I have 2 table lamps and 1 floor lamp that I plan on painting the bases with a hammered copper spray paint but I also need to do something with the lampshades - they have a gray suede-like look and am wondering how I could change them. I don't know if painting them is the answer but would not know how to cover them either. All suggestions are welcomed! TIA!

I covered cheap lampshades a few years back to match our decor. I used fabric (you could probably use paper but I don't know how it would hold up). Using paper (wrapping paper would work) make a pattern of your shade by rolling it along the paper and tracing the top and bottom of shade - it will make an arched shape. cut out pattern and wrap it around your shade to make sure that you did it right before you cut any fabric. Cut out your fabric making sure to add in a seam allowance and enough on the top and bottom to turn under the edges. I used spray adhesive to adhere and a glue gun to hold the edges and the seam and also to add any decorative edging such as fringe etc.
I hope these directions are clear - also check out Target sometimes they have new shades on sale cheaper than you can buy fabric.

I made slip covers for mine.

I took the measurements and added about 4 inches top and bottom and sides. Then i just hem in top and bottom and put in ribbon (like a drawstring) then i sew the side shut. I then slip it over the lampshade and draw the strings together and play with the gathers till I got them even. Turn out pretty good, you can probably use elastic if you wanted.

There are all sorts of lampshade making supplies at fabric / craft stores. Definately check it out.

I have a great floor lamp that I plan to keep for a long time. The shade was one I never liked and it finally got broken so I went to a store that sells custom lamps and shades and bought TWO different shades for it. Actually, I bought one shade, took it home and decided it wasn't right. I returned it and brought the lamp down to the store to try on different shades. It was an educational experience but I paid dearly for the education! Custom lamp shades ARE NOT cheap.

The upside, if you remake the shade yourself, it is far cheaper to make another one than it is to pay someone else to do it even once.

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