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!“