Lamps are not just a source of artificial lighting in the interior, but also an important element of decor, without which the composition looks unfinished. You can create bright accents by making a lampshade for the chandelier with your own hands, because it is not necessary to spend huge amounts of money on the purchase of designer models. About the nuances of work - read in our article!
Where to begin?
When creating a ceiling with your own hands, keep in mind that using a conventional incandescent lamp is not a good idea. It is better to dwell on energy-saving light bulbs that do not heat up so much and, accordingly, do not heat closely spaced parts, thereby ensuring safety. In addition, they are economical enough that allows you not to spend money on electricity, as well as durable.
When choosing a material for a ceiling, focus on both aesthetic properties and technical characteristics. Firstly, it should be environmentally friendly, preferably natural bases that will not spread unsafe substances with minimal heating.
Secondly, the ceiling should not collect a lot of dust: some surfaces, like fabrics, are more prone to this than others. Choose an option that is easy to clean, easy to wipe with a damp cloth. This does not apply to paper, but due to the cheapness and simplicity of the material, such a chandelier can always be replaced if necessary.
Thirdly, the chandelier should well illuminate the room without dimming it. However, for some interiors, dim lights are more suitable: in the nursery, bedroom or living room for an intimate atmosphere. In such cases, you can show your imagination by making a lampshade that creates light patterns in the room. You, as an author, can realize any of your decisions - and this is probably the main advantage of home-made shades.
We select the ceiling for the style of the interior
A chandelier can become a bright accent in the interior or its inconspicuous but important addition. With any choice, the ceiling should harmoniously fit the style of the room.
Unfortunately, you can create with your own hands not every product. For example, classics are characterized by elegant crystal, glass or metal products that cannot be manufactured independently. But there are other options.
Minimalism
The laconic and laconic composition of minimalism can easily be broken due to one extra detail that will be especially noticeable in such an interior. Regardless of the type of room, simple geometric shapes, the absence of hanging elements, as well as the uniform color scheme, which is part of the general palette of space, will be appropriate here.
Metal frame constructions that darken the light slightly, or paper shades without decorative details, are well suited.
Loft
This is where you can really walk around, so it’s in the loft interior, in which home-made products from unusual materials will organically look. It is not scary if the appearance of the chandeliers is betrayed by their non-productive origin, because many details of this style put forward their imperfection as the main advantage.
For plafonds, it is permissible to use even familiar objects: transparent cans, metal appliances, frames made of thread or wire. If the height of the ceilings allows, then a long pendant chandelier with a minimalistic cap will be an excellent option.
Scandinavian style
Despite its northern origin, this trend in the interior looks very cozy and modern.Minimalistic in its essence, the Scandinavian style prefers natural materials, as well as light, mostly white, color schemes.
There are many options for the design of the chandelier - the style does not greatly limit the forms. But not everything can be created independently. Suitable ball-shaped, airy patterns of thread or paper.
Provence
Coming to us from distant French villages, Provence prefers a simple cozy aesthetics of natural materials, floral patterns, as well as light shades. About the same should be the ceiling for the chandelier.
Rounded fabric or lace items look appropriate. With a small level of craftsmanship, you can ennoble the glass bell with decoupage, thereby saving money - because, despite its simplicity, authentic provence entails significant costs for the arrangement.
Paper shades
Despite the fact that paper is not considered the most reliable basis for lampshades, but the simplicity of working with it and the noticeable cheapness made this material very attractive among needleworkers. In addition, with its help you can update the interior at least every month, creating new crafts.
Origami shades
Who did not get involved in origami in childhood, designing animals or complex modular paper products? Now you can apply your skills for more practical purposes. However, even people who first encountered this activity can also easily master it and make origami lampshades for the chandelier with their own hands.
These are laconic designs of various geometric shapes that perfectly fit into a modern interior. It is not recommended to use very strong paper, as it does not transmit light well.
Curly products
However, lovers of a more diverse decor can create paper shades of the most diverse forms. For example, surround the lamp with paper houses, butterflies or envelopes.
The appearance of such a ceiling also depends on the surface - plain, patterned, newspaper and so on. By combining these materials, completely different effects can be achieved.
Chinese lanterns
If you have paper lanterns at home, do not rush to use them as an independent lampshade, because this is an excellent basis for other experiments.
It can be pasted over with anything, but to avoid a home-made look - we offer to decorate the ball with small paper scales or long “feathers” that will elegantly hang to the bottom.
Thread shades
Various threads and ropes are an excellent basis for a lampshade, which is suitable for creating an intimate atmosphere due to the dimming effect.
Graceful cocoon
A round ceiling made of randomly wound threads looks very simple and at the same time stylish. In order for such material to hold the desired shape, it is fixed with glue in a balloon, which is delicately removed after work.
Although the field for creativity here is small, you can always experiment with colors, interweaving several shades.
Knitted shade
Less chaotic looks like a solution of thread. The main conditions for its manufacture - the ability to knit or the presence of a grandmother who will kindly tie you a napkin. The finished product must be placed on any basis - a metal frame, a transparent container, a Chinese ball. Similarly with the first option, you can fix the lampshade in a balloon with glue.
Bottle shades
Stylish chandeliers for rooms of various types can even be created from bottles. This implies both glass and plastic containers.
Glass bottles or jars
The principle of working with such a foundation is simple: we select the most beautiful one and hide the lamp in it. Elongated bottles or small jars can be used. You need to make sure that the glass transmits the necessary amount of light for the room, and in case of a shortage, several sources can be used.
If the chandelier plays a more decorative function, the bottle can be covered with acrylic paint or painting.
Plastic shades
Plastic bottles should not be used intact. But to make cheap parts for a home-made lampshade from them is quite realistic.
Luxuriously (as far as this word is generally applicable to plastic) look like chandeliers from the bottom of ordinary bottles that resemble a flower in shape. They are fastened together with a wire for better fixation, creating a variety of compositions.
Another option is a 10-liter eggplant glued with plastic spoons, which are lined up in several rows, like scales. The design will transmit a muffled, but uniform light, which will further decorate the product.
Metal shades
Quite unusual solutions for chandeliers are also offered by metal products. Fortunately, you don’t need to make them yourself, so you won’t need special metal skills. But a spectacular appearance is provided in any case.
Kitchen appliances
Do not rush to throw away old spoons and forks - they will come in handy for creating an original design. By placing a dozen appliances around the lamp, you get an excellent ceiling for the kitchen chandelier, which fits perfectly into the theme.
The same effect can be achieved using, for example, a grater. In general, it will turn out to experiment with any devices, especially if your interior is decorated in the loft style. Just make sure that metal parts do not get very hot.
Gear Dome
If you want to add a little steampunk to your life, make a gear chandelier cover. You can get them by disassembling an old bike, or buy them at a flea market. But the result is definitely worth the effort!
DIY lampshade for a chandelier - photo
We examined the features of the manufacture of lampshades for chandeliers with their own hands and the most popular solutions from various materials. But, of course, there are much more interesting options - the proof of this is our selection of photographs. Enjoy watching!
Video: How to make a ceiling for a chandelier - DIY