Custom Lampshade Repair Strategies
A fabric-covered lampshade that contains accent trim can become dirty or damaged if you move the lamp around a lot or frequently adjust its shade. Repair and restoration techniques will be dependent upon the shade style, fabric type, and level of damage.
Professional Upgrades
If you purchased custom lampshades for a matching set of lamps, you will likely want to retain a similar construction for each shade. If a shade was expensive and contains intricate details that were professionally added, the manufacturer or designer who created the shades will be able to guide you in obtaining the upgrades desired.
Stock liners and fabric panels may be original products that the lamp manufacturer uses. Mailing back a dirty or damaged shade or transporting it to the place where you purchased it from may be necessary. You may be advised to bring along the intact shade. This will allow a repair person to observe the craftsmanship that was originally used to produce the shade.
Personal Upgrades
If you are aware of the fabric and liner type that your lampshade is constructed from, you may be able to make some adjustments to the shade by yourself. Use a cleaning agent that is formulated for the shade material. Apply the cleaning agent and use a sponge to work it into dirty surfaces. Allow the shade to air dry.
Take notice of how the fabric and liner are secured to the shade. If there are minor tears in either material, you can use thread and a needle to repair them. If the inner material is made out of plastic or another material that can't be hand sewn, you may need to remove the material and secure a new piece of it to the inside of the shade.
If staples were used to tack down the edges of the liner, remove the tacks and the damaged liner. Measure the damaged liner. Cut a new piece of the material that is the same shape and size. Lay the lampshade on a table. Make sure that the top of the shade is resting flat on the table.
Align the liner and use new staples to secure it. If your custom lampshade is in bad shape and you are contemplating the replacement of all of the materials that were used to construct it, purchase fabric, trim, glue, and other materials that will be needed to restore the condition of the shade.
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