DIY Replacement Lampshades for IKEA ARSTID Wall Lamps

We’ve owned a pair of IKEA ARSTID wall lamps for many years and loved them in our bedroom. When one of the original shades came loose and the adhesive failed, I discovered replacement shades for this exact model were not available. After searching online and in stores for a true replacement without success, I decided to improvise a solution that would be both practical and attractive.

Finding an Alternative Shade

While checking out at an IKEA store, I spotted small metal tea light holder lanterns and wondered if they might fit the lamp’s fixture. I tested one in the store and was pleased to find it fit the lamp’s arm and socket design perfectly. These little lanterns provided the right silhouette and scale to function as a lampshade, and they were inexpensive and sturdy—ideal for a quick DIY solution.

Materials and Tools

• Tea light holder lanterns (or similar metal votive holders sized to your lamp)
• Painter’s tape for masking
• Oil rubbed bronze spray paint (or another finish of your choice) for the lamp base
• Metallic gold spray paint (or other interior accent color) for the shade interior
• Gloves and a respirator or face mask for spray painting
• Clean cloth and rubbing alcohol (optional, to clean surfaces before painting)

Step-by-Step: How I Made the Shades

1. Test-fit: Before buying several lanterns, try one on your lamp arm to ensure the fit is stable and the size looks right in the room.

2. Prepare the lamp: I taped off the chain and cord with painter’s tape to protect them from overspray. If the lamp base needs refreshing, lightly clean and then spray paint it in the color you prefer. I used an oil rubbed bronze finish to harmonize with the room.

3. Mask the outside of the lantern: To get a two-tone effect, I covered the entire outside of each lantern with painter’s tape, pressing the edges down firmly over the cutout designs so paint wouldn’t seep inside. This also protected the exterior while I painted the interior a contrasting metallic color.

4. Paint the interior: With the exterior masked, spray the inside of the lanterns using metallic gold spray paint. The gold interior helps reflect and warm the light, creating a cozy glow when the lamp is on.

5. Dry and remove tape: Allow adequate drying time according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions. Carefully remove the tape and make any small touch-ups if needed.

6. Reinstall and adjust: Once completely dry, place the lanterns on the lamp arms and adjust their position so the light spreads evenly. Test the lamp to ensure the new shade sits securely and the light level is satisfactory.

Why This Works

The metal tea light holders are rigid and maintain their shape, unlike many paper or fabric shades. When painted inside with a reflective metallic finish, they not only look more custom but also help direct light and add warmth. The finished look complements the lamp base when the base is refinished to match.

Practical Benefits

• Cost-effective: Using inexpensive lanterns as shades saved money compared with custom replacements.
• Easy customization: Spray paint allows you to coordinate the lamp with your room palette.
• Space-saving: Wall-mounted lamps free up nightstand surface area—especially helpful in smaller bedrooms.

Tips and Safety

• Always spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator or mask to avoid inhaling fumes.
• Mask carefully where you don’t want paint to go; pressing tape edges firmly reduces bleed-through on metal cutouts.
• Allow full curing time so the finish is durable and won’t stick when handled.
• Use bulbs and wattage recommended by the lamp manufacturer for safe operation.

The gold interior brightens and warms the light and adds a subtle sparkle to the bedroom. We love how the refurbished lamps turned out—they’re practical, pretty, and give our room a refreshed look without replacing the whole fixture.

Because the lamps are wall-mounted, our nightstands now have more usable space—an especially welcome improvement in a small room. If you try this approach, adapt the size and finish of the lanterns to suit your particular lamp and decor style.

For a bit of behind-the-scenes fun, I shared a candid photo from this project on my Instagram feed.