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DIY: Chandelier Shades & Covers

November 6, 2011 · By Diane Henkler · 69 Comments

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Chandelier Shade covers to make

I started making some holiday chandelier shade covers for my foyer chandelier and the project kind of morphed into making enough different covers to be able to change the covers on my chandelier on a whim or seasonally.

How To Make Chandelier Shade Covers with Scrapbook Paper

Looking at the chandelier shade covers all lined up like this reminds me of the chandelier shades in the Ballard Designs catalog. It is the best place to buy small sized shades as they have a very wide selection and colors. They are not inexpensive though.

Chandelier Shade Covers Tutorial

If you want to have pretty shades for your chandelier on a budget, then read on.

Painted Chandelier

This is what my chandelier in my foyer looks like.  I re-did this chandelier back in the Spring.  You can read about it here – Thrifty Chandelier.  I painted the shades using my summer colors.  Now that the holidays are approaching, it was time to update them using my holiday color scheme – which is lime green, pink, and purple.

Thrift Store finds - Chandelier Shades

While thrift store shopping over the summer I found these 6 brand new cloth shades for .99 cents a piece. I didn’t like the color but I knew I could cover them with scrapbook paper.

How to Make Chandelier Shade Covers

The right lighting can take a room from dull to brilliant. And the right shade can change the mood in an instant.

Materials needed to make Scrapaper Chandy Shade Covers

supplies needed:

You can make these shade covers on a larger scale by using gift wrap or wallpaper in place of the scrapbook paper that I used to make my shade covers.

  • Chandelier Shade
  • Poster board
  • 12″ x 12″ piece of scrapbook paper – I used both regular with paper and card stock
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Tacky glue
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Clear tape
  • Optional:
    • Beaded Crystals
    • Jewelry making end pins or Beaded end straight pins

How to Make the Beaded Base for the Shades

When making a beaded shade: The poster board base acts as a buffer between the actual shade and the scrapbook paper covers.  If you don’t want to add beads you don’t really need this base.

  • The other reason you may want to make a base is that it stops the light from shining through the paper and changing the way the color of the paper looks when the light is on.
How to make a Chandelier Cover with Scrapbook

1.  Lay poster board on work surface and roll shade to make a pattern.  Use a pencil to draw the lines. I used a marker to demonstrate, but you don’t want any dark marks showing through the shade when the light is on.  Cut out and use this as your template to make  your shade covers.

DIY Decorating Ideas for Chandeliers

2.  Thread a pin through each crystal bead. I used 8 per shade and spaced them 2″ a part. I marked these increments on my template so I could easily mark the rest of the covers.

How to make a chandelier shade cover

3.  Use brand name tape or a high quality tape to tape each crystal/pin to the back side of the poster board base cover.  Inexpensive tape doesn’t hold very well.   Make sure each pin is secure by rubbing over the tape with your fingers.

How to cover chandelier shades

4.  For extra holding power.  Tape bottom half of pin down.  Bend top part of pin over taped down section and add another piece of tape. This will keep the pins from slipping out over time.  (Sorry I don’t have a photo of this. Will add one soon.)

How to make chandelier shades

5. Turn over. It should look like this.

How to make shades for a chandelier

6. Wrap around the shade and use Tacky Glue to secure the ends to form a shade cover.  This will be the base for scrapbook paper covers that can easily be changed out on a whim.

Hows to make chandelier shade covers out of Scrapbook paper

The poster board bases covering the shades. 

How to Make the Scrapbook Paper Shade Covers

The shade covers are made the same way you made the poster board base.

How to make a paper chandelier shade cover

1. Place the template right side up on the scrapbook paper.   Trace around the template and cut out.

How to make a shade for a chandelier

2.  Use Tacky Glue to glue down the edges around the shade.

DIY Decorating Ideas - Chandelier Shade Covers

3.  This glitter scrapbook paper is card stock. To make sure it dries flat use a Popsicle stick as a splint to hold the seam down along with clothespins until the glue dries.  Once dried, carefully remove splint and clothespins.

Scrapbook Paper Chandelier Shades

Place the cover over the poster board and bead base.  These are the ones I plan to use at Christmas.

