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Have you ever faced the dilemma of a broken lamp? Instead of discarding it, why not transform it into something fun? Inspired by a creative mom, this project takes an IKEA FADO lamp and repurposes it into a delightful Lego-themed light. This innovative approach not only saves your lamp but also adds a playful touch to your child’s room.
Marleen, a dedicated mom, found herself in this exact situation when her son accidentally damaged their FADO lamp. Rather than letting it go to waste, she decided to harness her creativity. With a vision to match her son’s Lego-themed room, she set out to turn the lamp socket into a unique light fixture that would perfectly fit the decor. All she needed was a second-hand Lego storage head, which she found online, to complete her project.
Gathering your materials
To kick off this exciting DIY project, you will need a few essential items:
- IKEA FADO table lamp(without the glass bell jar)
- Lego storage head(size L, approximately 8.5 liters)
- Drill with a small drill bit
- Hole saw or rotary bit (44 mm)
- Elastic hair tie
- Light bulb
- Sandpaper
With these materials in hand, you’re ready to embark on your journey to create a charming Lego lamp.
Steps to create your Lego lamp
Preparing the Lego head
Start by removing the lid of the Lego storage head, allowing you to work on the base of the container. Carefully drill a small hole in the center using the small drill bit. Once that’s done, switch to the hole saw or rotary bit to cut a larger hole for the lamp socket. Marleen advises taking your time with this step to prevent damaging the plastic. After you’ve created the hole, sand down the edges to ensure a smooth finish.
Installing the lamp socket
Next, it’s time to insert the lamp socket. Push it through the hole you’ve made in the Lego head. To secure the socket in place, Marleen cleverly used an elastic hair tie to keep the metal clamps tightly together. This simple trick not only stabilizes the socket but also adds a touch of ingenuity to the project.
Let there be light!
With the socket installed, it’s time to bring your Lego lamp to life. Flip the storage head upright and gently adjust the clamps before inserting a light bulb. Since the Lego head is made from plastic, it’s best to use an LED bulb to avoid overheating and potential melting. After replacing the lid, switch on the light, and enjoy the satisfaction of your creative endeavor.
This entire project can be completed for around $12, and it takes less than 10 minutes to create your Lego lamp. It’s a fun and functional piece of decor that’s sure to impress!
What if you don’t have a broken FADO lamp?
If you’re not fortunate enough to have a broken lamp lying around, don’t worry! While the IKEA FADO lamp retails for about $29.99, you can find lamp sockets with cords for as little as $10 to $12 online or at local home improvement stores. When selecting a socket, opt for one that has a switch on the cord, similar to the FADO, for ease of use.
Additionally, Marleen kept her expenses low by purchasing a second-hand Lego container. New Lego storage heads can cost between $30 to $35, so it’s always a good idea to check online marketplaces for deals. Many options can be found for $20 or even less, making this creative project budget-friendly.
Tips for drilling through plastic
Marleen, a dedicated mom, found herself in this exact situation when her son accidentally damaged their FADO lamp. Rather than letting it go to waste, she decided to harness her creativity. With a vision to match her son’s Lego-themed room, she set out to turn the lamp socket into a unique light fixture that would perfectly fit the decor. All she needed was a second-hand Lego storage head, which she found online, to complete her project.0
- Place a piece of wood underneath the area where you’ll be drilling for additional support.
- Apply painter’s tape or masking tape on the spot you plan to drill to minimize slipping.
- Lubricate the drill bit by rubbing it on a bar of soap.
- Use gentle pressure and maintain a low speed while drilling.
Marleen, a dedicated mom, found herself in this exact situation when her son accidentally damaged their FADO lamp. Rather than letting it go to waste, she decided to harness her creativity. With a vision to match her son’s Lego-themed room, she set out to turn the lamp socket into a unique light fixture that would perfectly fit the decor. All she needed was a second-hand Lego storage head, which she found online, to complete her project.1
Marleen, a dedicated mom, found herself in this exact situation when her son accidentally damaged their FADO lamp. Rather than letting it go to waste, she decided to harness her creativity. With a vision to match her son’s Lego-themed room, she set out to turn the lamp socket into a unique light fixture that would perfectly fit the decor. All she needed was a second-hand Lego storage head, which she found online, to complete her project.2