How to Add Color to Your Space Through Lampshades
By Mehnaz Khan
“Transform your lampshades into statement pieces that reflect your personality. Discover simple techniques to elevate your space with color and pattern. Plus, find fresh ideas for adding vibrant touches to every room!”-Mehnaz Khan
In my experience as an interior decorator, I have learned that oftentimes, it’s the smallest detail in a room that leaves the biggest impression. Today, I want to talk about one such element that is almost always overlooked. Yet, anytime I’ve upgraded it in a project, it’s the rst thing people notice.
Yes, I’m talking about the humble lampshade. A basic, boring, plain white lampshade in a decorated room sticks out like an eyesore. Not only does this unattended detail leave a room looking unnished, but in my opinion, it’s a missed opportunity to inject personality into your space.
As a decorator who specializes in injecting color into spaces, I’m often asked how to start incorporating color when painting a wall feels like too much of a commitment. My answer is simple: add a bold and colorful lampshade to your space. Unlike the pop-of-color pillow approach, sprucing up your lampshades is an unconventional yet highly effective starting point.
While there are beautiful pleated and patterned lampshades available in every color under the sun—and I highly encourage you to explore them—today I’m sharing a few creative ways to transform your existing lampshades into standout design elements.
1. Paint It
If you have leftover paint or acrylic tubes at home, why not turn your plain lampshade into a canvas? Paint bold, abstract patterns directly onto the shade for a one-of-a-kind design.
You can keep the background white and use contrasting colors for the patterns, or paint the entire background a vibrant hue before layering on your design. This is the perfect opportunity to experiment with colors you’re curious about but hesitant to commit to in larger doses. The beauty of painting your lampshade is that it becomes a unique piece of art that no one else owns.
2. Ribbon It
Got some ribbon or lace lying around? This is a quick and cost-effective way to upgrade your shade. Whether it’s silk, velvet, or grosgrain, ribbons can add texture and elegance to your lampshade. Use hot glue to attach the ribbon in stripes, create a border at the top and bottom, or craft a playful crisscross design. The options are endless, and the result is a more polished and personalized look.
3. Paper It
One of my clients had a couple of yards of leftover wallpaper from a friend. She loved the pattern but felt it was too bold for an entire room or even a single wall. So here’s what I did! I wrapped a basic white shade with the paper using spray adhesive. It was just the right amount of bold pattern to add intrigue to the room without being overwhelming. Since lampshades are rarely touched, there’s no need to worry about the paper getting damaged.
Whether you’re drawn to oral motifs, geometric designs, or something entirely abstract, decorative paper can turn your shade into a stunning focal point.
Don’t forget that every lampshade is an opportunity to tell your story – so go on, try these the above techniques on some of your lampshades and scour the market to swap your other lampshades for colorful, patterned designer shades.
Hop on over to Instagram to check out ‘yourcolorfulhome’ for more inspiring ways to add color to your home.
*All Photographs Credit: Mehnaz Khan
Leave a comment