Changeable Chandelier Shade covers
How to glue seams on lamp shades

I used regular weight scrapbook paper for the animal print shades.   These are much easier to make than the glitter card stock as the paper is thinner and wraps around the shade easily.

Use clothespins to hold seam down while glue dries

I did not need to add a splint to hold it down. I just ran my finger over the seam to make sure it was flat.

Prest-O Change-O a whole new look for only a few dollars.  I am liking these for parties.

Chandelier Shade Covers Animal Print
How to make Scrapbook Paper Chandelier shades
Chandelier Shade covers made from Decorative paper
Pink Damask Scrapbook Paper Chandelier Shade Covers

Another new look that only costs as much as the scrapbook paper.  This paper would look perfect on a nursery chandelier.

Scrapbook Papers

The possibilities for colorful or patterned chandelier shade covers are endless.  You can deck out any chandelier shade for a birthday party, the holidays, or seasonally.

The best papers to use should have an overall pattern.  Stripes don’t work as well because of the curve of the shade.

 Lamp Shade Covers that can be easily changed

When the shades are not in use, they stack nicely for easy storage.

Related Posts

How- To Make a Chandelier Chain Cover

Make over a brass chandelierHow to Paint a Rusted Faux Finish on a Brass Chandelier
How to make a fabric cover for a chandelier chain without having to take the chandelier down or needing an electrician.How to Make a Chandelier Chain Cover
How to make an outdoor chandelier like the ones they sell at Pottery BarnHow to Make a Thrifty Knock-off Outdoor Candle Chandelier
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Comments

  1. Carol says

    09/25/2020 at 12:36 am

    What is the clear cover that covers the shade under the material or deco before covering? Mine are so old they are all cracked woul like to make my own coverings but would like to purchase this covering before covering them.

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      09/25/2020 at 2:33 pm

      Hi Carol – I am not sure what clear cover you are asking about on the chandelier shade covers. Can you give me more details so I know for sure what part you are asking about? Thanks

      Reply
  2. Sandra says

    11/22/2019 at 9:52 am

    Love this tutorial! Thank you so much!

    Reply
  3. Ariel says

    08/31/2018 at 9:00 pm

    Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you! Easy to follow instructions too!

    Reply
  4. Sharon says

    10/02/2014 at 8:43 pm

    I would like to make a chandelier shade of clear or tinted plastic(guess that’s the correct product). I want them to
    be transparent. Any thoughts?

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      10/04/2014 at 11:34 am

      Hi Sharon – I am not sure what you could use besides acetate sheets that you can buy at the office supply store. I will have to think on it a bit more.

      Reply
  5. Sharon says

    03/01/2014 at 9:33 pm

    Was just looking for leopard lampshades for a chandelier I have for my granddaughter to be. I stumbled onto to this. THANK YOU ….GREAT IDEA…will start it this week! They will be doing her room in leopard/pink theme. It will look beautiful and I love a project!

    Reply
  6. Lisa says

    12/03/2013 at 7:42 am

    Just stumbed across this and am thrilled to make these. Question about the glue: is there a reason to choose tacky glue over hot glue or some other type? I’m not very crafty, and am envisioning a glue disaster ahead. How long does the tacky glue take to dry? This is an awesome idea … thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      12/03/2013 at 11:08 am

      HI Lisa- you can use any glue, but not hot glue. Hot glue does not dry flat – there would be ridges under the seams of the covers. Tacky glue works best because it a bit thicker and tackier than most basic glue. This helps keep the papers from slipping – the glue stays put and grabs very quickly – hence the name – tacky glue. You could use a glue stick, but I find this type of glue eventually breaks down and your covers will come apart in a few months. I hope this helps. Happy creating!

      Reply
  7. Lindsey P. says

    06/20/2013 at 2:51 pm

    Can you buy ose small shades anywhere for cheap? Like are they at the dollar store???

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      06/21/2013 at 12:46 am

      Hi Lindsey – I have never seen them at the dollar store only at the thrift store and yard sales. You may be able to find them online at a good price, but I do not know of any sites, you may want to Google it and see what pops up. Lowes sells fabric ones for about $5 and around Christmas time they had paper ones – maybe check Walmart.com or Target.com and see if any pop up for an affordable price.

