Create Your Own Modern Concrete Pendant Lamp: An IKEA Hack

Are you captivated by the world of IKEA hacks? Do you find the raw, industrial aesthetic of concrete irresistible? If so, you’re in for a treat! This project combines the affordability and simplicity of IKEA with the unique charm of concrete to create a stunning pendant lamp that will elevate your home decor.

Finished concrete pendant lamp made from an IKEA hack — The finished concrete pendant lamp, a unique and stylish addition to any room.

This project utilizes ShapeCrete, a remarkable concrete mix that allows for easy shaping and molding. Unlike traditional concrete, ShapeCrete eliminates the need for complicated formwork, saving you time, money, and potential headaches. Its user-friendly nature allows you to directly pack the mixture into a mold, opening up a world of creative possibilities.

The IKEA Melodi Pendant Lamp serves as the perfect base for this project. Its affordability, rigidity, and durability make it an ideal mold, capable of producing multiple concrete pendants from a single form. This ensures consistency and allows you to experiment with different finishes and colors.

No prior concrete experience is required! This project can be completed with basic hand tools, making it accessible to beginners and seasoned DIY enthusiasts alike. Follow our step-by-step guide, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this beautiful and unique concrete hanging lamp.

Materials You’ll Need

IKEA Melodi Pendant Lamp (the perfect mold!)
7 lbs. ShapeCrete Mix (for easy shaping and durability)
Rubber Gloves (protect your hands!), Dust Mask (safety first!), Eye Protection (essential!)
Cordless Drill (for creating necessary holes)
Drill bits (1/16”, 1/4”, 3/8”) (various sizes for different steps)
Hot Glue Gun (for securing the light socket)
Metal Funnel (to house the wiring and support the lamp)
3/4” Copper Pipe Cap (for a finished and professional look)
Large Keyring (for suspending the lamp)
1/16” Stainless Steel Cable and Ferrules (for secure and durable suspension)

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Concrete Pendant Lamp

Follow these detailed instructions to transform an ordinary IKEA lamp into a stunning concrete masterpiece:

Step 1: Mixing the ShapeCrete

Mixing ShapeCrete with water — Adding water to the ShapeCrete mix.

Pouring ShapeCrete into water — Carefully pouring the ShapeCrete into the mixing bowl.

Mixing ShapeCrete to a clay-like consistency — Achieving the perfect clay-like consistency for easy molding.

This project requires just under 7 pounds of ShapeCrete. Begin by adding water to a mixing bucket. Gradually pour in the ShapeCrete, blending it with a trowel, mixing stick, or your hands (wearing gloves is highly recommended for skin protection!). Adjust the water and powder until you achieve a clay-like consistency. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape but pliable enough to easily mold. If you are unsure about the mixing process, watch the How-To Make a Clay Like Mix video for helpful tips and visual guidance.

ShapeCrete mixed to the right consistency — The ideal clay-like consistency for the ShapeCrete mixture.

Step 2: Packing the ShapeCrete into the Mold

Packing ShapeCrete into the IKEA lamp mold — Carefully packing the ShapeCrete into the bottom of the lamp mold.

Smoothing the rim of the concrete pendant — Smoothing the top rim of the concrete to create a clean finish.

Begin by pressing the ShapeCrete mix firmly into the bottom of the IKEA Melodi lamp shade. Hold the lamp shade on its side to prevent the mix from sliding down the walls. Strive to maintain an even thickness of approximately 3/8”. Gradually work your way up, ensuring the entire form is completely packed with the ShapeCrete mixture. Once packed, smooth the top rim by hand or with a trowel to create a clean, even edge. Cover the filled lamp shade with plastic and allow it to cure for approximately 48 hours. This curing process allows the concrete to harden and gain strength.

Curing the concrete pendant — The concrete pendant curing under plastic wrap.

Step 3: Removing the Mold

After the 48-hour curing period, the concrete should be firm enough to remove from the mold. Begin by sanding away any ShapeCrete that extends beyond the top edge of the plastic form. Gently tap the edge of the plastic form with a hammer or mallet. This will help to create an air gap between the concrete piece and the plastic form. Work your way around the entire form, gently tapping as you go.

Sanding the edge of the concrete pendant before removing the mold.

Removing the mold with a hammer — Using a hammer to gently loosen the mold from the concrete.

Tapping the mold to release the concrete pendant — Tapping the mold to encourage the concrete pendant to release.

