IKEA's Magnarp table lamp is a staple in many college dorm rooms and first apartments for good reason - it's just $12.99. But its popularity has a downside - many guests who visit your home will instantly recognize it for what it is: an inexpensive, stand-in table lamp. No longer! Here is a tutorial which shows you how to completely change the look of your Magnarp by replacing the rice paper lampshade and spray-painting it to suit your color scheme.
(we used a $12.99 lamp)
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Cut away the rice paper shade from the Magnarp, leaving the square rings exposed.
Iron your fabric well. Peel back the backing of the adhesive (pressure-sensitive) styrene sheet to expose the sticky backing. Press the styrene onto the wrong side of the fabric, using a smoothing motion.
Trim the fabric, leaving 1/2" exposed on all sides except for one of the short sides, which should be trimmed flush with the styrene sheet.
Using the glue included in the kit, secure the overhanging fabric on the other short side to the styrene. This will create a nice smooth 'seam' on the finished shade.
Using the binder clips, form the styrene & fabric into a cylinder and secure the top and bottom rings inside using the binder clips.
To secure the rings to the shade, we'll create a neat, rolled-edge finish. Working in sections, paint on some glue to a portion of fabric using an old paintbrush. Fold the fabric over the ring, then use the molding stick to push the fabric up & under the ring.
Embellishments can be attached before or after forming the finished lampshade. I used small metallic studs with my black lampshade for a glam look!
Use your choice of spray paint to paint your lamp base. Cover the cord and socket with painter's tape to avoid over-spray. For longevity, you may choose to first prime the lamp with a layer of metal spray paint primer. Allow to dry before attaching the finished shade.
The finished lamp - who would recognize its common origins?
Liked this tutorial? You're going to love this idea to upcycle old T-shirts into new lampshades.
