Trimmings of all kinds are great to collect, like ribbons, rick rack, beads, flowers, piping cord, etc. As long as it’s something you like, even if you don’t yet have a specific use for it, buy it and you WILL find some great way of using it.

As is the case today, I will show you 4 easy ways of changing the look of the same lampshade, simply by adding different trims and accents to it.

1. Look 1: Damask ribbon I found years after having a very similar damask fabric. I used it to coordinate a lamp to match the fabric, by simply gluing the ribbon vertically to the lampshade.

2. Look 2: Beading in a soft pink, available by the strand, is added to the top and bottom circumference of the lampshade to add sparkle. This is perfect for a girl’s bedroom, and in a different colour for any room, for that matter. This could also be a great way to add sparkle to chandelier shades.

3. Look 3: Rick rack cording, in a combination of 3 colours (orange, brown and beige), is glued to the top and bottom of the lampshade. In a room in which you wish to add touches of colour, this is a great way to introduce colour, and maybe you can also repeat the same colours in cushions.

4. Look 4: Flowers. Very playful and colourful, perfect for a child’s room or as decoration for a party. These little flowers were found in packs of 100 and with no specific purpose in mind, can be used however you wish. In this case, I also found beads that matched, so I used them in the centre of the flowers to act as stamens.

Four quick and easy, and rather different ideas that are great ways to dress up and change the look of a very simple lampshade. As usual, these are just ideas, and you can change them around to suit your taste, and again, you are limited only by your creativity. Just remember, if the item speaks to YOU, then that’s what you should get and work with, because it’s what you have to live with.

For advice or ideas you can write to me at angeliepm@yahoo.com