Good Questions: Hackable Alternative to the Arc Lamp?

Mary is looking for some ideas. She writes: Is there a better and more hackable alternative to the iconic arc lamp than this (shown above, Ikea Regolit)? I'm hoping for one which will allow me to change out the shade for a clean and simple drum shade to go over my dining table. I'd love to get the real deal, but I'm in a temporary space for now and I don't know if it would work for my soon to be built place.

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.
Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
chicago(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

Do think this is a good start for a hacked version of the Arc lamp with a drum shade? Let Mary know your suggestions and ideas for how to DIY in the comments...thanks!

Comments (7)

cb2 has a lamp like you describe, no hacking required:
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=120&f=4657&viewall=1

posted by Liana on February 3rd 2009 at 1:49pm
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I honestly thought the pictured lamp was a hack. I'd reproduce that look with a fishing rod and wire it up myself with some lamp hardware and the shade of my choice (not really). I think Liana's idea looks a lot nicer than a fishing rod.

posted by K T G on February 3rd 2009 at 1:54pm
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I hacked this one by spraypainting the rod white and then wrapping the wire with white electrical tape. Then we changed out the shade for a cool vintage plastic shade. It worked and was pretty inexpensive for what it was...

posted by laure on February 3rd 2009 at 1:57pm
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PB Teen has something that might work.

posted by kiljoywashere on February 3rd 2009 at 2:48pm
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I had the CB2 lamp and loved it. When we sold our condo, it was one of the things our buyers had to have. For the new place, I think I'm going to go with the glossy white version.

posted by asinner on February 3rd 2009 at 3:00pm
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Home Depot sells one for under $100. It is not listed on their web site, but I have seen them both in Canada and the U.S., and I have one sitting in my living/dining room. It does not stretch quite as far as the real thing, but it's pretty nice looking and quite cheap.

posted by davidasposted on February 3rd 2009 at 9:59pm
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What about using a big metal salad bowl from IKEA as the shade? Those only cost about $10. Drill it and install a light socket. Then you'd just need to hack the stand and the pole.

posted by sunspot42 on February 4th 2009 at 3:39am
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