This Contour Desk Lamp offers style and function and would be a lovely addition to your den, living room, office or bedroom. The simple design is paired with a clean natural wood finish that complements any decor. This lamp is made from plywood, wrapped with iron-on veneer, and uses an LED puck light. It’s also equipped with a toggle switch to control lighting easily and a cool mahogany lamp base.
Want to make your own Contour Desk Lamp?
Follow the steps below to complete this project.
Materials
- Puck Lights – http://amzn.to/2oAsGSl
- I used red oak http://amzn.to/2xN8uTj
- See more options http://amzn.to/2xMKQpU
- Veneer edge trimmer http://amzn.to/2xSkiCk
- Shrink Tube- http://amzn.to/2x3zE9V
- Light switch – http://amzn.to/2x4wRbi
- Power Supply – http://amzn.to/2fGjgEF
- (1/2 Sheet) of 3/4 in. Oak plywood – Lamp Frame
- Scrap Mahogany – Lamp base
- Oak Veneer
Tools Used
- Chest Vest – https://goo.gl/qywmMK
- Jawhourse Portable Material station- http://amzn.to/2wkCTaS
- Jig Saw – http://amzn.to/2xKdqbp
- T-Track Flex-Hold Arm – http://amzn.to/2yNUveq
- Router – http://amzn.to/2fW237c
- Router bit kit- http://amzn.to/2xKUxFu
- Router table- http://amzn.to/2xGQOXQ
- Push bloc- http://amzn.to/2ycdP88
- Ryobi Bench sander http://amzn.to/2x4x9yU
- Drum sander kit – http://amzn.to/2yNYGXu
- Mini Travel Iron- http://amzn.to/2fFAFx4
- Soldiering iron kit http://amzn.to/2xNoqEU
- Drill- http://amzn.to/2xP6Ygu
See the Video on The Contour Desk Lamp
STEP 1
Shaping the Lamp
First, mark out a 12.5in by 14in rectangle on 3/4in Oak plywood. Then, after marking 3in from each corner, use a paint can or a round object to create an arch. Finally, cut out the shape with a jigsaw. A band saw could also be used. Make sure to stay close to the line, this way you can sand the wood.
STEP 2
Duplicating the Shapes
If you don’t have a router just duplicate the same shape 3 times, using the same method explained in Step 1. If you have a router, then you can use a flush bit to cut the same shape. Use two sided tape to hold the recent cut piece of plywood to the piece you will be using the router on. After you have shaped the second piece of plywood, follow the same steps for the third piece.
Next, I made a quick jig to make my mark on the inside. If you have a marking tool you can use it for this. Refer to the video to see how this was done. After cutting out the inside, sand it down to the line marked. Then transfer the shape over to the other pieces of plywood using the same method used to duplicate the shape. I ended up shaping the 4th piece of 1/4in ply to make the lamp frame thicker. Once all the pieces are ready, glue them together using wood glue. Clamp and allow enough time for the glue to dry.
STEP 3
Applying Veneer
Cut the veneer so you have a bit of an overhang. This way you can trim the veneer to the lamp frame. I applied the veneer to the interior first, and made sure to start and end where I planned on installing the light. This was to ensure the joint would be hidden by the light. After ironing on the veneer (per package instructions) you can use an edge trimmer or a utility knife to trim the edge.
STEP 4
Adding The Electronics
Center the light at the veneer joint and drill a hole for the wire to pass through. Next, router a groove from the outside of the lamp frame from the top to the bottom. If you don’t have a router you can chisel this out. Then, install the light. Route the wire in the grove that was cut into the frame. Chisel out a hole for the On/Off rocker switch (as shown in the picture). Lastly, drill a hole near the switch for the power supply wire.
Wiring the Switch:
First, separate the wire from both the light and the power supply. Attach the positive leg on the light switch, the power supply on one leg and the light on the other. Then, splice the two negative legs together. I used Heat Shrink to prevent the wires from touching.
Wrap the veneer along the outside of the lamp frame. Make sure the veneer meets at the bottom, this way your seam can be hidden. I even opted to use some wood filler to better hide the seam.
STEP 5
Making A Base
I had some scrap mahogany on hand and I used it to make a simple lamp base. The base can be as long as you like, I made this one 6.5in. The ends were cut at 30 degrees. I routed out the center for the lamp to sit, and cut a space in the back of the base for the wire and the switch.
STEP 6
End Results
This attractive lamp will light up any room with style. The Contour Desk lamp can be used with or without the base, the base can be permanently attached with some wood glue. You can get as creative as you would like with this unique variety of lamp, experimenting with different lights, finishes and sizes.
