How to Turn a Curtain Rod into a Lamp

By: Jennifer Stimpson, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

Hollow metal curtain rod
at least 48 inches long.

9-by-12-inch piece of ½-inch plywood
for the base.

1x6 lumber:
Buy at least 4 feet to make the ledges.

1x3 lumber:
Buy at least 12 inches to make the feet.

Threaded wire rod:
Buy sections to make a rod at least 60 inches long to house the lamp cord.

Lamp kit:
Buy one that has a harp, bushing, collar, lamp nut, and lamp cord.

Lamp cord

Wood glue

1-inch screws
to build the C-shaped assembly and to attach the bottommost ledge to the base.
Wood putty

120-grit sandpaper

Paint

Close
Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Pipe cutter
- Miter saw
- Circular saw
- Finishing nail
- Hammer
- Drill/driver
- ⅝-inch paddle bit
- ⅜-inch drill bit
- Paintbrush
- Random Orbit Sander
Close

lamp made from a curtain rod standing lit in a room

< >

Photo: Wendell T. Webber

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13

4 hours
$60

Difficulty: Easy Basic cuts make for quick assembly

A floor lamp offers the perfect way to illuminate a cozy little reading nook. But the plain-pole, chrome-plated torchères available at many home stores practically shout "dorm room!" You can do better. This timeless piece, modeled after a classic mid-century modern design, is a more sophisticated option that complements any decor. And the construction couldn't be simpler: The lamp cord runs through a threaded rod that supports ledges of painted stock lumber separated by hollow spacers made from a metal curtain rod. As soon as you put yours together, you'll want to plug it in and curl up with your favorite read. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva walks you through the how-to.

Curtain rod: Basic Blindz basic ball sienna bronze rod; Lowe's
Paint: Valspar's Lincoln Cottage Black (#4009-2); Valspar Paint