Once the form appears loose, use a small, flat screwdriver to gently pry between the form and the concrete piece along the top edge. Exercise caution to avoid prying too forcefully, as this could chip the concrete. If the form remains stuck, score it with a utility knife to weaken it. Another effective technique is to use an air compressor to shoot compressed air between the form and the concrete. This can help to break the seal and allow the piece to pop out more easily. An additional tip is to not pack the ShapeCrete all the way to the top, leaving about a 1/2″ gap. This allows you to flip the form over and tap it on a table, using the weight of the concrete to aid in its release.

Using a hammer to remove the mold — Continuing to use a hammer to carefully remove the mold.

Working on the ceramic piece — Detailing the ceramic piece.

Removing the concrete from the mold — Successfully removing the concrete pendant from the IKEA lamp mold.

Before integrating the lighting, sand the edges of the concrete pendant with diamond hand pads, sandpaper, or a file to prevent chipping and create a smooth, refined finish.

Sanding the concrete edges — Sanding the edges of the concrete pendant to create a smooth, finished look.

Step 4: Modifying the Funnel for Support

Your new concrete lampshade will weigh between 6 and 7 pounds, making it too heavy to hang safely using only the IKEA cord. To address this, we’ll modify a metal funnel to provide additional support and a secure mounting point.

Our solution involves drilling holes in the funnel, routing the cord through it, gluing the IKEA fixture in place, and suspending everything with a large keyring and 1/16” stainless steel cable. This method ensures a safe and reliable suspension system.

Begin by removing the handle on the funnel using tin snips. Then, mark a point approximately 1” up from the funnel spout and cut off the excess using a hacksaw or a rotary tool with a cut-off wheel.

Removing the handle from the metal funnel — Using pliers to remove the handle from the metal funnel.

Cutting the metal funnel to the desired length.

Drill a 1/4” hole near the top of the funnel. Start by marking the spot with a center punch, then drill a pilot hole before drilling the 1/4” hole. Drill two 1/8” holes through the spout of the funnel. This is where the keyring will be attached for suspension.

To add a finished touch, cover the top hole with a 3/4” copper end cap. Mark the drilling locations, use a center punch, and then drill pilot holes followed by the 1/8” holes through the cap. Secure the cap in a vice or hold it with pliers while drilling. Apply a bead of silicone or glue and attach the copper cap to the funnel.

Drilling a hole in the metal funnel — Drilling a hole in the top of the metal funnel.

Drilling a hole in a piece of wood next to the funnel — Preparing a wooden block for drilling.

Marking a silver object — Marking the copper cap before drilling.

Applying caulk to the silver part — Applying caulk to the funnel to secure the copper cap.

Attaching the copper cap to the modified funnel.

While the glue on the copper cap is drying, use a hot glue gun to secure the light socket to the inside of the funnel. Tack it in place, ensure it is centered, and then apply glue around the perimeter to create a secure bond. Thread the keyring through the copper cap and the holes in the funnel. Crimp the ends of the 1/16” wire, and prepare for the final assembly.

Using a tool on the silver object — Securing the light socket to the funnel.

Assembling a ring on a silver object — Attaching the keyring to the funnel and copper cap.

Using a tool on a wire — Crimping the wire ends for secure suspension.

Step 5: Wiring and Hanging Your New Lamp

Wiring the lamp for connection to a power source.

The light can be wired directly into existing ceiling wiring, or you can attach a plug to the end of the cord to plug the lamp into a wall outlet.

Important Safety Note: Consult a qualified electrician if you are not comfortable or experienced with electrical wiring. In many areas, a licensed electrician is required to ensure compliance with local building codes.

Ideally, you’ll be able to install a sturdy ceiling hook directly into a ceiling joist. However, if this isn’t possible, there are alternative methods for installing a hook in drywall. Ensure the ceiling hook is properly installed and can support the weight of the lamp. If you have any doubts, seek assistance from a qualified professional.

IKEA hack concrete lamp — The finished concrete pendant lamp installed and illuminated.

IKEA hack pendant light — Close-up view of the concrete pendant light.

IKEA pendant light with concrete fill — Another view of the finished concrete pendant light, showcasing the texture of the ShapeCrete.

Side view of the ShapeCrete IKEA hack lamp.

The completed IKEA hack concrete pendant lamp, ready to illuminate your space.

Congratulations! You have successfully created your own unique concrete pendant lamp. Feel free to experiment with ShapeCrete by adding concrete pigment, stains, or paint to personalize your lamp and add your own creative flair.

Help us share this inspiring project on Pinterest!

IKEA hack concrete pendant lamp Pinterest image — Share your creation on Pinterest!

This project was created by the team at ShapeCrete. We were not compensated for sharing this content; we simply admire the product and wanted to share this creative project idea with our readers.

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