This is such a simple and easy home decor DIY that can instantly transform a plain, cheap lampshade into one that looks a lot more expensive!

I’ve often paid hundreds for pleated fabric lampshades in my home. When I saw that you can DIY one using just a couple of strips of fabric or ribbon and hot glue, I had to have a go at this craft.

All you need is a plain lampshade in the size and shape of your choice, some relatively thin fabric (cotton or linen works best, but stay away from velvets or thick tweeds), a hot glue gun and some scissors.

TOP TIP: You can buy plain lampshades for around 10 - 20p in charity shops, thrift stores and recycling centres!

Take a metre of fabric and cut off a few long strips, around 3-5cm wide depending on your lampshade size.
Fold the fabric over in half and gently dot a few tiny spots of glue to keep it joined.
Starting at the top or the base of the lampshade, add a dot of hot glue on the inside, and stick down the end of your folded strip of fabric.

In a wrapping motion, wrap your fabric strip up, over and through the lampshade side, adding a dot of glue at the top and bottom each time and layering your strip of fabric so that the pleats line up on the outside of the shade.
To finish, glue down your strip on the inside and trim off any fabric excess.

Creating this candle clip lampshade only took me 15 minutes and I was really pleased with the end result. To watch a short video on the craft, click through to my Instagram page.

IMPORTANT: Make sure that you only use LED bulbs with your crafted lampshade so that the glue does not melt and the fabric on the inside does not get too hot.