I stumbled across a fireworks light bulb while browsing online, and it instantly caught my attention. I loved its colourful, glowing effect and couldn’t resist ordering one. But when it arrived, I quickly realised something disappointing: once placed inside a regular lamp with a lampshade, all the magic was lost.

So, I decided to build something simple yet bold —a wooden block lamp with no shade, letting the bulb shine in all its glory. Using recycled wood scraps, a few tools, and some creativity, I built a unique lamp that puts the spotlight back on the bulb. This DIY lamp is great for a bedside table, hallway feature, or even a party setting. And best of all — it’s easy to make at home.

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How to make a wooden block lamp

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Materials Needed

• Recycled wood scraps
• Wood glue
• Table saw
• Router with round-over bit
• Orbital sander
• 120 grit sandpaper
• Wood filler
• Hole saw
• Spade bit (25 mm or larger)
• Drill
• Hammer and chisel
• Round file
• Foam paintbrush
• Small paintbrush
• Cedar stain
• Polyurethane
• Epoxy glue
• Light fitting
• Decorative light bulb (like a fireworks or spinning bulb)

Step 1: Build the Wooden Block

To get the right thickness for the block, I glued several wood scraps together. Once the glue dried, I used a table saw to cut the block to size. My finished block measured 13 cm high, 12 cm wide, and 10 cm thick.

You don’t need perfect dimensions — just make the biggest clean shape you can from your wood.

Step 2: Add Detail Cuts

The block looked a little plain, so I added some decorative cuts to the sides. Using a ruler and pencil, I divided the sides into sections. Then, I raised the table saw blade to 1 cm and made shallow cuts across the marked lines. I didn’t add any cuts to the top or bottom. To clean up rough spots or small blowouts, I folded some 120-grit sandpaper and smoothed out the grooves by hand.

Step 3: Soften the Edges

To remove the harsh square look, I used a router with a round-over bit to soften all edges. After that, I used an orbital sander to smooth the surfaces. Where needed, I applied wood filler and re-sanded once dry. This step made the block look professionally finished and less chunky.

Step 4: Drill the Light Fitting Hole

I marked the centre of the block and drilled a hole for the light fitting. Ideally, use a spade bit the same size as your fitting.

Since I didn’t have the perfect size, I used a hole saw first, followed by a 25 mm spade bit to remove more wood.

Step 5: Add the Cable Channel

I drilled a small hole from the centre down through the base for the cable. Then I used a chisel to carve a shallow channel on the bottom of the block, so the cord could run neatly underneath.

To tidy the channel, I smoothed it with a round file.

I also used the router again to soften the top hole for a cleaner finish.

Step 6: Stain and Seal the Wood

I chose a cedar stain to give the wood a rich colour. After staining, I applied two coats of polyurethane to seal and protect the timber.

Using a foam brush and a small paintbrush, I carefully coated the grooves to avoid drips or puddles.

Step 7: Wire the Light

My husband, who’s an electrician, helped wire the light fitting safely. We used epoxy glue to secure the fitting to the block. Always consult a licensed electrician for wiring if you’re unsure.

Finished Wooden Block Lamp

During the day, this lamp looks like a stylish wooden décor piece. But at night — it comes to life.

The fireworks bulb lights up the room with colourful bursts, and the spinning bulb I later bought turned out to be an amazing party light. I even made a short video to capture the spinning effect — it really transforms the space.

This project is simple, customisable, and perfect if you want to show off decorative light bulbs without hiding them behind a shade.

This is the spinning one in use. 

Are you looking for more lamp ideas?

You can make this Game of Thrones-inspired lamp using an empty Jack Daniels bottle.

This steampunk-themed lamp was crafted from recycled metal pipes and transformed with a mixed-media art makeover. The result is a bold, industrial-style piece that combines creativity with upcycled materials for a one-of-a-kind light feature.

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