      Reply
  8. Kristyn King says

    06/14/2013 at 5:23 am

    Hi Diane, love this idea too! I was wondering do you have an idea for turning these into sconce covers? That’s the kind of lighting I have in the kids bedrooms and would like to be able to change them as their tastes and styles change. Thanks for sharing :))

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      06/14/2013 at 10:01 am

      Hi Kristyn – I would have to see exactly what the sconces look like to see if you could make something similar to the chandelier shades.

      Reply
  9. patricia laplante says

    05/29/2013 at 7:24 pm

    I have looked EVERYWHERE for 99 cent shades. Even e bay. Most, for a set of 6, run $30 – $40. And Christmas Tree shops don’t even have them unless you are in the right place, right time. Hellllllp!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      05/29/2013 at 8:14 pm

      Hi Patricia – I found my set at my local thrift store. They were still in their packaging – never used. One of those great finds. To find them at the price I found mine, I think garage sales or thrift stores are your best bet. You will find them when you least expect it.

      Reply
  10. Liz W says

    04/24/2013 at 11:41 pm

    This is amazing! Thank you for sharing. Off to find some scrap paper now . . .

    Reply
  11. Raya says

    09/15/2012 at 1:27 am

    do you have printable ? for that product ?

    Reply
  12. Meghan says

    07/19/2012 at 9:55 am

    This was so helpful! I used this tutorial (with a little tweak) to make these guys for my apartment! Check it out here: http://littlebitomeghan.blogspot.com/2012/07/ickbrass.html

    Thank you for posting this.

    Reply
    • Diane says

      07/19/2012 at 11:03 pm

      Hi Meghan – They came out great – what a huge difference they make. I am going to pin your post to my Reader board on Pinterest. Thanks for sharing it with me.

      Reply
  13. Court says

    04/05/2012 at 4:43 pm

    Thank you so much for this amazing tutorial! Your chandelier looks great!
    Where did you find the 99 cent shades?

    Reply
    • Diane says

      04/06/2012 at 8:43 am

      I found them at a thrift store. I see them when thrifting all the time – sometimes they are not so nice, but these were a great find -never used. Around Christmas Lowes had paper ones. I am not sure if they still have them, but they were very inexpensive.

      Reply
  14. Heather says

    02/21/2012 at 7:15 pm

    I just came across your blog after doing a search for chandelier shade covers. I love your blog! Can’t wait to try some of your projects!

    Reply
  15. Ashley @ The North Carolina Cowgirl says

    11/30/2011 at 9:12 am

    OMG! I love this idea! I’m all about chandeliers right now and this has completely inspired me! Now if I can’t find one I absolutely love I’ll be ok b/c I know I can redo it myself! Thank you so much for sharing! :)

    Reply
  16. Chris says

    11/22/2011 at 9:08 pm

    Hi Diane, you are one clever lady. I adore the idea you came up with and the end result is absolutely fantabulous. Congratulations. Thanks also for sharing your idea with us. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris

    Reply
  17. The Rebel Crafter says

    11/21/2011 at 12:12 am

    I just wanted to let you know I featured this on my blog today :)
    http://www.craftingrebellion.com

    Reply
  18. Melissa says

    11/20/2011 at 1:05 am

    Hi, I ran across your blog when I googled DIY chandelier shades. My dining room chandelier needs a severe makeover. How easy is it to paint the chandelier? Mine is brass & about 10 years old. What kind of paint did you use? I’m so glad I found you. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      11/20/2011 at 1:34 am

      I found the paints you used. This is definitely going to be a project on my to do list! Thanks!

      Reply
  19. Lisa @ A Room with A View says

    11/14/2011 at 5:59 pm

    These are fantastic, Diane! I love the different scrapbook paper patterns available. Thank you for this!

    Reply
    • Diane says

      11/15/2011 at 10:25 am

      Hi Lisa-

      To me stepping in the scrapbook aisle is like how a kid feels going into a candy store. Everything looks so wonderful – the colors and patterns — irresistible, plus so affordable. I have never made a scrapbook with the papers, but enjoy finding ways to use them in creative ways around my house.

