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Did you ever search “how to fix a dented lampshade the easy way?” Lots of advice comes up. How do I know?
How do I fix a dented lampshade?
I hunted for the perfect lamps for my bedroom for what seemed like forever. The room called for elegant lamps. Ones that would make a statement. They had to be timeless and classic. I finally found them. But, sadly dented one of the lampshades on the way home from the store.
My carelessness made me so mad! After beating myself up, I googled “how to fix a dented lampshade.” I was surprised at all the results the query returned. After reading through a handful of people’s success stories, I decided it was worth a try to save them. These particular shades would be difficult to replace because of their size and shape. More importantly, I liked them a lot!
How others fixed a dent in a lampshade
My lampshade is linen and has a plastic lining. All of the websites I visited offered the same advice to fix a dent in this type of lampshade. First, place something rigid inside the lampshade to help manipulate it back to its original shape. Next, hold an iron up to the dented area and steam it for a few seconds. Last, allow it to dry. The advice came with the warning against touching the lampshade with your hands.
After drying, the tutorials promise a dent free lampshade. However, my lampshade results were disappointing. The lampshade was better but still more worthy of the garbage can then sitting on my beautiful porcelain lamp base.
How I saved my lampshade
I was determined to save the lampshade. It was close to becoming trash. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, I did exactly what I was cautioned not to do. I touched it with my hands! Pulling out my hairdryer, I tossed the iron aside. First, I used the heat to warm up the plastic lining. I used my hands to stretch and smooth out the dented areas, while the lining was hot.
It worked! The dents have vanished. It took me twenty minutes, which is less time then It would have took me to find replacement lamp shades. Amazing!
If you read my blog, you don’t have to live with things you hate, you know I would not just keep the lampshades with the dents. It is all about “design to be happy!“
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That was great.. I too have a dented lamp shade; not sure I’m as brave to try it.,Thanks for the tip.
It is so easy. You should try it. 🙂
Worked perfectly!
Thanks. When I think of all the shades I threw out…..who knew!
Maybe gloves would make the process less risky for burned fingers
Yes it would. I thought maybe you are not suppose to touch it because you would stretch out the fabric but maybe it is because of the heat. I didn’t think of that.
Worked! Warmed up the plastic from the inside and not too hot but enough to have the plastic shape with my fingers and I didn’t have to get it very hot to do that. THANK YOU!
So glad that it worked for you too! 😀😀😀
Wow! worked pretty well. I warmed from the inside and found that a glove did help while I pressed on the plastic while pointing the hair dryer at the crease. Now I have to seal the seam which has started to come apart. Regular glue didn’t work and neither did a glue gun. The plastic just separates. Next I will try epoxy glue.
Thanks for your comment. So glad it worked for you. Epoxy glue should do the trick—or maybe even fabric glue.