Easily Give an Old Lampshade a Trendy New Look
Vintage drum-style lampshades can be found for a steal at estate and garage sales but they typically show some signs of their age. In less than 30 minutes, give this old shade a trendy new lease on life with just a bit of upholstery trim and glue.
![Easy-to-Craft Greek Key Lampshade Easy Lampshade Update](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/4/13/1/original_Camille-Smith-Greek-key-lampshade-beauty-vert.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1460578717265.webp)
H. Camille Smith
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/profiles/editors/Camille-Smith/Headshot-1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.91.91.85.suffix/1420662324005.webp)
Materials Needed
- drum-style lampshade
- flat upholstery tape trim (enough to wrap around shade with a bit of overage)
- clear, fast-dry fabric glue
- scissors
- chip brush
- disposable container for glue
Before and After:
Dented and Dated
![Old Damaged Lampshade Old Damaged Lampshade](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/4/13/1/original_Camille-Smith-Greek-key-lampshade-tight-before.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.301.226.85.suffix/1460578717742.webp)
Timelessy On-Trend
![Old Lampshade Updated With Trendy Greek Key Trim Old Lampshade Updated With Trendy Greek Key Trim](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/4/13/1/original_Camille-Smith-Greek-key-lampshade-tight-after.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.301.226.85.suffix/1460578717608.webp)
Cut + Start Applying Trim
Wrap trim around the bottom of the shade to determine how much you'll need, add about an inch to this measurement and cut. Note: For my 12" shade, I used 1-1/4 yards. Pour a small amount of glue into a disposible container (like a plastic bowl or even just a bit of aluminum foil). Starting at the shade's seam, and working in small sections, brush a consistently thick layer of fabric glue onto the area of the shade that will be covered by trim, then press the trim into place to secure it.
![Adding Greek Key Trim Easy Lampshade Update](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/4/13/1/original_Camille-Smith-Greek-key-lampshade-step1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1460578717423.webp)
H. Camille Smith
Continue Attaching Trim
Continue working your way around the shade, applying a small amount of glue, then pressing the trim in place. Tip: Because most drum shades have at least a bit of taper, pull the trim taught as you apply it to eliminate any puckering at the top.
![Adding Greek Key Trim to Lampshade Easy Lampshade Update](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/4/13/1/original_Camille-Smith-Greek-key-lampshade-step2.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1460578718289.webp)
H. Camille Smith
Create a Clean Seam
When you reach the lampshade's seam, turn about 1/4" of the trim under, gluing it in place — fabric to fabric, then fabric to shade — to create a clean, flat seam (Image 1). Tip: Cut off any excess if you have too much trim left to neatly turn under. Add your new-and-improved vintage shade to an equally chic vintage lamp and admire your crafty handiwork (Image 2).
![Easily turn an old trashed lampshade into a trendy treasure just by attaching upholstery tape trim.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/4/13/1/original_Camille-Smith-Greek-key-lampshade-step3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1460578717481.webp)
H. Camille Smith
![Turn an old trashed drum-style lampshade into a trendy treasure by simply adding Greek key upholstery tape trim.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/4/13/1/original_Camille-Smith-Greek-key-lampshade-beauty-vert.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1460578717265.webp)
H. Camille Smith