      Reply
  20. Shannon says

    11/13/2011 at 12:01 am

    That is such a great idea! It’s so nice to be able to get more mileage out of our items. Perfectly timed post for me ;) I just did a mini makeover on my chandy and these will be so wonderful for shade replacements. Thanks for the fab idea =)

    Reply
  21. Jerri says

    11/11/2011 at 9:47 pm

    What a neat idea! These look amazing! I’d love for you to stop by for my Friday Favorites party!

    Reply
  22. Kelly @ EclecticallyVintage says

    11/11/2011 at 9:33 pm

    Love the sparkly green shades! I have tons of scrapbook paper (from back in the day when I did those things by hand!) and this is a great way to use some of it up!

    Reply
    • Diane says

      11/12/2011 at 9:38 am

      Hi Kelly-

      Scrapbook paper to me is like jewelry – you can never have enough. When I am at the craft store and in the scrapbook paper aisle I find it all impossible to resist.

      Reply
  23. The Rebel Crafter says

    11/10/2011 at 10:29 pm

    Love this idea, looks fab!
    http://www.craftingrebellion.com

    Reply
  24. Marci Judkins says

    11/10/2011 at 3:13 pm

    This is such a great idea! I LOVE that you can switch them out! I need to make some now! Thanks for sharing!!!

    Reply
  25. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    11/10/2011 at 9:21 am

    Great tutorial, and such a beautiful result. Nice work!

    Reply
  26. Jennifer says

    11/10/2011 at 4:46 am

    I love the sparkly green shades! So pretty Diane.

    Reply
    • Diane says

      11/10/2011 at 7:02 pm

      Hi Jennifer-

      The green glitter paper was the first paper I found and is what inspired me to make the shades in the first place. It was hard standing in front of the wall of scrapbook paper and narrowing down my choice, so I bought a few :)

      Reply
  27. Kristal says

    11/09/2011 at 7:32 pm

    I LOVE the green!!

    Reply
  28. [email protected] says

    11/09/2011 at 10:50 am

    fabulous!

    michele

    Reply
  29. Tamara @ Etcetorize says

    11/09/2011 at 9:11 am

    I love, love, love this project!!! I am definitely doing this for the holidays. I even have that gorgeous sparkly paper. I can’t wait to see how they turn out. Would love for you to come share this over at Etcetorize: http://etcetorize.blogspot.com/2011/11/make-it-great-monday.html

    Reply
  30. Katharine says

    11/09/2011 at 3:37 am

    From looking at your tutorial and the comments I’m guessing that you use the shade covers over the original shades and swap them. Is that correct? Would this work for a large shade that covers a floor lamp? I need a solution for my rotten shade. lol Like everyone was saying, I love looking at your blog too. :)

    Reply
    • Diane says

      11/09/2011 at 7:31 am

      Hi Katherine-
      Yes I made poster board base covers for each of the shades. For two reasons – they hold the beads and they filter out some of the light coming through the shades. The scrapbook paper covers go over the poster board bases. You don’t have to add the crystal beads to any of the scrapbook paper covers because when placed over the poster board base the beads will look like they are a part of the scrapbook covers.

      You could easily make this for a larger shade that has straight lines. You could not use scrapbook paper, but wallpaper or gift wrap would work.

      Reply
  31. Sara says

    11/08/2011 at 9:45 pm

    Ohmigosh. You’re timing is amazing. Just this weekend I decided that I a going to paint our ugly brass chandelier and was dreading trying to find new lampshades. I have the perfect scrapbook paper that will look great in the dining room. Thanks for the tutorial.

    Reply
    • Diane says

      11/09/2011 at 7:39 am

      Hi Sara –
      Thanks. If you ever need to buy inexpensive chandy shades I was at Lowes yesterday and saw that they just got in a huge new shipment of them. White, Ecru, Black, Red, and Brown. I guess they sell well around the holidays. .

      Reply
  32. Mary says

    11/08/2011 at 7:20 pm

    this is such a great idea which isn’t surprising coming from you!! So glad there are those that have such creative minds like this so those of us who don’t can copy cat you! THanks for sharing!

    bee blessed
    mary

    Reply
  33. [email protected] says

    11/08/2011 at 6:38 pm

    how awesome! I LOVE that you can have covers for every holiday or decorating style or birthday party! What a great idea!!! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  34. julie says

    11/08/2011 at 10:29 am

    Love this idea! Have been staring at my naked, boring beige chandy covers and wondering how to spruce them up..thanks for the ideas!!

