DIY Upcycled Newel Post Lamp
DIY Upcycled Newel Post Lamp
Over the years I’ve done tons of posts on making your very own, one of a kind, DIY lamps. Any object that was tall and skinny had a very good chance of becoming my next lamp. Think logs, pipes, candlesticks, pallet wood, shutters and buoys. You can find them all here.
This time I’m attacking this old newel post. Being that it is both tall and skinny, it has all the requirements for a DIY lamp. Tall enough to become 2 lamps, not one.
Cut the newel post into 2 equal sections.
If your newel post is really thick you can skip this step.
I wanted a base a little more substantial than just the cut post so I cut discs from scrap wood slightly larger than the post bottoms and tops.
If your lamps are a little short this will also give them some added height.
Use an electric sander to soften the cut edges of the discs and the edges of the newel posts.
Center the drill bit and drill a hole with a long 3/8″ drill bit straight thru the center of your post.
Note: I like to start drilling at the top of my post so that if the drill bit goes even slightly off center I’ll know that the light will be centered on the lamp.
With a circular saw, cut a narrow channel in the bottom of your newel post for the wire to escape. This will allow the lamp to sit level on a surface.
You will need a make a lamp kit available at Walmart , Amazon or your local hardware shop. If you want to get even more cost efficient, buy a used lamp at a thrift store and use those pieces to wire your lamp.
Thread the wire thru your newel post lamp and attach the discs with glue and finish nails.
If there is a gap between the discs and posts, fill with caulk and let dry.
I painted the pair of baluster lamps a nice light gray though in this light they totally look white.
All wired and ready to go.
I have done a post on wiring a lamp before so I’ll just refer you back to that one for all the nitty gritty details. It’s so easy. Don’t worry, I’ve included lots of pictures.
I could have left the lamps as they are here, but since they are going into an old farmhouse, I wanted them a little more beaten up.
Out came the sander and the antique wax. For a project like this, where I don’t want the antique wax to be too dark, I’ll start with a coat of clear wax. Paint on the wax and wipe off the excess. Once the clear wax is dry use the antique wax to highlight all the nooks and crannies and even the peeling paint. Once again, paint on the wax and wipe off the excess. Once the wax is dry, buff with a fine steel wool.
Time to decorate with the new (old) newel post lamps.
You may recognize this room from a couple of weeks ago when I showed you how to create your own matching pair of nightstands from bar stools.
BTW, the headboard was made by my oldest son when he was in high school, from old barn wood.♥♥
Until next time, stay inspired.
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Thank you for the inspiration!!now I might actuly utilize the old bed posts that have been sitting in my garage forever. And the idea of buying secondhand lamp to save money is great!