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TIPS & GUIDES
DIY Tutorial: Create a Custom Lampshade
The Art of Sustainable Light
Creating a lampshade is more than a decorative gesture — it is a way to reinvent light, elevate materials, and give fabrics a second life.
In a time where handcrafted design meets responsible creation, making your own lampshade becomes both an aesthetic and mindful act.
This tutorial offers a simple, refined and adaptable method, ideal for:
Architects looking to customise bespoke lighting for a project;
Individuals wishing to bring an artisanal and sustainable touch into their interiors.
Materials you’ll need
A bare lampshade frame (metal structure)
A circular or archive fabric sourced from SUSTY Fabrics
A metal ruler and precision scissors
Fabric glue or double-sided tape designed for textiles
A small clamp (optional)
A ribbon, trim or contemporary passementerie for the finishing touch
Susty Fabrics Tip
Choose fabrics with a fine weave (washed linen, satin cotton, textured silk, or hemp) — they allow light to filter through softly and beautifully.
Step 1 – Prepare and cut your fabric
Roll out your chosen fabric and place the frame on top to determine the template.
Mark the outline with a pencil, leaving a 2 cm allowance at the top and bottom.
Cut cleanly, then gently iron the fabric on low heat to smooth out any irregularities.
Design tip: pair a natural texture (linen, hemp, raffia) with a gold or contrasting trim for a couture, contemporary look.
Step 2 – Attach the fabric to the frame
Apply fabric glue along the base of the frame, then slowly roll the fabric around it, smoothing as you go.
Avoid pulling too tightly: the fabric should follow the shape naturally without distortion.
Fold the upper and lower allowances inward for a neat finish.
Hold in place with small clamps while it dries.
Pro option:
For interior design projects, you can line the fabric with a thin backing cloth for better structure and a softer light diffusion.
Step 3 – Add the final touch
Choose a trim, braid or contemporary edging to outline the lampshade.
Attach it with a fine line of fabric glue.
The detail makes the difference:
A contrasting trim highlights the silhouette of the lampshade and gives it a high-fashion finish.
Sustainable variations & workshop ideas
Upcycling version: reuse an old lampshade or a piece of worn curtain to create a unique piece.
Design version: create a trio of small hanging lampshades, mismatched but within the same colour palette.
Artisanal version: collaborate with an upholsterer or an embroiderer to add couture-level finishes to the piece.
Discover more inspiration
