Introduction: Hanging Lantern Ikea Hack

Step 1: Ingredients

For this Hack you will need.

1. Rotera candle lantern

2. Hemma hanging lamp base

3. Ikea size light bulbs (they come in a two pack)

4. In line lamp switch (I got this from the hardware store)

5. Small size wire nut 16 – 22 (also from the hardware store)

Also it is handy to have these tools at hand

Rotary grinding tool

Drill

Center punch

Hammer

Screwdriver

Wire cutters

Exacto knife

Now lets get to it!

Step 2: Separate the Top of the Lantern From the Base

 To separate the top you need to grind away the ring on the inside that clamps the top onto the rim of the base.This was the toughest thing since my rotary tool couldn’t reach the interior very well.I only ground about half of the ring off and I could twist them apart.

Step 3: Grind It Open

 The next step is to grind the openings large enough to fit the lamp socket through.I noticed that the entire unpainted portion seemed to be the same size as the socket, so I ground it all away.On the top of the lantern I used the center punch to set a dent in the middle of the top.I used the drill to start the hole then my grinder to remove the rest of flat portion on the top.


Step 4: Wiring

 Now that all the grinding is done it is time to wire it all up.Since I am using the lantern as a reading light hanging next to the bed, I cut the cord about eight inches from the socket to place the switch within arms reach.I used the exacto to strip the outer black casing from the two wires inside, to be sure not to cut the smaller insulation around the wires inside I only scored the casing, and pulled it apart with needle nosed pliers.Then strip the ends of the black and white wires so they are ready for the switch.At this point thread the top of the lantern over the socket and make sure it fits down to the keeper ring and the wire comes cleanly out the top.Inside the switch wire the black wires to the screw leads that connect to the switch.Since we cut the cord we need to re connect the neutral wire back together.I found that the grey 22- 16 Wire Guard brand wire nuts fit inside the switch and make a clean look.Then just screw the switch back together and the wiring is complete.

(I know that when attaching a wire it should always wrap clockwise around the screw,I fixed the wire after I took the picture.)

Step 5: All Together Now

 Slide the socket into the lantern base and tighten the keeper ring from the inside, install your light inside the glass, close the door, plug it in, and turn out all the lights in the room.  Turn on your new light and marvel at your finished Ikea hack.

Great work and thanks for visiting.