DIY Table Lamp From Cardboard

Don't throw away your cardboard boxes away right now! You can reuse it to make something that will serve as a nice decoration to your room.

This Instructable is going to show you how to make your own table lamp with scrap cardboard, paper, and a lamp cord.

To make this lamp, you will need:

A. Materials

1. Cardboard
2. A Lamp Cord (I used an old one scavenged from an IKEA lamp)
3. A bulb suitable for the cord (I used a 11W CFL also from IKEA - refer to step 6 for choosing the right bulb)
4. White Paper

B. Tools

1. Scissors
2. Tape/Glue
3. Pencil
4. Knife
5. Geometry Box

C. Three hours of your time

First, cut your cardboard into the following sizes using a knife:

1. 13cm X 13cm (5.1in x 5.1 in) - 2 pieces
2. 26cm X 13cm (10.2 in x 5.1 in) - 4 pieces

The socket of your lamp cord will need to fit into the center of the square piece.

1. Measure the socket's diameter with a scale. (say 4 cm)
2. Then, figure out the center of the square piece by drawing two diagonal lines on it from the corners.
3. At the intersection, draw a circle with the radius of half of the diameter of your socket (that's 2 cm), giving away a few extra millimeters (maybe 2.01cm) .
4. Cut out the hole, and check if your socket fits.
5. Does it fit tightly? Yes? Great! Move on to the next step.
6. Does it NOT fit? Then try these hacks:

• A. Hole too big? Stuff in the lamp socket just where you want it to be, and secure it modeling clay as required.
• B. Hole too small? Just cut a little at the hole or file the hole till the socket fits.

Luckily, my lamp socket fit perfectly with the first try.

Glue or tape in the socket, or if you have a screw mount, mount it in with some screws.

My lamp cord though, has grooves outside and can be mounted by placing the cardboard then screwing in a disc, which means I can remove the cord whenever I want- pretty cool! You should be able to find that kind on the IKEA website.

Now, leave that aside for now.

Take one of the rectangular pieces of cardboard. Now, draw the rectangles on it as in the image(measurements are given).

Cut out the rectangles you've just drawn. Once you have done that, you will be left with the main frame. Now, cover it with masking tape as in the second image.

On the back side of the panel, place a little double sided tape and place a piece of white paper (21cm X 13cm).

Now, repeat step 3 and 4 three more times. Take your time, be careful with the blade, take it easy with the tape... and soon, you will have four neat panels.

To hold the four panels together, place them side by side, facing back and place two long strips of tape on the very top and bottom. Then, join the two ends to make a box.

Now, it is time to choose your bulb. This may not sound so important, but it will help to protect your wires and give a good illumination effect.

1. Check the power rating of your cord: This is extremely crucial - choosing the wrong bulb may damage the wires, and cause a hazard. You will see something like MAX 50W or a different number, meaning that the cord can handle only up to 50W of load. So, it can definitely not handle a 100W bulb. I am using a 11W CFL for a MAX 50W cable.
2. Use diffused light bulbs: Spot lights focus only on one spot. That will completely destroy the effect. Instead, use diffused light-bulbs, which have a plastic/glass cover.
3. Do not mishandle the bulb: Incandescent bulbs and CFLs are made of glass, and can break if you drop it. Never drop a CFL - the mercury gas in it can be poisonous. LED bulbs are made of plastic, and are probably safe from dropping (doesn't mean you should perform a drop test).
4. Never touch the bulb when it is on: They will become hot with usage, and can burn you.

Gently screw the bulb into the socket.

On the opposite sides of the cardboard holding the socket, stick double-sided tape. Then, push in the cardboard into the bottom of the box, up to where the paper was stuck.

I also added a little hole on the side to give room for the wires.

This is not mandatory, but helps contain the light from the bulb within the shade. Take the remaining cardboard square, and put masking tape as shown above. Note that I didn't use the stronger double-sided tape - I wanted to remove the top whenever I wanted.

You can also write your name and other stuff on it.

Congratulations! You have finished making your lamp from scrap cardboard and paper.

All we need now is a cup of tea and a sofa to relax in.

Please do leave a comment below if you have any doubts. And it would also be nice to see how this project went for you too!

I will see you soon with another cool project.