Hidden Bookshelf Light Switch

Step 7: Installation

Take your selected book and open the front cover.  This should open the binding, allowing you to easily slide the flat end of the switch into the spine of the book.
Stand the book up and ensure that the switch depresses when the book is resting and releases when the book is tilted.

Now to your bookshelf . . . . 
Pull the books that will surround your new hidden book switch out a few inches. Run the cord behind the books and to an outlet.  Slide the books back into place.  If the lamp you are using has its own on/off switch, don't forget to leave it in the on position.  Connect the cord of your lamp to the cord of your switch, and you are ready.

Success!

You can now astound, astonish, or merely confuse your friends and co-workers with your Hidden Bookshelf Light Switch!

Comments

[samhandwich]

Thanks for this awesome instructable! I'd like to convert an existing wall switch to the book switch. Can I just wire it right into the wires in the wall, or is that dangerous for some reason?

[Improbable Construct]

I am pretty sure this would be classified as temporary wiring.
I am going to say that it would be a bad idea to use this setup to wire straight into the wall.
You might be better off trying one of the commercial remote control switch options and then rigging it to a book.
Good Luck!

[ecsaul23]

Very cool. Definitly a gift to remember

[imfasa]

very cool, very well done and nicely illustrated.
now, wouldn't it be a lot easier to just use a rope pull switch (if that's the correct name)? you'd pull the switch by pulling the book like you would normally..

[c-face]

I love it! Very awesome!

[diy_bloke]

so do i understand you have to hold on to th ebook as long as you want the lamp on or am i missing something?

[sdcharle]

It doesn't work with ebooks, I don't think...

[MerlinTheGreat]

:-) Then again, if you print the ebook and put a hardcover around it...

[Improbable Construct]

diy_bloke,
You don't have to hold the book to keep the light on. The switch is an on/off latching switch. To turn the light on, you would tilt the book slightly towards you and then release it back to the resting position on the shelf. To turn it off again, you would do the same thing.

[diy_bloke]

That explains. Thank you