How to Convert an Overhead Light to a Lamp

Recycling and reusing old furniture or other household items is an excellent way to stretch your money and decorate with some unique flair. If you want something really different in a lamp, consider turning an old overhead light into a lamp. There's no "one-size-fits-all" way to do this, since there have been so many models of overhead lights produced. But there are some key steps to consider along the way.

Screwdriver
Pliers
Drill
3/4-inch MDF
Saw
Sandpaper
Paint
Electrical cord with plug and switch
Wire nuts
Round-head wood screws

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any mounting hardware from the underside of the overhead light fixture's base. This will usually be attached with screws or bolts -- use screwdrivers or pliers to take them off.
- 2
  Drill a 1/2-inch hole in the side of the light's base. Place this as far down the base as you can -- you'll be using this hole to route the light's new electrical cord.
- 3
  Cut a base for the lamp from 3/4-inch MDF (medium density fiberboard). The base should be large enough so that the entire base of the light can fit on it and provide stability when you set the lamp up. Sand and paint the board.
- 4
  Insert the end of the electrical cord into the hole in the lamp base. Match the two wires of the cord to the wires of the light inside the base. Place wire nuts over the pairs and twist them to secure the wires together.
- 5
  Place the base of the light onto the MDF base. Drill two or more holes through the light's base and into the MDF base. Insert wood screws into the holes and screw them in to secure the light base to the MDF base. Place your lamp and plug it in.

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Lighting