How to Make a DIY Bedside Lamp Using an Old Wood Lantern

May 17, 2017

How to make a DIY bedside lamp using an old wood lantern - See the full tutorial at www.ilikethatlamp.com

 

 

In our tutorial series, our contributor Michelle is sharing a lovely story of how she turned a lantern from her wedding into a beautiful, functional DIY lamp. Here’s how she made something old, new again with the help of a wiring kit from our shop.

 

 

"5 years ago, my husband, I got married. We scoured flea markets and stores looking for lanterns to use along the aisle during the ceremony and then again on the table tops at the reception. So needless to say we have quite a few lanterns hanging around our house. Well in case you didn’t know, wood is 5-year Anniversary gift so I thought it would be fun to use the Lamp Rewiring Kit and make a table lamp out of an old lantern that was part of our wedding celebrations."

 

Here's what you will need for this DIY lamp tutorial:

How to make a DIY bedside lamp using an old wood lantern - Full tutorial on www.ilikethatlamp.com

 

Step One

The first thing I needed to do was drill a hole through the bottom of the lantern, into the inside using a ⅜ drill bit and a drill.

How to make a DIY bedside lamp using an old wood lantern - Full tutorial on www.ilikethatlamp.com

 

Step Two

Once that was done I was able to take the wire and thread it through the hole I just created.

How to make a DIY bedside lamp using an old wood lantern - Full tutorial on www.ilikethatlamp.com

 

Step Three

Thread the knurl washer onto the nipple and if you are using ceramic or something more delicate make sure to include the rubber washer first as well.

How to make a DIY bedside lamp using an old wood lantern - Full tutorial on www.ilikethatlamp.com

 

Step Four

Thread the wire through the nipple and secure nipple in place by pushing it into the hole created with the drill bit.

How to make a DIY bedside lamp using an old wood lantern - Full tutorial on www.ilikethatlamp.com

How to make a DIY bedside lamp using an old wood lantern - Full tutorial on www.ilikethatlamp.com

 

Step Five

Thread the socket base onto the nipple until it is securely fastened.

How to make a DIY bedside lamp using an old wood lantern - Full tutorial on www.ilikethatlamp.com

 

Step Six

Here's how to make the Underwriters knot.

How to wire a lamp, the DIY way - The Underwriters Knot DIY Lamp Wiring Techniques and Tutorials at www.ilikethatlamp.com

How to wire a lamp, the DIY way - The Underwriters Knot DIY Lamp Wiring Techniques and Tutorials at www.ilikethatlamp.com

Step 7

After loosening both screws on the middle socket piece you connect the wire ends (make sure it is NOT plugged in. And then tighten the screws back up so that the wires are snug.

How to make a DIY bedside lamp using an old wood lantern - Full tutorial on www.ilikethatlamp.com

 

Step 8

Fit the middle socket into the base and attach the top of the socket into the base. You will know it’s snug when it clicks into place.

How to make a DIY bedside lamp using an old wood lantern - Full tutorial on www.ilikethatlamp.com

 

Step 9

Add a light bulb and plug in!

How to make a DIY bedside lamp using an old wood lantern - Full tutorial on www.ilikethatlamp.com

 

Now it's time to sit back and ENJOY your gorgeous new DIY lamp! Ours looks pretty good by our bed. 

How to make a DIY bedside lamp using an old wood lantern - Full tutorial on www.ilikethatlamp.com

 

About the author of this tutorial:  Michelle is a mom of two, a passionate DIY crafter and a woman in business who has launched a new startup in the social media arena. You can see Michelle in action by visiting her website, www.moderndaymoguls.com.


READY TO MAKE YOUR OWN?

You can find all the essentials of a DIY lamp in our shop. To make this tutorial you will need our lamp wiring kit, available here. We also sell styrene, lampshade rings, lamp harps and lampshade glue - everything you need to make a custom lampshade!




 



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