JARA Pink Patterned Lampshade

Pink Lampshade

My inspiration for this lamp shade hack came from the Esty shop, Patturn. I like how she uses old maps and pattern paper to cover lampshades. As I had a lampshade to cover, I decided it would fit right into my room.

Pink Lampshade

To incorporate pink, I first painted the lampshade a lovely light pink. I used the very inexpensive brand Apple Barrel acrylic paint called Cameo Pink. I thought that since the pattern paper is thin, the pink would bleed through. I also hoped it would give a faint pink glow.

Pink Lampshade

After allowing the paint to dry for a bit, I pulled out an old pattern I found at a rummage sale and my bottle of Mod Podge. I painted a layer of Mod Podge on the shade, then spread the pattern paper over the glue. Since the paper is fairly thin, it rips easily, so I didn’t smooth the paper out smoothly. I used larger pieces to cover the entire shade. I then added a couple smaller pieces to provide a distinct pattern piece look.

Pink Lampshade

As I said, I had hoped the pink paint would show through the paper, but apparently patterns from the 70’s used thicker paper than now because it didn’t show through much at all. If I hold the shade in direct sunlight, I can see the pink, but that defeats the purpose of having a lamp. In order to add a little more pink, I grabbed a roll of Washi tape and added a “ribbon” detail to the top and bottom of the shade.

To finish up, I re-glued the pattern paper around the edges and trimmed the paper close to the seams. Finally, I used my Mod Podge to seal the outside of the lampshade.

Pink Lampshade

To try this project on your own, you will need the following supplies:

  • white fabric lampshade (mine is the JARA from IKEA )
  • small bottle of acrylic paint – in your favourite colour
  • Mod Podge
  • foam brushes (I used a 1 inch brush
  • unwanted pattern pieces

Pink Lampshade

This post was also published on my personal blog here.