Looking to step up your DIY skills? This simple modern desk lamp requires some basic electrical skills that even a novice DIYer can do. This lamp is perfect for a desk, workspace, nightstand or side table. Small and compact yet unique. Customize this project by using a scrap wood block size that fits the needs of your space. Read on for how to create your own!

Supplies you’ll need for a table lamp:

wooden blocklight bulbceramic utility light socket kit (available at the hardware store)screwsscrewdriverdrill1 and 1/4 inch forstner drill bit2 regular drill bits (one smaller for the pre-hole, another approximately the size of your cord)lamp cord (available at the hardware store)

Instructions step by step to build a table lamp with a wood base:

Step 1: Design your base

Start by laying out the design of your lamp. Ensure that your wooden block is cut down to size and place a mark in the approximate area where you want your light socket.

Step 2: Drilling process

Using the forstner drill bit, drill a large hole at your mark. Depress the bit approximately half way to 3/4s of the way into the block.

Step 3: Small holes

Turn the block onto it’s side and use a small drill bit to drill a small hole from the side down into the middle of the block where your large hole is. Making a small hole first takes less force and is more accurate than using the large drill bit right of the bat.

Step 4: Repeating step

Repeat step 3 using a larger drill bit (making the hole bit enough to pass your cord through).

Step 5: Wire it

Feed your lamp cord up through the holes in the block so that the cord enters the back and feeds out the top of the block.

Step 6: Attach lamp cord

Attach your lamp cord to the lamp socket using a screw driver to loosening the screws on the bottom of the socket and wrapping the wire from each side to each individual screw. Use your screw driver to tighten the screws again to keep the wires in place. Make sure that the wires are not touching each other!

Step 7: Socket

Put the socket back over the hole and hold in place.

Step 8: Drill the socket

Using the small drill bit, pre-drill a hole on each side of the socket where there is a spot to screw it in place.

Step 9: Secure socket

Screw-in your screws to secure the socket on the block.

Step 10: Add the light bulb

Lastly, place a bulb in your socket and plug your cord in to turn on your light! A simple clear bulb or Edison style bulb finishes off the project nicely!

If you want to get fancy you can using a light cord with a switch built into the cord so that you don’t have to plug and unplug your lamp every time you use it.

Place your new lamp on your desk and get working!