Creating a doily Lampshade is one of those rare DIY projects that combines old-world charm with modern aesthetics.
This creative makeover gives vintage doilies a brand-new purpose, turning them into a statement lampshade that radiates texture and elegance. It may take some patience, but the results are completely worth it.
Why This Plan Works / Why We Like This Project
- It breathes new life into vintage or thrifted doilies.
- The lamp creates a cozy, lace-patterned glow that’s perfect for ambient lighting.
- You only need a few inexpensive materials.
- It’s beginner-friendly and forgiving, with room for creativity in design and placement.
- It transforms a common household item into an elegant decor piece.
What You Will Need
- Vintage or thrifted doilies (get extra to allow flexibility)
- Wallpaper glue (mixed thick, with a jello-like consistency)
- 3-foot round balloon
- Large paintbrush
- String and ladder (for hanging the balloon while drying)
Optional:
- Latex gloves
- Spray starch (for extra stiffness)
Step 1. Gather and Prepare Materials
Lay out your materials and mix your wallpaper glue thicker than directed—you want it to be just slightly more liquid than jello.
Inflate your 3-foot balloon and hang it using string from a stable surface like a ladder. Cover your workspace with newspaper.
Step 2. Apply Glue to Doilies
Place your first doily on newspaper and brush it generously with wallpaper glue. Be thorough—a heavy hand helps with saturation. Once soaked, apply the doily to the top of the balloon, leaving a small open space at the top for the light fixture.
Step 3. Layer Doilies Around the Balloon
Continue brushing and placing more doilies on the balloon. Slightly overlap edges to create structure and visual flow. When the upper third of the balloon is covered, let it dry completely (about 1–2 days).
Step 4. Rotate and Repeat
Once dry, carefully remove the balloon from its hanging apparatus and rest it so the uncovered section is exposed.
Repeat the gluing and layering process, drying between each section. Rotate and apply doilies until the entire balloon is covered.
Step 5. Strengthen With Glue and Starch (Optional)
Rehang the balloon and brush on another thick coat of wallpaper glue over the whole surface.
Once dry, spray multiple layers of spray starch, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly. This step may take up to a week but adds crucial stability.
Step 6. Pop the Balloon
Once fully dry and hardened, pop the balloon with a sharp object. Gently pull away any remaining balloon pieces. The doilies should hold their shape beautifully if properly dried and reinforced.
Let dry for an additional day if needed before hanging.
Note: Patience is key here—drying thoroughly at each step will prevent collapse and ensure a lasting result.
Other Details Display
- Hang the balloon from a ladder for better coverage and ease of rotation.
- Round balloons are preferred because they offer stronger support and a more globe-like shape.
- Estate sales and online bulk sellers (like eBay) are great sources for assorted vintage doilies.
- Use an energy-efficient cold bulb to avoid overheating or glue melting.
- Apply starch in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves if you’re sensitive to chemicals.
Summary
This DIY doily lamp is an elegant and affordable way to highlight the beauty of vintage lacework.
With a little glue, patience, and creativity, we can transform humble materials into a stunning lighting feature that adds character to any space. This doily lamp tutorial shows just how magical upcycling can be.
This plan is a contribution by [kazmataz]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
