Designer lamp shades are expensive. So what do you do if you like the designer look but don’t have the designer budget to match? Consider these four ways to get the designer look for less.

1. Use Your Mouse

If you want great deals on designer lamp shades check out online lighting stores which generally offer very good value for money. You can browse around as many stores as you like and check out the various prices and options on offer. Being able to go quickly from store to store allows you to compare prices too.

Check out eBay too where lamp shade manufacturers and small lighting stores often sell goods at cheaper prices. Remember to add any shipping charges when thinking about your budget however. And check feedback to make sure the seller is reputable.

2. Check out Deals in Local Stores

You’ll often find great sales locally where you can pick up lamp shades at bargain prices. Look out for various events at department stores in your town. If you find a lamp shade on sale check that it is undamaged as stains and tears will stand out as soon as you put on the light.

Don’t forget to look in your local discount store too. Although they generally specialize in selling plain shades at low prices, they sometimes branch out into something more exciting by offering a few shades and matching accessories in the latest colors.

3. Think Trimming

Plain shades are available cheaply in discount stores and online. Give them the designer look by adding some gorgeous trimming to the edges. You can decorate them with a row of beautiful bead fringing which catches the light or add some contrasting or toning braid for a smart formal look. Get some inspiration by looking at all the trimming available in your local department store.

The difference between a plain lamp shade and a designer shade is often just a matter of trimming. If you see a shade you love in a magazine try and recreate the look with a plain shade.

4. Recover an Old Lamp Shade

If you’re replacing an old shade that is just the right size and shape for your lamp base you can save money by recovering it. Just choose fabric or paper (wall paper is good) in a design to match your decor. Look for instructions online for recovering lamp shades.

It may even be worth recovering a new plain lamp shade if you don’t have an old shade (though you can often pick them up in garage sales for a song.) Just get the right shape and size for the base when looking at lamp shades and you can choose the finished look yourself by completely recovering your shade.