This project was built and designed by Jonny from Jonny Builds. It’s a clean and modern floor lamp made from square wooden dowels, carriage bolts, and a basic light socket—designed to be built in a single day using only a drill and handsaw.
The entire build is simple, repeatable, and beginner-friendly. With no complex joinery and free plans available, this lamp is ideal for anyone looking to add a custom lighting piece to their home without needing a fully stocked workshop.
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A Simpler Way to Build Lighting
Jonny’s approach to this project stands out for its practicality. Instead of requiring multiple specialty tools or complicated jigs, he shows how a few well-placed holes and smart hardware choices can bring a design to life.
The components fit together using just carriage bolts and wing nuts. This connection method not only makes the lamp easy to assemble, but also allows it to be taken apart quickly for storage or transport.
Tools and Materials
The frame is built from square wooden dowels, which are used to create the base, upright supports, and top arm that holds the light socket. Jonny also includes a light cord and socket, threaded neatly through the uprights for a clean look.
The required tools are minimal: just a drill and a handsaw. For faster work, a miter saw can be used, but it’s not necessary. A Forstner bit is used to create shallow, clean recesses for the bolt heads, helping maintain a sleek overall profile.
Cutting the Frame Pieces
Jonny starts by cutting the wooden dowels to length. The base is constructed from longer horizontal pieces connected by short spacers, while the vertical uprights are cut to support the top arm.
To ensure accurate cuts, he uses a clamped block as a guide when sawing by hand. This technique helps compensate for blade drift and gives a more consistent finish.
Smoothing the Surfaces
After cutting, all wood edges are smoothed with fine sandpaper. This step not only improves appearance, but also removes splinters and makes handling safer during the rest of the build.
The pieces are kept simple and square to reflect the minimalist design. No decorative routing or edge treatments are required, which keeps the build fast and accessible.
Drilling and Layout
Jonny drills precise holes into each component using Forstner bits. Larger recesses are made for the bolt heads, so they sit flush with the wood and don’t interfere with the lamp’s lines.
The holes for each side are mirrored to ensure even alignment. Jonny marks one piece and uses it as a template to drill through the others, maintaining symmetry and reducing measuring errors.
Assembly with Hardware
The base is assembled first, followed by the upright supports and top arm. All joints are held together with carriage bolts, washers, and wing nuts—no glue or permanent fasteners needed.
This design allows for future adjustments or disassembly if needed. It also means that the lamp can be customized later by replacing individual parts without remaking the entire structure.
Applying the Finish
Once assembled, the lamp is disassembled briefly to apply a finish. Jonny uses wipe-on polyurethane, which brings out the grain and provides a durable, matte sheen.
Two coats are applied with light sanding in between. The finish enhances the natural wood tone without adding any artificial color, keeping the look simple and refined.
Wiring and Setup
After the finish dries, the light cord is threaded through the drilled holes in a ladder-like pattern. The socket is installed at the end of the top arm, secured in place according to manufacturer guidelines.
A low-wattage LED bulb is added to complete the setup. The cord’s clean routing and soft illumination add to the lamp’s minimal appeal.
Customization Options
Jonny notes that this lamp can be personalized in several ways. Builders can choose different wood species, use colorful cords, or add decorative elements to make the lamp match their space.
The bolted joinery makes it easy to experiment with new ideas. Swapping out parts or updating finishes later is simple thanks to the reversible design.
A Quick Win for Any Skill Level
This floor lamp demonstrates how woodworking doesn’t have to be difficult to be rewarding. Jonny’s design keeps things approachable and delivers results fast—perfect for a weekend project or a first-time build.
Its simplicity is part of its charm: clean edges, thoughtful layout, and just the right amount of hardware make it functional, attractive, and satisfying to complete.
Please support Jonny by checking out his website here: https://www.jonny-builds.com/.