18 diy Desk lamp ideas

Contributor post by Caitlin of The Merrythought Lately I have been working on creating a work space in my apartment that is inspiring and functional. It’s easy to get a cluttered and overwhelming workspace when you’re doing a lot of creating (aka mess-making.) This project is the perfect mix of inspiring and functional and has found a perfect home on my desk. This light is a great option for renters that love simple lighting (like all the gorgeous pendant lights out there!) but aren’t allowed to drill holes in your walls and ceilings. What you need: -Wooden block -Drill press -Round file -Light socket with lead (Like this: http://www.zoro.com/g/00056703/k-G2340913?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Feed&kpid=G2340913&gclid=CM-PnIKcs74CFehQOgodKWUAqw) -Wire cutters -Electircal cord with plug (Like these: http://vintagewireandsupply.com/rewire-cords-restoration-kits/) -Wire nuts -Light bulb How to make it: -Drill a hole all the way through your block the size of the light socket. Then use the drill press to drill several holes of varying sizes 1/2-3/4 of the way through your block to hold pencils, paint brushes, etc. -Use the round file to file a groove on the bottom of your wooden block that runs from the hole for the light socket to the edge of the board. This should be wide and deep enough for the cord to be in it and the block still sit flat on a surface. -Insert your light socket into the hole drilled, it should fit tightly so the top of the socket lines up with the top of your wooden block. If it doesn’t fit, you can use the file to widen the hole a bit so that it will. Make sure you don’t make the hole too large. -Use a wire cutter to trim your wires from the socket so that they are just outside of the block. Use the wire cutters to expose about a half inch of wire on them as well as the wires from your cord. Twist the end of the black wires together and use a wire nut on top to keep them together. Repeat with the white wires. Put these wires and the wire nuts into the hole under the light socket and run the cord through the groove you have made. -Insert your light bulb and your ready to go. About the Contributor Caitlin McGrath lives in a small town in Western New York. When her face isn’t hidden behind her camera, she’s usually crafting and daydreaming for The Merrythought, where she is a part of the three lady team sharing DIY projects, recipes, fashion, home d?cor & and bits of daily life.