What if your bedside lamp is your side table?
Lighting doesn’t just illuminate a room—it defines it. And when form meets function in just the right way, the results can be brilliant (no pun intended).
Now, giving the FADO a new look is a popular pastime for devoted IKEA hackers of all levels.
There are so many ways to reimagine this classic globe lamp, but Emma Arton @doitwithemma came up with something truly unique.
She was tired of the lamp simply sitting on top of her side table, so she incorporated the FADO into a bespoke table instead.
The result is a custom table that glows from within, both a charming accent light and a clever space-saver.
What You’ll Need
- IKEA FADO lamp
- Wood or MDF board
- Jigsaw
- Sander
- Paint
- Backsaw and chisel for the half-timbering
- Magnets (optional)
- Color-changing bulb (optional)
Creating a Side Table That Really Shines
1. Cut Out Table Parts
Measure and draw the pattern for the table legs onto the MDF or wood panel. To get the measurements precisely the same as Emma’s, use centimeters. The height is 50 cm, the width is 35 cm, and the interior width is 27cm.
The dimension of the bottom to where the cut begins is 5 cm, and the tabletop is 27 cm square. Cut the two base pieces, then measure, draw, and cut the tabletop.
2. Create Notches and Assemble Table Base
Use a saw and chisel to create the notch in the base. Reverse the half-timbering and fit the pieces together to test the stability.
3. Sand and Paint Everything
Sand everything until it’s nice and smooth, then paint. Apply two coats, allowing the paint to dry thoroughly between coats.
If you’re not using a paint-and-primer combo, I also recommend priming first since you’re dealing with unfinished wood or MDF. Emma waited 48 hours after painting to finish her hack, so make sure to give the paint time to cure.
4. Place the FADO
Put the FADO in your new table base. It should simply rest inside the frame. Emma opted for a color-changing bulb, which adds an extra layer of fun to the project.
5. Add the Tabletop
Finally, put the tabletop in place. Emma used magnets to make it more secure, but she says you could also simply rest it on top. I suppose it depends on where the table is and what you plan to put on top of it, but extra stability is always a good thing.
What Is the Hardest Part About This Hack?
Emma found creating the notch to be the most annoying step of this FADO table lamp hack, but it was a necessary part. She did love how this method enabled her to fit her table parts together without using any screws. It gives the pieces a clean, polished finish.
How Much Is This Hack?
Emma already had a FADO lamp and some paint left over from another DIY project. All she needed was a scrap piece of wood to make this hack come to life. If you’re starting from scratch, the FADO is $29.99, and you could get paint and wood for about another $20 to $30.
Emma said she can’t wait to see what people have to say about her creation (and what color they’d make their table). Therefore, make sure to check out this FADO table lamp hack and give Emma some love!
Follow Emma Arton @doitwithemma to see more exciting transformations, like her IVAR cabinet curved side unit hack.
NEXT: Brighten up with these IKEA Lighting Hacks
This Cute Beehive Lamp Hack Has Us Buzzing With Excitement!
An interesting lamp can take a room to the next level, just like a great pair of earrings elevates an outfit. If you want to find something a little different…
An IKEA Speaker, a Light Strip, and One Seriously Good Idea
Sound? Checked.Light? Checked. Prolific IKEA hacker, Bjørn Aksel Storkaer, merges the SYMFONISK speaker with ambient LED lighting. The result? A sculptural linear light-and-sound piece that’s practical and beautiful. “I had…
The Clamp Had to Go—Now My TERTIAL Lamp Is Perfect
If you’ve ever brought home the IKEA TERTIAL work lamp, you’ll know it only comes with a clamp. While the clamp is handy for certain setups, what if you don’t…
It’s Time to Bloom and Glow With This Genius IKEA Hack
Statement light fixtures can get a little pricey, but this DIY flower lampshade gives you a whimsical, cute way to light up your space for about $30. It also comes…
We’re Over the Moon for This Clever Lighting Hack
Clever lighting can turn a drab room fab in a flash, but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. Sometimes, the most simple ideas deliver the most impactful results.…
This Easy DIY Turns IKEA’s Cheapest Lamp into a Retro Accent Piece
Mushroom decor has been trending lately. I’m not sure I go for the whole mushroom print on pillows, tea towels, furniture, or toadstool statue vignettes. However, a cute mushroom lamp…