✨ DIY Mini Table Lamp with Dimmer (Using Cardboard!)

 

✨ DIY Mini Table Lamp with Dimmer (Using Cardboard!)



Looking for a cozy little light for your desk or bedside? You don’t need fancy tools or expensive materials — just a bit of creativity and some cardboard! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a mini table lamp with a working dimmer switch, all from simple materials you probably already have at home.

🧰 Materials You’ll Need

  • Cardboard sheets (thick and sturdy)

  • LED bulb (small, 3V–12V depending on your dimmer)

  • Battery holder (AA or 9V, depending on bulb)

  • Dimmer module (PWM dimmer or variable resistor/potentiometer)

  • Switch (optional)

  • Wires

  • Glue gun or strong craft glue

  • Craft knife or scissors

  • Ruler & pencil

  • Decorative paper or paint (for finishing touches)

🪚 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Design the Lamp Body

Draw the base, stem, and lampshade shapes on cardboard.
A simple design works best:

  • Base: 10 cm × 10 cm square

  • Stem: 12–15 cm tall, about 3 cm wide

  • Lampshade: truncated cone or box shape around 8–10 cm wide

Cut the pieces carefully with a craft knife.

Step 2: Assemble the Structure

Glue the stem to the base, making sure it stands upright.
Then, glue or tape the lampshade on top. You can reinforce joints using extra cardboard strips inside for support.

Step 3: Prepare the Wiring

Now it’s time to bring light to your creation!

  • Connect your LED bulb to the dimmer circuit following the wiring diagram for your module.

  • Attach the battery holder to the base.

  • Secure the dimmer knob on the lamp’s side or base for easy access.

If you’re using a potentiometer, wire it in series with the LED and battery to adjust brightness manually.

Step 4: Mount the Components

  • Tape or glue the LED inside the lampshade.

  • Run the wires neatly down the stem to the base.

  • Hide or decorate the wires using paper or thin cardboard covers.

Step 5: Decorate Your Lamp

Now the fun part — make it beautiful! 🎨
You can:

  • Cover it with colored paper, paint, or fabric

  • Add patterns or stickers

  • Use metallic paint to make it look like a real lamp

Step 6: Test and Adjust

Insert the batteries and turn the dimmer knob.
Your mini cardboard table lamp should light up smoothly, and you can adjust the brightness to your liking!

💡 Tips

  • Use warm white LEDs for a cozy, ambient glow.

  • If you don’t have a dimmer circuit, use a variable resistor (10kΩ) instead.

  • Always ensure good insulation — don’t let bare wires touch the cardboard.

🪄 Final Look

Once finished, your mini lamp will look charming on any desk or nightstand.
It’s lightweight, eco-friendly, and totally customizable — a great weekend project for students, hobbyists, or anyone who loves DIY decor.

🌿 Why Cardboard?

Cardboard is easy to cut, shape, and recycle. It’s perfect for prototyping or creating low-cost home decor — and with a touch of creativity, it can look surprisingly elegant!


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