This Under-$10 IKEA Lighting Find Is the Most Hackable Gem Yet

It’s no secret that IKEA is a DIYer’s dream shopping destination. While their pieces can be super stylish on their own, the approachable price point and versatility means that many of the most iconic IKEA designs (we’re looking at you, PAX wardrobe) are ripe for a dose of creativity and customization. You’ve probably seen many such makeovers — like a refreshed BILLY bookcase or convenient KALLAX bench — in the homes of your favorite designers and content creators. And now there’s a new piece just begging for an upgrade. 

Launched this season, IKEA’s ZEBRASAV pendant lamp offers up a chic shape and oh-so-affordable price point for anyone looking for a little illumination. But that’s not even the best part: The asymmetrical shade on the lamp is made from paper pulp, which is similar in texture and material to a cardboard box, with a soft and absorbent exterior that makes it the ideal surface for soaking up paint or glue, like Mod Podge.

Translation: If you’re a bit crafty, you can turn this shade into almost anything, from a spot to showcase your affinity for painted florals to a creative surface to use up leftover fabric. The lamp comes in two colorways — a traditional brown and crisp white — so choosing the base that suits your project best is easy. Even better, this buy isn’t just good for your DIY dreams; it’s also great for the environment, as 90% of the piece is made from recycled paper (love that!). 

Personally, we’d use this piece as a way to experiment with the trendy striped lampshades we’re seeing everywhere lately, but the texture would also be well-suited to mimicking the look of ceramic or terracotta (for not even 1/10th of the price). To protect your time investment, make sure to finish off any makeover with a coat of sealant, like Rust-Oleum’s Multi-Purpose Spray.