Making lampshades in a geometric shape with straight sides (e.g. square, rectangle, and triangle shapes) requires a slightly different process to making drum lamp shades - or those with a circular or round shape.
Instead of creating a simple cylinder structure for the shade, panel lampshades need a wire lamp shade frame. Individual panels are constructed from adhesive styrene and fabric or paper, which is then adhered and secured to the frame.
It's possible to also use multiple patterns and prints on your panel lampshade - a different fabric cover for each side.
Despite the additional complexity, a panel lampshade in an unusual shape can be the perfect addition to your lamp base.
Below we outline the basic process for creating a straight-sided lamp shade, but for the full instruction steps you'll want to download our free DIY Panel Lampshade Guide at the bottom of this page, which has all of the details for this project.
Making lampshades in a geometric shape with straight sides (e.g. square, rectangle, and triangle shapes) requires a slightly different process to making drum lamp shades - or those with a circular or round shape.
Instead of creating a simple cylinder structure for the shade, panel lampshades need a wire lamp shade frame. Individual panels are constructed from adhesive styrene and fabric or paper, which is then adhered and secured to the frame.
It's possible to also use multiple patterns and prints on your panel lampshade - a different fabric cover for each side.
Despite the additional complexity, a panel lampshade in an unusual shape can be the perfect addition to your lamp base.
Below we outline the basic process for creating a straight-sided lamp shade, but for the full instruction steps, you'll want to download our free DIY Panel Lampshade Guide which has all the details for this project. You can download our free guide at the bottom of this page.
Panel style lampshade frames come in many shapes and sizes. Lampshade frames with straight sides (no curves) are the easiest to work with using this technique. If you're unsure what size of a shade you'll need for your lamp, visit our tutorial on how to measure your lamp to find the perfect-sized lampshade.
Each side of the lampshade frame may have ever-so-slightly different dimensions. Trace & cut a panel of Adhesive Styrene which will be applied to each side. Use sticky notes to keep track of which styrene panel matches which side.
You can use most types of fabric or even decorative paper to make a DIY lampshade, for a completely custom look. Peel & stick each Adhesive Styrene panel to the reverse side of your chosen material. Once trimmed down, adhere the styrene panels to the lampshade frame with specialty lampshade glue.
Cotton/Rayon Grosgrain ribbon helps to further secure each panel to the frame. The ribbon also covers the wires at the top and bottom of the frame for a neat & professional finish.
The lampshade has come together now, but the sides of the shade still look a little raw. This is where thin pieces of velvet ribbon or other trim can be added to bring the look together. You can use velvet trim in the same color as the rest of the shade, or go for a contrasting color.
The same velvet or other trim can be added to the top and bottom of the frame, covering the grosgrain ribbon and pulling everything together visually. Specialty lampshade glue dries very quickly, so your shade will be fully dry and ready to use in less than an hour!
Panel style lampshade frames come in many shapes and sizes. Lampshade frames with straight sides (no curves) are the easiest to work with using this technique. If you're unsure what size of a shade you'll need for your lamp, visit our tutorial on how to measure your lamp to find the perfect-sized lampshade.
Each side of the lampshade frame may have ever-so-slightly different dimensions. Trace & cut a panel of Adhesive Styrene which will be applied to each side. Use sticky notes to keep track of which styrene panel matches which side.
You can use most types of fabric or even decorative paper to make a DIY lampshade, for a completely custom look. Peel & stick each Adhesive Styrene panel to the reverse side of your chosen material. Once trimmed down, adhere the styrene panels to the lampshade frame with specialty lampshade glue.
Shop for your Adhesive Styrene and start making your custom panel lampshade today!
Cotton/Rayon Grosgrain ribbon helps to further secure each panel to the frame. The ribbon also covers the wires at the top and bottom of the frame for a neat & professional finish.
The lampshade has come together now, but the sides of the shade still look a little raw. This is where thin pieces of velvet ribbon or other trim can be added to bring the look together. You can use velvet trim in the same color as the rest of the shade, or go for a contrasting color.
The same velvet or other trim can be added to the top and bottom of the frame, covering the grosgrain ribbon and pulling everything together visually. Specialty lampshade glue dries very quickly, so your shade will be fully dry and ready to use in less than an hour!
Shop for your Adhesive Styrene and start making your custom panel lampshade today!
