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For the avid reader, nothing could be cooler in your home than an actual book lamp. Using old hardback books, you can create an unusual, yet functional lamp that will shed better light on some of your favorite literary works.

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EditSteps

  1. Build a Book Lamp Step 1.jpg
    1
    Stack books together to form your lamp base. Consider how you’d like them displayed and whether you want all titles facing the same way and/or if you are looking for a symmetrical or disorganized order.
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  2. Build a Book Lamp Step 2.jpg
    2
    Open the top hardcover of the first book and screw through the pages in order to connect the books together.
    • Screw all the way to the bottom of the book.
  3. Build a Book Lamp Step 3.jpg
    3
    Turn book over and add a screw to the bottom of the book, following the same hole you made when you screwed together the top of the book.
  4. Build a Book Lamp Step 4.jpg
    4
    Add the pancake box to the top of the book. First trace the box using your pencil.
    • Cut into the top of the book with either your Dremel or the box knife; following the pencil lines. You are cutting into the top of the book to make room for the electrical box.
      Build a Book Lamp Step 4Bullet1.jpg
    • Go over the circumference circle until you’ve created a hole deep enough for the box to sit inside the hole.
      Build a Book Lamp Step 4Bullet2.jpg
  5. Build a Book Lamp Step 5.jpg
    5
    Create a hole inside your pancake box by using a hammer to pop out the round metal hole bit.
    • Position the hole toward the back, away from the book spines and then add screws to the smaller holes (just like you would if you were mounting this on the ceiling).
      Build a Book Lamp Step 5Bullet1.jpg
  6. Build a Book Lamp Step 6.jpg
    6
    Drill a hole in the electrical box at an angle through the books. Instead of coming through the bottom of the books, you want the hole to come out of the side.
    • Hold books down as you drill so pages don’t wrinkle and buckle.
  7. Build a Book Lamp Step 7.jpg
    7
    Tap the lamp rod through the hole (gently) using a hammer. Make sure the lamp rod is completely through the books, so that it’s even with the electrical box.
    • Remove any excess using a hacksaw.
  8. Build a Book Lamp Step 8.jpg
    8
    Strip off about ½” off the ends of the cord. After you strip the ends, twist the wires so that they are fully exposed in order to make a good connection.
  9. Build a Book Lamp Step 9.jpg
    9
    Feed the cord through the rod of the book, from the bottom, then wrap wires around the screws on the bottom of the light fixture. Make sure they are secure.
    • For a clear wire cord kit, join the copper wire with the gold screw, and silver wire with the silver screw. If your cord has both sides copper, either way works.
  10. Build a Book Lamp Step 10.jpg
    10
    Screw the wires on the socket
    • Attach light fixture to the base by using screws at the edge of the electrical box.
      Build a Book Lamp Step 10Bullet1.jpg
  11. Build a Book Lamp Step 11.jpg
    11
    Screw in a low watt bulb.
    • Light it up!
      Build a Book Lamp Step 11Bullet1.jpg
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EditThings You’ll Need

  • 1 ceramic light fixtures
  • 1 pancake electric box
  • 1–6 inch (2.5–15.2 cm) threaded rod
  • 2-inch wooden screws
  • 3 of more hardback books, depending upon the desired height of your lamp
  • Dremel with a ¼” router bit (or a box knife)

  • Hammer
, hacksaw
, or drill
 with ½” drill bit

  • Screwdriver bit

  • Wire strippers

  • Phillips head screw driver

  • Pencil

EditTips

  • Use a vintage-looking light bulb for a unique look.

EditSources and Citations

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2013/02/make-it-book-lamp.html

Article Info

Categories: Hobbies and Crafts | Candles Lamps and Fireplaces

Recent edits by: Lynnnj, Ji Wang, BR

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,871 times.

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