I smiled as I leafed through my Real Simple Magazine that came today.

In it, they featured a project that I've done several times through the years & my best friend recently asked me for a tutorial on.

How to update a boring lampshade by adding fun stripes using fabric, ribbon, and other colorful items.

I made mine long ago before I began blogging, so sadly I don't have any how-to photos.

If you don't have the magazine, simply click here for an easy tutorial.

This lamp sits in Anton & Laith's room and used to be a terribly boring and generic lampshade from Pottery Barn.

The lampshade originally had only two rust colored bands, which might be my most hated color...ever.

{did I mention it was originally a $40 lampshade that I got for $3.99?}

I knew I could make it better and more playful for a little boys room.

Sometimes you find the right thing when you're out and about and don't need to do a thing...

The ones next to Ben & my bed are from Target.

I love them, but I'll admit...it kind of drives me nuts that they didn't attach the grosgrain ribbon completely straight.

But maybe I'm being a little too picky.

. . . . . . . . . . .

 

It seems that striped shades are everywhere right now, so if you don't have time or aren't feeling crafty, there are tons of options out there.

{shades of light}

{etsy - coconut beech}

{amazon}

 {houzz}

What is it about stripes that adds such a fun punch to a room? Even the least daring of decorators could find the perfect one.

Would you try striping a shade??