One Lampshade Four Ways

One Lamp Four Ways

All it takes is a little imagination to turn a plain metal lamp into a stylish piece of home décor.

America, please turn off the overhead lights! Table lamps are trendy again, and nothing beats their warm glow for cozy lighting. Illuminate your own style with one of our four simple ways to make a generic lamp gorgeous.

Button Up

We started with an inexpensive brushed metal lamp  and linen drum shade. Add a colorful mix of buttons directly to the lampshade with a glue gun. For added whimsy, tie striped ribbon onto the shade and thread on a house number or your favorite trinket for a point of interest.

Attach Details

Squeeze short lines of hot glue across the shade then press assorted buttons into the glue. Layer the buttons in a band about 2 inches wide. In less than an hour, you'll have a shade as cute as button.

Paint and Peel

Stickers can double as easy-to-use stencils. To recreate the effect at left, cover top and bottom edges of the lampshade with painters' tape. Be sure to apply tape firmly and evenly. Apply stickers of choice after tape is in place. Apply two to three coats of chocolate-colored spray paint to shade. Let dry thoroughly. Remove stickers and tape with tweezers. Paint the lamp base with two or three coats of white (or neutral) so the numbers will get all the attention. We used Rust-Oleum's Protective Enamel spray paint in Leather Brown (#7775) for the shade, and Appliance Epoxy in Gloss White (#7881) for the base.

Wrap It Up

Add a touch of gentility to your lamp by covering it in pretty, floral-patterned wallpaper. First, spray paint lamp base an ultra-sophisticated pastel blue. Place a coordinating wallpaper, print side down, on the floor or a table. Align the paper with the top edge of the shade. Apply a thin coat of glue to the top and bottom of shade. For the lamp base paint, we used Antique Blue (#97228) Interior/Exterior Ultra Enamel Spray by American Tradition by Valspar for Lowe's.

Stenciled Lampshade

Earth tones and delicate stencils can transform a plain lamp into a work of art. To get this look, spray paint the base green and the shade almond. For best coverage, spray two or three times, allowing three hours' drying time between coats. Apply an eye-catching stencil directly to the shade; secure with masking tape. Use a stencil brush to dab craft paint onto dry shade.