Stacked-Books Table Lamp

Upcycle old books by turning them into a one-of-a-kind lamp.

Dan Faires rRcycles Old Books Into Lamp

Related To:

Materials Needed:

  • old hardcover books, about 8
  • lamp kit
  • lamp shade
  • spray paint
  • drill
  • 1/2" drill bit
  • razor blade or box cutter
  • 1-1/4" screws
  • 2" screws
  • screwdriver

Paint Fittings

Spray paint lamp fittings to desired color, and allow it to dry.

Step 1 Dan Faires Recycles Old Books Into Lamp

Arrange Books

Stack and arrange the old hardcover books. Place the lamp's threaded rod next to book stack and make sure there is one inch of clearance on the top for the remaining lamp assembly.

Step 2 Dan Faires Recycles Old Books Into Lamp

Drill Into Base Book

Clamp down the bottom book to the table, and using a half-inch drill bit, drill a hole in the center of the book about halfway down.

Create a Channel

Open the base book. Using a razor blade or box cutter, cut a channel where the electrical cord will be placed. Make sure it matches the width and thickness of the cord.

Attach Rod

Use the washer and lock nut from the lamp kit to attach the threaded rod to the base book. Close the book and tighten down the top lock nut.

Step 7 Dan Faires Recycles Old Books Into Lamp

Slide in Wire and Secure Base

Entering from the bottom, slide the electrical wire through the threaded rod. Leave 1-1/2 to two inches of electrical wire at the top of the threaded rod so you can attach the lamp parts. Drill 1-1/4-inch screws to secure the book to itself. Use four to six screws, making sure to avoid the electrical wire.

Step 8 Dan Faires Recycles Old Books Into Lamp

Attach the Rest of the Books

Clamp down and use the half-inch drill bit to drill a hole in the center of each book. Slide the books, one by one, through the threaded rod, drilling four 2-inch screws to secure each book to the book beneath it.

Secure Top Book

On the top book, open the cover, and secure it with four 2-inch screws.

Step 11 Dan Faires Recycles Old Books Into Lamp

Assemble Kit and Attach Shade

Assemble the lamp kit parts, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Attach the lamp shade.

Step 12 Dan Faires Recycles Old Books Into Lamp

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