Lampshade Making Fabric Selection | Kalani Interiors

Whether you are starting to make your own lampshade kit or if Kalani Interiors will custom make your lampshade as a custom order, a key part will be the fabric selection so here is our top tips.

Fabric Type

If you're new to making lampshades, we recommend starting with cotton, linen, or a cotton-linen blend. These fabrics are lightweight, easy to handle, and allow light to pass through nicely. They also come in a huge variety of colours and prints, giving you lots of creative options.

It is best to avoid stretchy fabrics—they can be tricky to work with. Similarly, thick upholstery fabrics may be too heavy and difficult to shape properly.

Synthetic materials with their synthetic fibres and indoor/outdoor fabrics with their water resistant properties may struggle to adhere to the adhesive lampshade backing.  Fabrics that have a loose weave also can fray easily and be harder to work with. 

Light Diffusion

To get an idea of how a fabric will look when lit up as a lamp, hold a sample of fabric against a piece of white paper and shine a light behind it. This will help you see how the light diffusion of the fabric, highlighting its texture, weave, colours or pattern. Fabric can be altered with the warm glow of a lamp to create a cosy home ambiance.

Pattern Placement

Consider the direction of your pattern as to how it will be orientated on the shade when completed.  Some patterns will suit a drum lampshade better as it has a strong directional pattern.  Empire and conical lampshades have an angle.  Also large patterns aren't idea for small shades. 

Key lampshade fabric selection points:

• ✓ Cotton, linen or cotton/linen
• ✗ Stretch fabrics
• ✗ Synthetic fabrics
• ✗ Thick upholstery fabric
• ✗ Indoor/outdoor fabric
• ✗ Fabrics with overly loose weave
• ✓ Fabrics with good light diffusion
• ✓ Fabrics with a pattern that will suit the shape of the shade

How much fabric do I need to make a lampshade?

For the Kalani Interiors custom lampshades or lampshade kits:

Drum Lampshades

Empire Lampshades

Conical Lampshades

Can Kalani Interiors make me a lampshade from my own fabric?

Yes!  If you have fabric that suits making for a lampshade, we would love to help you with your custom project, contact us today!