Make Your Own Vintage Book Lamp

How To Make The Lamp

Cut your timber into three short lengths approx 5 inches long. This may differ depending on the size of your book.

Drill a hole near the edge of one piece. I forgot to take a photo of this but drill your hole close to the edge of one piece of timber. This is to enable you to thread the lamp chord to. Then stain the wood and leave to dry. I used a walnut stain as I wanted a darker finish, but you could opt for something lighter or paint the timber if you wish.

Next, glue the three pieces together using the wood glue leaving the piece with the hole overhanging the other two pieces.

This glue dries clear, but I always wipe the edges for a cleaner finish.

Open your book about one quarter the way in. Place the block of three timbers into the book. The top section of pages should rest open against your three timber pieces.

Turn the book over and screw in the large screw to attach the book to the timbers. Do this slowly and gently, as the pages will gather if you drill to quickly! Turn the book over. Attach the lamp chord through the hole in the timber. You will need to take off the plug to thread the chord through.Reattach the plug and attach the bulb and switch on.

I made sure to drill a hole wide enough for the lamp holder base to fit into. You could add some glue at this point to secure the metal holder into place.

I know a few of the attendees on the day made this lamp afterwards and the results were incredible. If you do attempt it, let me know!

I made several lamps as practice runs. This one is going to a friend who loves books. I hope it makes them smile when they switch it on.

Thanks for reading.