Updating mid century lamp shades can be a great way to give your home a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Here are five ways to update mid century lamp shades, from simple and inexpensive to more complex and pricey.
1. Paint the Shades
One of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to update mid century lamp shades is to give them a fresh coat of paint. You can use a spray paint or a brush-on paint, depending on the type of material the shade is made of. If the shade is made of a delicate material, such as silk or linen, you may want to use a brush-on paint to avoid damaging the fabric.
When choosing a paint color, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. If you want to keep the mid century vibe, you can choose a bold, bright color like turquoise or yellow. If you want to give the lamp a more modern look, you can choose a neutral color like white or gray.
Tips:
- Make sure to clean the shade thoroughly before painting to ensure the paint adheres evenly.
- Use a primer if the shade is made of a material that is prone to staining or discoloration.
- Consider using a metallic paint to give the shade a sleek, modern look.
2. Replace the Harp and Finial
The harp and finial are the metal pieces that hold the shade in place. Replacing these pieces can be a simple and effective way to update the look of your mid century lamp. You can find replacement harps and finials at most hardware stores or home goods stores.
When choosing a new harp and finial, consider the style and material of the lamp. If the lamp has a sleek, modern look, you may want to choose a harp and finial made of a metallic material like brass or chrome. If the lamp has a more vintage look, you may want to choose a harp and finial made of a more ornate material like ceramic or glass.
Tips:
- Make sure to measure the harp and finial before purchasing a replacement to ensure it fits properly.
- Consider using a harp and finial with a unique or decorative design to add visual interest to the lamp.
3. Add a New Shade
If you want to give your mid century lamp a completely new look, you can replace the shade entirely. You can find replacement shades at most home goods stores or online.
When choosing a new shade, consider the style and material of the lamp. If the lamp has a sleek, modern look, you may want to choose a shade made of a materials like glass or metal. If the lamp has a more vintage look, you may want to choose a shade made of a material like linen or silk.
Tips:
- Make sure to measure the lamp before purchasing a new shade to ensure it fits properly.
- Consider using a shade with a unique or decorative design to add visual interest to the lamp.
4. Add a Shade Clip or Ring
A shade clip or ring is a small metal or plastic piece that attaches to the harp and holds the shade in place. Adding a new shade clip or ring can be a simple and effective way to update the look of your mid century lamp.
When choosing a new shade clip or ring, consider the style and material of the lamp. If the lamp has a sleek, modern look, you may want to choose a shade clip or ring made of a metallic material like brass or chrome. If the lamp has a more vintage look, you may want to choose a shade clip or ring made of a more ornate material like ceramic or glass.
Tips:
- Make sure to measure the harp before purchasing a new shade clip or ring to ensure it fits properly.
- Consider using a shade clip or ring with a unique or decorative design to add visual interest to the lamp.
5. Reupholster the Shade
If the shade is made of a material like linen or silk, you can reupholster it to give it a fresh new look. This can be a more complex and time-consuming process, but it can be a great way to update the look of your mid century lamp.
When reupholstering the shade, consider the style and material of the lamp. If the lamp has a sleek, modern look, you may want to choose a material like cotton or linen. If the lamp has a more vintage look, you may want to choose a material like silk or velvet.
Tips:
- Make sure to use a material that is sturdy enough to hold the shape of the shade.
- Consider using a fabric with a unique or decorative design to add visual interest to the lamp.
💡 Note: When updating mid century lamp shades, make sure to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. You can choose to keep the mid century vibe or give the lamp a more modern look.
By following these tips, you can update your mid century lamp shades and give your home a fresh new look.
What is the best way to update mid century lamp shades?
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The best way to update mid century lamp shades depends on the style and material of the lamp. You can paint the shade, replace the harp and finial, add a new shade, add a shade clip or ring, or reupholster the shade.
What type of paint should I use to paint mid century lamp shades?
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You can use a spray paint or a brush-on paint, depending on the type of material the shade is made of. If the shade is made of a delicate material, such as silk or linen, you may want to use a brush-on paint to avoid damaging the fabric.
Can I replace the harp and finial on my mid century lamp?
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Yes, you can replace the harp and finial on your mid century lamp. Make sure to measure the harp and finial before purchasing a replacement to ensure it fits properly.
