You’ll find lamps in just about every home. They are a trusty reading companion and good friends during stormy nights.
I stopped at the local thrift store recently and found stacks of old, second-hand books on sale. I didn’t find any of the titles particularly interesting but the store was selling them so cheap I could not resist buying a few. On my way home, I felt regret over spending money on books I did not intend to read. That is until a light bulb idea lit up my DIY mind!
You may have already seen these adorable book lamps. They can be opened and folded, pretty much like you would with a book. But they do come with a pretty hefty price tag – US$200 to be exact. I’ve been mulling over whether to buy it or not because I really wanted it.
Fortunately, I came across a DIY project – make a book lamp shade. I was drawn to it because it looked like the lamp I was lusting over.
The lamp is pretty versatile. It can be placed on a tabletop or mounted on the wall. It’s a pretty clever way of recycling an old book that’s no longer in use. Just remember to buy a bulb with the right wattage. For this project, the maximum is 15. Anything higher than that greatly predisposes you to a fire risk.
You can use this lamp inside your bedroom when you’re in the mood for dim lighting. For you to start making your own book lamp, gather first the things that you need.
Contents
Crafting a Book Lamp Shade
Materials
- big book
- bulb, 10-15 W
- bulb mount
- lamp cord
Tools
- drill
- large paper cutter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Book
- Choose a large, hardcover book that you won’t mind transforming into a lamp.
- Open the book to the middle and use the large paper cutter to hollow out a rectangular section through multiple pages. This will create a space to house the bulb mount and wiring. Ensure you leave a border of pages around the edges for structural integrity.
Step 2: Drill a Hole for the Cord
- Close the book and drill a hole at the spine or back cover, depending on where you want the cord to exit. This hole should be large enough to fit the lamp cord but small enough to keep the fit snug.
Step 3: Install the Bulb Mount
- Place the bulb mount inside the hollowed-out space in the book. If necessary, adjust the hole you cut to ensure the mount fits securely.
- Secure the mount in place using strong glue or small brackets if your mount has attachment points. Allow any glue to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Wire the Lamp
- Thread the lamp cord through the hole drilled earlier, starting from the outside of the book and leading it into the bulb mount.
- Attach the wires from the lamp cord to the connections on the bulb mount. If you are not familiar with electrical connections, you might need to refer to the bulb mount’s installation instructions or consult with an electrician.
- Ensure all connections are secure and that there are no loose wires.
Step 5: Install the Bulb
- Screw the bulb into the mount, ensuring it is not overtightened to avoid damaging the bulb or mount.
- Make sure the bulb wattage does not exceed 15 W to avoid overheating.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Arrange the remaining pages around the bulb to conceal the wiring and mount, giving the appearance of a naturally opened book.
- You can optionally glue some of the pages together for added stability or leave them loose for an artistic effect.
Step 7: Test Your Lamp
- Plug in the lamp cord and turn on the bulb to test your new book lamp shade.
- Adjust the placement of the book as needed to achieve the desired lighting effect.
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.
You can find more step-by-step instructions here…
Book Selection Tips
Creating a book lamp shade is an inventive way to recycle an old book into a stunning and functional piece of home decor. However, the choice of book is crucial to the success of this project.
Here are some tips to help you select the perfect book for your book lamp shade.
Size Matters
For a book lamp shade, the size of the book is essential. Choose a book that’s large and thick enough to provide a stable base for the lamp. A standard hardcover novel might be too small and thin. Look for books that are at least an inch thick with dimensions that will not look disproportionate when mounted with a bulb and stand.
Binding Quality
The binding of the book affects how well it will hold up when hollowed out and fitted with electrical components. For a book lamp shade, opt for a book with a sturdy hardcover. The spine should be in good condition to support the modifications without falling apart. Avoid books with loose pages or damaged bindings, as they won’t provide the necessary durability.
