No Sew, Simple DIY Pleated Lampshade: Supplies + Basics

DIY pleated lampshade on wooden bedside table in a blue-green bedroom with vintage books and wrought iron bed frame in the background

Materials You’ll Need:

✔️ Old lampshade (empire or drum)
✔️ Enough fabric to cover the shade (The amount will determine on the size of the shade)
✔️ Hot glue gun and glue sticks
✔️ Tape measure or yard stick
✔️ Scissors or rotary cutter
✔️ Iron (for pressing fabric)

Basic Steps:

  1. Cut 2″ strips of fabric the height of your shade
  2. Iron a fold to one side of each strip
  3. Glue just the top of each strip to the lampshade, leaving the bottom free. (be sure the raw edge is buried)
  4. Make your way all the way around the shade
  5. Glue down the bottom of the strips pulling straight down
  6. Trim excess @ top & bottom.
  7. Cut a long piece of 2″ trim (enough to go around the top & bottom rim)
  8. Press a fold
  9. Glue onto top & bottom