps! Send a pic of the lamps shades when you’re done. I’d love to see them.
xo,
Brooke