    Reply
  35. Nan @ Playful Decor says

    11/07/2011 at 10:42 pm

    Diane, you always have such creative ideas that anyone can do! And great idea to make several designs for quick changes anytime!

    Reply
  36. Betsy Ceccanti says

    11/07/2011 at 10:39 pm

    Wowzer! What a fantastic idea! I love your chandy.

    Reply
  37. Kim says

    11/07/2011 at 10:30 pm

    Diane, all of those are so pretty. I wish I had the patience to make those. Really cute.

    Reply
  38. Kathryn Griffin says

    11/07/2011 at 9:54 pm

    Looks super cute and easy to do. Thanks for sharing. Hope you’re having a grand evening. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    Reply
  39. [email protected] says

    11/07/2011 at 9:53 pm

    Oh what a darn good idea! I love the animal print the best. Loved the picture of them all lined up, it did look like Ballard!

    Reply
  40. Kim @ Sand & Sisal says

    11/07/2011 at 8:58 pm

    Great ideas! I love all the options to choose from! Thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
  41. Christina says

    11/07/2011 at 7:36 pm

    LOve this!
    I think the green is my favorite! so fun and such an easy transformation!

    Reply
  42. Vivienne @ The V Spot says

    11/07/2011 at 7:27 pm

    Awesome! I recover mine over and over again too! Love the tip about the beads. :)

    Reply
  43. Jen says

    11/07/2011 at 7:15 pm

    These look great! I love how you can change them out to match your decor, holiday or mood! I also like the tip with the wood stick and clothes pins! Great job!

    Reply
  44. Barbara @diyHomeStagingTips.com says

    11/07/2011 at 5:11 pm

    Marvelous tutorial, as always. Thanks for being so specific, and for taking beautiful photos that are both inspiring and instructive.

    Reply
  45. Denise says

    11/07/2011 at 1:35 pm

    I lovin’ that leopard print one. This blog is so awesome. It’s like a dose of “happy”!

    Reply
  46. Sandra says

    11/07/2011 at 11:40 am

    Fabulous! What a fun way to change out the look of a room with the seasons or holidays for little cost. Love…

    Reply
  47. Patricia in Denver says

    11/07/2011 at 11:37 am

    So simple yet effective and beautiful. You’ve done it again!

    Reply
  48. [email protected] says

    11/07/2011 at 10:10 am

    You were busy, busy!! Great tutorial! xo Ashlyn

    Reply
  49. Lesley says

    11/07/2011 at 8:59 am

    Also wanted you to know that I pinned this!!! :) Thanks!

    Reply
  50. Lesley says

    11/07/2011 at 8:58 am

    I just looked to see where you were linking this AMAZING tutorial to. I often link to MadSkills on Mondays. It is just for tutorials and I think yours is really well done, easy to follow. When I saw the part with the popsicle sticks, I gasp!!! Seriously great idea! Yeah! thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  51. bj says

    11/07/2011 at 8:46 am

    YOU, my dear, are AWESOME. This is an adorable way for a
    quick-change for chandies….Just love this idea..going to pin…
    xo bj

    Reply
  52. Laura @Ms Smartie Pants says

    11/07/2011 at 12:13 am

    Oh and if you are willing go look at my dilemma with me updating my kitchen on my blog and give me your brilliant thoughts! :)

    Reply
  53. Laura @Ms Smartie Pants says

    11/07/2011 at 12:12 am

    Brilliance my dear, pure brilliance! I especially love those green ones!

    Reply
  54. Kate @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating says

    11/06/2011 at 11:44 pm

    This is such a great idea! I need to find some .99 cent shades. Mine are ridged so wouldn’t work with the paper, darn! Love how they turned out, nice job!! :)

    Reply
  55. kathy t says

    11/06/2011 at 11:22 pm

    Oh my goodness, you have such wonderful ideas! I always look forward to browsing your blog :-) I love this idea and I like the step by step picture tutorial

    Reply
Diane Henkler Blogger In My Own Style
I love all things creative, colorful, and DIY. It is just the way my brain is wired. I can't add 2+2 to save my life, but I can help you decorate your home in a style that you will love...YOURS! LEARN MORE
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