This Simple Fringe Hack Makes Any Lampshade Look Expensive
Designer lighting doesn't have to come with a luxury price tag.
One of the easiest ways to give an ordinary lampshade a high-end makeover is by adding decorative fringe with nothing more than a hot glue gun.
SIGN UP for the Dengarden / Parade Home & Garden newsletter for a weekly dose of our favorite house hacks, decor trends and shopping deals
According to TikTok creator (@etherealelsa), the project takes less than an hour, requires minimal supplies, and instantly transforms a plain shade into a statement piece that looks straight out of a boutique home store.
@etherealelsa lowkey obsessed with how these turned out, renter friendly too obvi !!!
original sound - elsa rae
All You Need Is a Hot Glue Gun
One of the best parts of this project is how beginner-friendly it is. There's no sewing involved, and you don't need any special crafting experience to achieve a polished finish.
Start by choosing a lampshade with a clean, smooth bottom edge. If you don't have one, you could also order a metal ring to attach over your light, as seen in the above video.
Measure the circumference of the shade to determine exactly how much fringe you'll need, then cut the trim to size.
Working in small sections, apply a thin line of hot glue along the lower edge of the lampshade, then carefully press the decorative trim into place. Continue around until the ends meet, overlapping slightly if necessary for a seamless finish. Allow the glue to cool completely before moving the lamp.
For an even more elevated look, consider adding a coordinating ribbon or braided trim above the fringe to neatly conceal the glued edge.
Why Fringe Is Making a Comeback
According to House Beautiful, fringe has become one of the biggest trends in home decor this year, appearing on everything from lampshades and pillows to curtains and furniture.
Inspired by vintage interiors and boutique hotels, the look adds texture, movement, and a feeling of luxury, perHomes and Gardens.
Unlike replacing an entire lamp, adding fringe is an affordable way to embrace the trend without committing to a complete room makeover. It's also easy to customize, with trims available in a variety of colors, lengths, and styles to suit everything from classic and traditional interiors to eclectic, boho, and maximalist spaces.
A simple roll of fringe trim can completely change the personality of an otherwise basic lampshade.
Fringe Isn't Just for Lampshades
Once you've mastered this simple DIY, there are plenty of other ways to incorporate fringe throughout your home.
Plain throw pillows can be instantly elevated by sewing fringe around the edges, while storage baskets, fabric bins, and ottomans gain a more custom, designer-inspired look with decorative trim. You can even update curtain tiebacks, table runners, or the bottom edge of a fabric-covered bench to bring texture and movement into a room.
For renters, fringe is an especially appealing upgrade because it can refresh inexpensive decor without requiring permanent changes. It's an easy way to make budget-friendly or thrifted pieces feel thoughtfully curated.
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published July 9, 2026 at 2:05 PM.