My grandmother loved pinks and reds. She added red baubles to her chandelier. She had pink angel hair accenting the biggest seashell she could find. Her house was red. She was a vibrant woman, and I think her love of all shades of red and pink is a genetic thread that runs through my entire family. My mom drives a red car, my sister drives a red truck, my brother isn’t afraid to wear pink.

I like red too. So when I saw these lamps being advertised at an antique shop in Galveston, TX – I just had to have them.

The red glass lamps came with mid-century red plastic shades, but after a few years I wanted a more funky, eclectic fabric look.  

I removed the plastic from the metal lamp frame. In my fabric stash, I found multi-color herringbone fabric and cut into 4 inch strips.  I then wrapped the fabric around the metal frame securing it with hot glue to create a new shade.

Mid Century design is timeless, but it doesn’t have to be stale. By mixing elements of classic décor with modern colors and patterns, I’ll be able to use these lamps for years.

I’m including several photos of the lamp shade redesign, so that readers can see how to attach fabric to the cone shaped frame. If you use your imagination, you’ll start to see all kinds of possibility in this quick and easy AND budget friendly home décor idea.

The multicolor fabric allows me to blend the bold red of the lamps into the softer color palette of my seaside inspired home. But honestly? The ocean is one of the most alive and and vibrant and colorful places in the universe, so celebrate color!

My redesigned mid century lamp now provides a warm, cozy and colorful glow to my home.