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IKEA Hack: Easy USB Task Light

by on Sep 8, 2016

Photo: Faith Towers

This month we’re talking about IKEA hacks here at Curbly, so I have another double hack for you today. The moment I saw the JANSJÖ task light, I knew I had to have it – and make it cuter, of course. Keep reading to check out my bohemian chic IKEA hack.    

IKEA Hack: Easy USB Task Light
Photo: Faith Towers

This formerly plain and boring JANSJÖ task lamp is powered by a USB port so you can light up your work space without having to rely on having an electrical outlet nearby. And now that it has a fun pink color and an adorable wicker shade, I can do my work in style! 

IKEA Hack: Easy USB Task Light

Here’s what you’ll need for this project:

 

IKEA Hack: Easy USB Task Light

Set aside the larger two baskets from the LJUSNAN set, you’ll only need the small one for this project. Wrap painter’s tape around the bottom of the basket and on the interior, so there is a stripe of wicker around the top that is exposed. Tape off the light bulb section of the JANSJÖ along with the metal part of the USB port.

IKEA Hack: Easy USB Task Light

Spray paint the exposed areas using multiple thin coats of paint. Let them dry thoroughly. Remove all of the painter’s tape.

IKEA Hack: Easy USB Task Light

Use a utility knife to cut a slit in the center of the bottom of the basket. Slip the USB end of the light up through the slit so that the bulb ends up inside the wicker “shade.” Widen the slit if it doesn’t pull through easily.

IKEA Hack: Easy USB Task Light

Secure the light to the basket using a bit of hot glue around the base of the cord.

IKEA Hack: Easy USB Task Light
Photo: Faith Towers

And your double IKEA hack is complete! So cute, right? I keep it right on my desk and plug it into my laptop when I need a bit of extra light for writing notes or doing crafts. 

IKEA Hack: Easy USB Task Light
Photo: Faith Towers

The light is pleasantly bright, and the wicker shade prevents you from accidentally looking directly at the bulb.

IKEA Hack: Easy USB Task Light
Photo: Faith Towers

Which you’d want to avoid, because it’s bright! 

IKEA Hack: Easy USB Task Light
Photo: Faith Towers

The JANSJÖ also comes as a larger table lamp, a clip lamp and a floor lamp (all of which are powered by a regular electrical outlet) so there are a lot of different variations that you could do. Just use one of the larger LJUSNAN baskets!

IKEA Hack: Easy USB Task Light
Photo: Faith Towers

Hope you enjoyed this unique project, stayed tuned for more IKEA-related fun later this month!

IKEA Hack: Easy USB Task Light
Share this project on Pinterest! [Photo: Faith Towers]

 

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