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Here’s a fun, crafty way to upcycle and makeover a room: revamp a lamp! No one ever told me how easy it is to redo a lampshade, so I’ll let you in on a little secret–It’s pretty darn easy! The amount of time and energy that goes into lampshade makeovers is pretty nominal compared to the impact a new lampshade can have on a room’s overall look. Here’s what I did in my room:

I used the “Shabby Chic Pleated Shade” tutorial from Ruffles and Stuff to make this beautiful lampshade. I started out with a plain white shade and an old pillowcase, both from the Salvation Army. I cut the pillowcase into long strips, about 1 inch wide, and pleated them with my sewing machine. Then I took a hot glue gun and attached the strips around the shade until the entire lamp shade was covered in gorgeous pleats! You don’t have to finish your edges because, after all, this is called “shabby chic.” This project is perfect for a little girl’s room or any room that is romantic and girly. I absolutely love the texture!

Here’s a tip if you’re trying this at home: Use thread that’s the same color as your fabric. Sounds obvious, right? Well, I used red thread because it’s all I had, and I thought it looked fine. But when you turn the lamp on, all I see is the read thread and it drives me nuts.

There are tons of other ways to revamp a lamp, if this one’s not your style:

1. Lamp Shade Refashion: This beginner sewing project is easy but it will look like it was done by a professional! Refashion your lamp shade with a few easy sewing techniques and a bit of ribbon.

1. Ruffled Lamp Shade: If you know how to sew ruffles, you know how to make this ruffled lamp shade! Use out easy, beginner sewing projects to make one for your home.

1. Cute-as-a-Button Nightlight Shade: Make a beaded lampshade for a nightlight, without any sewing. The secret’s in the double-sided tape. By day it will look elegant and decorative, and by night it will light the way in a darkened room. This design makes a great gift, home decor, or finished product to sell at a craft fair.

1. Scrap Ribbon Lampshade: This lamp will match any room because of all of the colorful ribbons attached to it!

1. Bird and Branch Lampshade: Decorate a plain lamp shade for a cute accent in the baby’s room or at your own crafting table. The fabric pieces are easy to die-cut.

1. Paper Graffiti Lamp: If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your bedroom try this tutorial for a Paper Graffiti Lamp.  Making your own graffiti is easy when you use some paint and telephone book pages.

Read more DIY Decorating ideas here! Have you ever made a small change that made a big difference to a room’s overall look?