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. The lighting in that dining room as been through a lot.
From trying to get my husband to take a hint.
To changing the fabric on the DIY lampshades.
To buying budget lampshades and adding cording.
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. That’s for linen and or silk chandelier shade.
Good – ness.
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 at Christmas Tree Shop, of all places, 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. Kindof 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 9-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.
Another easy and budget friendly DIY project in the books.
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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