Looking for a budget-friendly and creative lighting solution? This DIY cardboard lampshade is a fantastic way to add personality to your space. It’s simple to make, stylish to display, and you can easily create multiple shades to swap out whenever you want a fresh look.
Why This Plan Works
- Minimal Tools Required: No complicated equipment—just basic crafting supplies.
- Customizable Design: Paint and decorate it your way.
- Eco-Friendly: Uses recyclable cardboard.
- Modular and Swappable: One base, many lampshades.
- Beginner-Friendly: Great for anyone new to DIY projects.
What You Will Need
- Cardboard
- Ruler
- Pencil
- X-acto knife
- Paintbrush
- Black and gold paint
- Hot glue gun
- Light fitting
- Duct tape (optional)
Step 1. Prepare the Materials
Start by gathering all your tools and laying out your workspace. Measure your cardboard pieces based on the lampshade dimensions you’d like to create.
Step 2. Make the Base
Decide the size of your lampshade. For this design, we made a 5×5 inch wide shade, so the base includes:
- One bottom piece: 5.5″ x 5.5″
- Four side strips: 1.5″ x 5.75″
Cut a small hole into one of the strips to allow the light fitting wire to pass through. Secure the light fitting onto the bottom piece. Then, glue the side strips neatly around the base. Optionally, use duct tape to cover any exposed corrugated edges.
Step 3. Cut the Lampshade Shape
The height is up to you; ours was 8 inches. Cut a rectangular piece of cardboard:
- Width: 4 times the base width + 0.5″
- Height: 8 inches
Draw shapes like stars, squares, triangles, or lines onto the cardboard. Cut them out carefully using an X-acto knife. Also, cut a cardboard piece for the top of the shade and, optionally, add cutout designs to it as well.
Step 4. Paint the Shade
Using a paintbrush, paint:
- The main lampshade body
- The top cover piece
- The entire base
We chose black for a dramatic and modern look. Let all painted parts dry thoroughly.
Step 5. Decorate the Shade
Use gold acrylic paint to highlight or outline the cutout shapes. For example, we painted the borders of the stars to give a luminous touch. Allow the decorative paint to dry fully.
Step 6. Assemble the Lampshade
Once everything is dry:
- Fold the lampshade into four equal panels
- Use the extra 0.5″ strip to glue the edges together, forming a box shape
- Attach the top cover using hot glue
- Place the assembled shade over the base
Use hot glue throughout for secure bonding.
Note: We recommend using light bulbs no more than 40 watts. CFL bulbs are even better as they stay cooler and are more energy-efficient.
Other Details Display
- Base Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 inches (bottom), 1.5 x 5.75 inches (sides)
- Shade Dimensions: 8 inches tall, Width = 4 x base width + 0.5 inch
- Cutout Ideas: Stars, triangles, lines, squares
- Color Palette: Black base with gold accents
- Paint Type: Acrylic paint (black and gold)
- Assembly Tip: Glue top before placing on base
- Bulb Type: CFL or low-heat 40W max
- Style Variations: Customize each shade design for a modular lighting look
Summary
This DIY cardboard lampshade is the perfect craft project for anyone looking to add style and sustainability to their home.
Simple to make, easy to customize, and endlessly swappable, it’s a fantastic way to showcase your creativity while keeping things practical.
This plan is a contribution by [Muhaiminah Faiz]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
