Sunday, October 28

Day 28 - Build a Funky Modern Lamp

Day 28 - almost there! You can see links to the complete series here, and learn about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4's. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today's project isn't like anything else we've done. We're going to make a Funky Modern Lamp!

With a simple light kit you can turn a few 2x4s into a cool floor lamp! The legs put the fun in "functional". Yeah, I just went there. So, ready to make a sweet lamp? :)

Shopping List:
2   -  2x4  @ 8' long
Lamp Kit ($20/2 on Amazon)

Wood glue
Wood filler

2x4 Cut List:
(A) - 4  @  48" (legs)

Dimensions: about 21" square floor space x about 46 1/2" tall (without lampshade)


Step 1: Cutting
You need to start by doing some cutting on each leg. First cut both ends at a 10 degree angle as shown below. They should be parallel when you cut them.

 Now on the top end of each leg, measure in 1" from the acute corner, and mark a line down from that point at a 90 degree angle to the cut edge. Cut along the line.

Step 2: Assembly
Start by putting together two legs as shown below, with the cut face of one board against the side of the other board.. They should be flush across the top and the top corners on the outside should be lined up. there should be 1" of space left on the sideways leg. Attach it by drilling through sideways leg, into the cut face of the other leg with 2 1/2" screws and glue.

From farther away it will look like this:

Now attach another leg like this. Keep everything flush across the top and line up the outside corners. Attach it by drilling through sideways leg, into the cut face of the other leg with 2 1/2" screws and glue.

Then attach the final leg in the same way, keeping the top edges and outside corners flush. This should leave a 1" hole in the middle of the lamp.

Step 3: Finishing
Start by filling any holes and sanding everything smooth. Then finish with paint or stain & polyurethane. The 1" space left in the middle of the lamp can accommodate a bottle lamp kit like this one. Install the kit according to the manufacturer instructions, put on a lampshade, and you're done! Try a natural wood finish or rich stain.

Or maybe a bright yellow or teal to liven up your space!

You could even get a chunky metal look with a metallic spray paint.

Project 2x4 Cost:
$5.00 Total

See giveaway winners here.

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Day 27 31 Days of 2x4 Projects - Full List Day 29


  1. This would be a fun addition to a room with all the other furniture in this series.

  2. I can picture this in a loft apartment but even taller--then it would probably fall over.

    1. The taller the lamp gets the wider the base. Might still be stable.

    2. I want to do it but with 3 legs.

  3. Ooh I want to do this, has anyone made it yet and have comments on stability etc?

    1. I don't know of any that have been built yet. Please let me know if you give it a try! :)

  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    1. Did you run the 2x4's through a table saw to remove the rounded edges, or just leave them as is?

    2. Hi! All the 2x4 plans are drawn using the boards as-is since many at-home builders don't have a table saw. This project would be fine either way, I'd leave that up to personal preference. :)

  5. Hello there! Which side do I make the 90 degree cut... is it the left or right?

  6. You can expect this light bulb to last 10,000 hours, or more than 10 times a normal bulb. floor lamps