In this bedroom, dip-dyeing gives a fabric lampshade and a rug a soft, serene look.

For the Look
Similar glass lamps, potterybarn.com. Lake side table, bddw.com. Lapis coverlet and sham, and Trellis Euro sham, johnrobshaw.com. Ammu stole, in Gold, by Matta, 212-343-9399.

How to Dip-Dye with Fabric Dye
We used Rit liquid dyes in Denim and Navy (ritdye.com). You can combine colors for custom shades. This technique can be adapted for unfinished wooden items and bamboo blinds (let them dry on paper towels), and paper (let the dye solution cool before dipping paper).

Tools and Materials

• Linen straight drum lampshade, potterybarn.com
• Large plastic storage bin or galvanized-steel bin
• Stir stick
• All-purpose liquid or powder dye

• Sample fabric or paper towel

• How-To

• 1. Determine the height of the band you want, and use a waterproof pen to mark that height on the inside of the dye bin. Fill the bin with hot water and stir in dye, starting with a small amount and adding more as desired. Dip a sample strip of fabric or paper towel to test the color. If too dark, add water; if too light, add dye. Let solution settle, so there are no bubbles at the surface.

• 2. Immerse the shade. Keep shade in dye until it turns the desired color (it will dry slightly lighter). Set on paper towels to dry.