Ikea Lamp? Non-Ikea Shade? Fixed in $3!

Got an Ikea lamp and you want to have a non-Ikea shade? Fix that problem for less than $3!

I searched everywhere for a fast, easy solution, a little gizmo or adapter or something, all to no avail. After giving it some thought I realized the way to fix the problem.

Step 1: Ikea Socket, Too Large for Regular Lampshades

Yes, it's the socket that's the problem. It's too large to hold regular lampshades. You guessed it: change the socket.

Step 2: Broken Socket.

It was not budging, it was not unscrewing, it did not want to move. I accidentally broke the socket trying to get it off. That's when I realized that was the only way this one was coming off. Hopefully your experience will be different!

Step 3: Attach New Base.

Attach the new base, pulling the wires through beforehand. Next up, wire the socket. Super easy.

Step 4: Voila!

You now have a new socket that will hold any lampshade! Well, sans an Ikea one. The lampshade world is your oyster now.

Step 5: Add Shade and Bulb And...

you are good to go!

Step 6: Your New Lamp!

Your old lamp is brought to life with a brand new shade! Come read the whole story over on my blog: http://humboldtartdept.blogspot.com/2014/11/ikea-lamp-non-ikea-shade-problem-solved.html

Comments

[Susitna]

You forgot to show the UL knot that keeps the wires from being pulled out, which could cause a nasty shock if a strand touches the metal light socket. My husband forgot the knot when he wired hanging lamp, giving me a shock a few weeks later. That's why no longer plays with lamps. The wood tools and sewing machines are also off limits. A navy doctor ordered him to stay away from my sewing machine 25 years ago after 2 sick calls in one week involving sewn fingers. However, he is a good mechanic adequate plumber. We can't all have the same skills.

[Flipping the Flip]

Thanks for taking the time to write. I didn't mention all the steps here in the Instructables post, correct; I did discuss the knot in my blog post which outlines my whole process. It can be found here: http://humboldtartdept.blogspot.com/2014/11/ikea-lamp-non-ikea-shade-problem-solved.html

[Susitna]

I only mentioned the knot, because I believe that there are more people like my husband, wing it instead of reading instructions, I felt that was an imprtant detail for safety. Of course the hazard ia far worse for a hanging lamp, where gravity helps to speed up the process. As for me, I do a ridiculous amount of reading. Instructables have become some of my favorite reading. So much to learn!!!. So far I have read about 2,000.When I move back to Talkeetna, we will starting a small camping cabin bbusiness , and while the layout will be one of two plans (ADA Compliant) "functionally" accessible, each one will be drcorated somewhat differently.