Making Victorian Lampshades for Antique Lamps
Making Victorian Lampshades by Hand
There’s little I love more than restoring antique lamps and making silk Victorian lampshades with gorgeous textiles. Antique textiles, vintage beads, and stunning laces are a delight with which to create functional works of art that bring joy and delight.
The first lamp is “Jadeite Peacock Nouveau”. The lampshade was created with a vertical fade, 1930’s antique lace, reclaimed antique bronze metallic applique, and striking antique glass tube beads.
Next is “Moon Fairies”. This lamp was a custom order for a lovely customer who wanted an ethereal moon-like vibe to her lamp, which was accomplished by dyeing silk by hand, and using a vintage beaded French Chantilly lace, The beadwork on this lamp also includes rare antique satin tube beads from my collection.
Last, is “The Rhone”. This lampshade is nearly Napoleonic in shape and is layered with quadruple-dyed silk, and modern beaded lace I brought back from Paris, combined with antique metal laces. The beadwork on this lamp was an astonishing feat as, you can see from the photos that the strands are long, numerous, and the beads are quite small.
It takes a great deal of time and patience to create beautiful things, especially when each piece moves through many stages before it feels resolved. A small number of past lamps are documented in short process videos that quietly record parts of that progression over time.
Shop the Current Collection
While you’re here, check out the current collection of available restored antique lamps with handmade Victorian lampshades by Crystal Hayes.
Request a Custom Lampshade
Already have a stunning lamp but need a lampshade refresh? Click the buttons below to send an email or place a call to Elegance Lamps. Lampshades can be created for you in any shape, style, or size to enhance your existing lamp and home decor.
Elegance Lamps on Social Media
Help fuel the movement toward quality handmade artistic items made using trusted methods of the past! When you follow and engage with artists on social media platforms, you support the arts, give small businesses well deserved attention, and encourage the creation of new art. Follow on socials: Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram and Pinterest
About the Author
Crystal Hayes, Owner, Designer, and Lampshade Artist at Elegance Lamps
Crystal Hayes is a Seattle-based artist and maker inspired by the natural beauty and creative culture of the Pacific Northwest. She designs and handcrafts one-of-a-kind Victorian lampshades, often pairing them with restored antique lamp bases to create functional works of art for everyday living.
Each piece is made entirely by hand, from initial design through final construction, with close attention to materials, structure, and long-term durability.
ELEGANCE LAMPS VICTORIAN LAMPSHADES AND ANTIQUE LAMPS
Where beauty meets functionality.
Please use the social sharing buttons below to share this post. Thank you so much! Feel free to leave a comment. You do not need to enter your email address or website.
