Introduction: Ikea Lamps Make Old Lamp Bases New Again!

I found two used-to-be-pretty lamps stuck in the mud at my friend's farm. I hosed 'em off and brought 'em home, and finally figured out how to make them useful again.

I happened upon two Ikea lamp bases at the thrift store for a dollar each (similar to the JANUARIline, but older and apparently no longer available on their website). I found two Ikea RIPEshades in the as-is section at the Seattle area Ikea store.

Voila! Some basic disassembly, some basic wiring, and reassembly, and I've got two reformed-trashy lamps. You could totally do the same thing with has-been lamps, some Ikea goodies, and a little bit of patience.

Step 1: Disassemble the Trashed Lamps.

I used some wire cutters and pliers to remove the innards and rotten wood upright from the old lamp.

Step 2: Disassemble the Ikea Lamp

Loosen the collars of the Ikea lamp (the brown plastic rings at the top). Set them aside in the order that you took them off.

Pull up on the metal part that holds the light bulb. Snip off the wires, and set it aside for now.

Step 3: Remove the Top of the Ikea Lamp

It's likely you'll need a tiny little allen wrench to remove a set screw. Once the screw is removed, unscrew the top of the lamp and set it aside. You should see the end of the cord poking through the top.

Step 4: Combine the Ikea Lamp With the Found Base

Slide the base over the lamp, making sure it's centered on top of the Ikea lamp base.

The upright part of the Ikea lamp should poke out of the top hole of the base, with the cord extending out of the top.

Step 5: Reassemble the Top of the Ikea Lamp

Screw on the barrel-shaped plastic collar, and then strip the ends of the cord. Reattach it to the metal housing that the bulb will screw into. It does not matter which half of the cord gets attached to which screw on the housing.

Step 6: Put on the Shade

Screw on the bottom collar, insert the lamp shade base on top of it, and screw on the top collar firmly, so the shade will not swing loosely.

Step 7: Get a Light Bulb!

How many Ikea Hackers does it take to screw in a light bulb?

One, because we're all self-sufficient like that!

Put the light bulb in, plug in your new lamp, and enjoy!