Making a Vintage Lampshade and Antique Lamp Pairing

Making a Vintage Lampshade and Restored Antique Lamp

 Antique lamp restoration requires time, patience, and money but the end result is often spectacular. Magic happens when the restored lamp is paired with a handmade Victorian lampshade that is created using a needle and thread instead of glue. What does it take to restore an antique lamp and make a complimentary custom shade?  Read on!

The Original Antique Lamp

This beautiful authentic milk glass lamp was covered in dust and debris, and had a very old cord which was severely damaged.  I cleaned the glass and had my electrician work the magic of rewiring with new UL Listed electrical parts.

Preparing the Lampshade Frame

Lampshade size and shape selection for this lamp was based upon the harp size of the lamp and the overall shapes defined by the lamp.  For a dramatic yet complimentary overall effect, I decided to use a frame called "Mini Claw". I love the points and curves of this Victorian lampshade frame.

The images below reveal the process used to prepare the frame.  I decided to make a white shade and therefore, I wrapped the frame with white seam binding, added a white liner, and covered the shade in white silk.  Considering the number and unusual shapes of the panels, it took some time to sew all the "base" materials onto the frame, but once the silk was attached it was already looking lovely.

Decorating the Lampshade

I decided early on that I would use material from a 1920’s antique textile to decorate the large panels of this shade. The antique silk fabric is beaded and has a gorgeous chevron embroidery pattern. For the smaller panels, I originally used circa 1910 white lace.  However, I felt that the shade needed more gold so I replaced the white lace with an antique cream colored lace featuring metallic gold thread.

With the lampshade nearly complete, I set to work on the beaded fringe.  For this lamp, I wanted a long strand that would create a chevron pattern that followed the line of the frame.   The bead selection was actually quite difficult as, only three colors were desired; green, variations of white, and gold.   I used milky Czech bi-cones, green glass pearls, lustrous crème pearls, gold plated filigree end caps and thousands of tiny gold beads.  The lampshade holds 2,343 pieces.

Once I had all the bead strands on, I added the final trim, and painted the base.   I mixed four colors of paint together to match the green glass pearls.

The Finished Lamp

The antique lamp is now fully-restored a lookking beautiful with a handmade vintage-style Victorian lampshade created with antique textiles and hand-strung beads!

Working on it part-time, this project took about four weeks from start to finish. I hope you enjoyed the journey.

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While you’re here, check out the current collection of available Victorian lampshades and antique lamp parings and vintage lampshades. Click the button below to view and shop. New items are added regularly.

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Commission a Vintage Lampshade

If you have a lamp that you love but it needs a lampshade refresh, please reach out to request a custom order shade in any style, shape, or size that meets your needs. Click the buttons below to start your project or place a call to Elegance Lamps. An initial deposit is required to commence work.

 About the Author

Crystal Hayes, Owner, Designer, and Lampshade Artist at Elegance Lamps

Crystal Hayes is a lifelong Seattle resident who gains inspiration from the natural beauty and vibrant arts communities in the Pacific Northwest. She thrives on creative expression resulting in unique Victorian lampshades, vintage lampshades, and antique lamps that can be used in everyday life. Crystal is entirely fearless when it comes to design, she is a perfectionist at construction techniques, and she proves that customer satisfaction still matters.

ELEGANCE LAMPS VICTORIAN LAMPSHADES AND ANTIQUE LAMPS

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