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 (6)

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

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...

PB Teen has something that might work.

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.

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.

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.