Cheap Nighstand Lamp Post

  

 So,  I like the idea of having reading lamps, BUT  I have a horrible habit of knocking them over.   THAT,  and I hate having  to move them in order to clean.  It's just one more thing,   I don't like clutter. My solution... 

 Replacing lamps was enticing,  especially when they are only about $9.00 a piece. 

 Here is what you will need:

Fir Stripping  1x3 (1)   $ 1.50 each 

Fir Stripping  1x2 (2)   $ 1.00 each

Fir Stripping  1x4 (1)   $ 3.00

Jelly Jar Light       (2)   $ 5.00 each 

Extension Cord     (2)  $ 1.00 each

You will first need to decide  how tall you want  the lamp to be. 

 I cut my boards tall enough to be higher than my nightstands,  I cut my boards at 2'. (They actually end behind the nightstands,  not at the floor).

 Cut List- ( This is to make TWO )

1x4 (2)  @ 2'

1x4 (2)  @ 4"

1x2 (4)  @ 2'

1x3 (2)  @ 5"

After cutting boards,  sand and stain or paint. 

Nail 1x2's to the sides of the 1x4.

Nail the 1x3 to the top of the post.

 

 The new light fixture should come with a mounting bracket that looks like the one pictured below.  Simply screw  bracket to the new post.

Drill a hole below the mounting bracket so that wires be fed can through it.

Use cheap extension cords, like these.

 Cut off the ends of the cords, like this. 

  

Then  use a utility knife  to split  the ends.

 Use wire strippers to strip the last 3/4 inch of the casing.

 Feed wires through freshly drilled hole.

  

Here comes the fun part! 

 You can get them at Home Depot 

Wire the light fixture to the extension cord. When wiring, the white cord will be connected to the "ribbed wire" and the black will the connect to the "smooth".  There is a little more detailed tutorial here.

 

Once wired, place the light fixture in place, then screw the caps on the bolts. The lamp is now finished!

Drill holes through the 1x4 block. 

 This block will be mounted directly to the wall. The newly made fixture will rest snuggly on the mounted block. 

 To secure in place secure with a screw through the top of fixture. 

They are perfect!  I love the way they turned out, they are unique, cheap, and out of the way!