DIY – Using Vintage Lampshade Frames

There are situations where it’s appropriate to invest in brand new frames. Indeed I do myself. I use new frames for my All Gathered and my Gathered/Pleated lampshade workshops because I need them to be a standard size and shape as all students will be using the same technique to create their lampshade.

I also use some new frames for some bespoke commissions as my client has chosen a particular frame shape for their lampshade. New frames also mean a consistency if I’m making a pair of bespoke lampshades. However there is nothing more exciting than finding a uniquely shaped, tatty old lampshades that is calling out to be stripped and recovered. When I see a frame with potential I can’t resist snaffeling it up for future use. I have quite the stash.

oFirst stop I head straight for the charity shops. Yorkshire, where I live, has oodles of them and when I’m in the modd for a charity shop sweep I soon have a boot full of vintage shades. Vintage shades are so much better than new ones. There is an amazing abundance of frame shapes in need of a new makeover, they are as cheap as chips and some of the trims are really worth an up cycle too.

My second great source for vintage frames is Facebook Market Place. This market place is gespecially great if you are looking for something particular as you can narrow down your search whilst relaxing on the couch to, “large tailored lampshde for a standard lampstand”, or “small pair of lampshade frames for a bedside table”. Do remember to pop in your location. You don’t want to be driving accross the country to collect a small lampshade for your spare room.

Another great place for vintage frames is the good old car boot sale. You can pick up fabulous deals if you are there toward the end of a car boot. Folks don’t like to take stuff home and there’s always a bargain to be had. Once you start collecting it’s amaizing how the word gets out. I now often have freinds and family giving me their old lampshades. 

Apart from the obvious advantage of a second hand frame usually being cheaper old frames are often far more varied in design. There are times when I’m looking for a specific frame design for a personal project or for a client. In which case I might actually be sourcing a specific frame syle and size. However, if you want a lampshade that is totally unique, a one of a kind masterpiece, then you’ll need something vintage. There’s just not that many design options with suppliers selling new frames. Take for example an oval frame. These’s are fabulous for giving the impression of a larger, more impressive sized lampshade. However they don’t take up so much surface retail on a dresser, bedside table or sideboard. I’ve yet to find a supplier who sells one new that I like.

First assess if it’s just the frame you want or is there any milage still in the face fabric and/or trimmings? I have yet to find any lining that I would want to keep. Unless it’s a bespoke, professionally handmade lampshade financial corners are cut on the lining. Occassionally I have kept the face fabric and I have often kept trimmings.

Gently tease away the trimming and bias. Often these come away quite cleanly. Next remove the fabric. This can cause problems as some of the commercial glues are hard and solid. You might need to cut away the fabrics and then attack what’s left on the frame. On a few occasions I have had needed a stanly knife to scrap away excess stubborn glue. 

When removing persistant glue try to minimise damaging any protective plastic  coating that’s on more contemporary frames. Really old frames will just be metal. 

If you come accross any rust this will need to be addresses as over time rust will seep through fabic and damage your lampshade. If the rust is very bad you can just spray the whole frame with a spray paint designed for the job. If there are just a few ittle spots I cover them in nail varnish. Use a shade to suit the rest of your frame.

Now your vintage frame has been prepped for use. If you are going to recover the fame in a similar design as previously then you can use the removed fabric to colour match. In some cases if removed carefully and completely you can use the face fabric and/or the lining as a pattern template for your redo.

However if you are thinking about a complete bespoke make over think of your frame as a blank canvas. Try to forget what the previous design. Go into your stash of fabrics and trimmings. Explore design options and get crerative. 

Happy lampshade making. Jacqueline

Jacqueline runs 2-day, bespoke handmade lampshade workshops at scheduled times throughout the year. You can also join a 1-2-1, 2 or 3 day master class by special arrangment. Do come and join us!