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Turn an ordinary IKEA glass vase into a showpiece lamp with a few affordable tools and a little patience. This easy DIY gives the sculptural RÄFFELBJÖRK vase new purpose as mood lighting for a coffee table or bedside, and it’s a project many creators on TikTok have already put to the test.
Why this IKEA vase makes a great lamp base
The RÄFFELBJÖRK vase is sculpted glass with an iridescent sheen. Its shape reads luxe and modern. It also has enough volume to hide wiring and house a lamp socket when converted.
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- Price point: roughly $20–$40 depending on size.
- Finish: prismatic, mother-of-pearl look that reflects light beautifully.
- Shape: tall and stable, ideal for table or console lighting.
Tools and supplies you’ll need for the conversion
Gather everything before you start. A kit and the right drill bit are the keys to success.
- Pre-wired lamp conversion kit (many cost about $10 online).
- Diamond-tipped drill bit designed for glass and ceramic.
- Power drill with variable speed control.
- Spray paint or specialty glass paint (optional).
- Painter’s tape, dishcloth, safety goggles, and gloves.
- Masking materials and a well-ventilated workspace.
Step-by-step: turn the vase into a lamp
1. Prepare the vase
Clean and dry the vase thoroughly. Place it on a folded dishcloth to steady it. Apply a small square of painter’s tape over the drilling spot to prevent slipping.
2. Drill the cord hole
Use a diamond drill bit. Start slowly and keep the drill at a slight angle to help the bit bite. Pause frequently to cool the bit and glass. Overheating increases the risk of shattering, so work slowly.
3. Fit the lamp kit
Thread the cord through the vase top and out the new hole. Secure the adapter per the kit’s instructions. Many conversion kits include rubber grommets for a neat seal.
4. Install the bulb
Choose a bulb that suits the fixture type. Edison bulbs add vintage glow without a shade. Follow the kit’s recommended wattage to avoid overheating.
How to hide wiring and make the finish look professional
Painting the vase is optional, but it helps conceal cord paths and creates a high-end effect.
- Spray the interior and exterior for full coverage.
- Textured cream tones give a subtle, chic look.
- Metallic chrome highlights fluting and edges.
- Rust-Oleum Color Shift sprays recreate iridescence if you want that shimmer.
Work in a ventilated area and allow each coat to dry fully before handling.
Safety tips and common problems
- Wear eye protection and gloves when drilling glass.
- If the drill slips, stop and reposition the tape and cloth.
- Use water to cool the drill tip if recommended by the bit manufacturer.
- Test the lamp outdoors or in a safe area before final placement.
Design ideas to personalize your lamp
- Leave the glass translucent and pair with an amber Edison bulb for warm glow.
- Paint the interior a bold color to create a soft, suspended light.
- Add metallic accents to match brass or chrome hardware in the room.
- Try dimmable bulbs and a dimmer-capable kit to tune the atmosphere.
Where people are finding inspiration
Short-form videos have circulated showing this exact upcycle. DIY creators such as @menavox got attention for adapting IKEA pieces into lamps. Recipes vary, but the core idea is the same: a glass vase, a hole, and a lamp kit make a quick, stylish conversion.