Visual Appeal
Since the book lamp shade becomes a focal point of any room, select a book with an attractive cover. Consider the color scheme and design of the room where the lamp will be placed. A book cover that complements the room’s decor will enhance the overall aesthetic. Remember, the cover will always be visible, so pick something that visually appeals to you.
Content Consideration
Although the content of the book won’t matter once it’s transformed into a book lamp shade, choosing a book you don’t mind altering is important. Some may prefer using a book that they have no intention of reading or one that holds no sentimental value. This way, you won’t regret repurposing the book into a lamp shade.
With careful book selection, your book lamp shade will be a one-of-a-kind lighting fixture as well as a customized ornamental item that captures your individuality and imagination.
Lighting Effects and Placement
A book lamp shade isn’t just a unique decorative item; it’s also a practical lighting solution that can enhance the ambiance of any room. The placement of your lamp shade and the type of lighting it emits are crucial elements that define its effectiveness and the mood it sets.
Here’s how to optimize lighting effects and choose the best placement for your lamp.
Choose the Right Bulb
The type of bulb you choose for your book lamp shade will greatly influence the light it casts. For a softer, warmer glow, opt for LED bulbs in warmer tones (2700K to 3000K), which are ideal for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. If you need brighter, more focused light, cooler white bulbs (3500K to 5000K) might be more appropriate. The bulb’s wattage and design, like frosted or clear, also affect the diffusion of light.
Strategic Placement
The location of your lamp shade can transform the look and feel of a space. Consider placing it in a reading nook to add both functionality and charm, making it a perfect companion for your favorite reading chair. Alternatively, positioning your book lamp shade on a side table next to a sofa or bed can provide ambient lighting that’s easy on the eyes, ideal for relaxing evenings.
Creating Ambiance
Your book lamp shade can serve as more than just a light source; it can also be a significant element in room ambiance. By placing it in darker corners, you can create points of interest and soften the overall lighting of a room, adding depth and character. The nostalgic appeal of the book paired with the light can evoke a sense of warmth and history, making the space more inviting.
Accentuate Art and Decor
Position your book lamp shade to highlight other key decor elements in the room, such as paintings, sculptures, or an architectural feature. The directed light can draw attention to these details, creating a gallery-like atmosphere. This technique not only illuminates these artworks but also adds a layer of sophistication to the overall decor.
Layer Your Lighting
Include your book lamp cover into a multi-layered lighting design. Combining it with other light sources—floor lamps, sconces, or overhead lights—will provide you a range of adjustable lighting levels based on the time of day or the task at hand. This method enables the book lamp shade to add to a dynamic and adaptable lighting scheme.
Enhance Functional Areas
Consider placing your book lamp shade in functional areas where tasks are performed, like desks or crafting tables. The light it provides can be both practical and decorative, making it perfect for activities that require good visibility. Ensure the light is positioned to minimize shadows cast by the user’s hands or body.
Mood Setting
Use your book lamp shade to set the mood in personal spaces such as bedrooms or dens. Placing it on a nightstand or near a favorite armchair can create a personal retreat perfect for unwinding. The soft light from the lamp shade can make these spaces feel more secluded and peaceful, ideal for relaxation or contemplation.
Interactive Spaces
In social areas like living rooms or dining areas, the book lamp shade can serve as a conversation starter. Place it where it can be easily seen by guests, perhaps on a console table in the entryway or on a buffet in the dining area. Its unique design and the warm light can make these spaces more welcoming and stimulating for discussions.
Your book lamp shade will be a useful work of art that also enhances the usefulness and beauty of your living area if you carefully choose the bulb type, positioning, and desired atmosphere.
Conclusion
Creating a book lamp shade is a rewarding project that combines functionality with creativity, transforming an ordinary item into an extraordinary decor piece. This DIY endeavor allows you to personalize your space while recycling old books in a visually appealing way. With the right materials and a bit of craftiness, your lamp shade can add a unique touch of charm and warmth to any room.
We have more creative lighting fixtures. Check out our DIY concrete pendant light guide!
