This clever hack transforms an £8 IKEA table lamp into designer-level decor
Instantly turn an IKEA classic into a custom piece


If you know us, then you'll know that we're never one to turn down an opportunity to elevate the look of an IKEA classic – and after spotting a hack on Instagram that turns an £8 lamp into something a smidge fancier with just a bit of spray paint and a frosted bulb, best believe you can sign us up.
We admittedly love an IKEA hack as much as the next person, even more so if it's easily achieved with little to no fuss. Well, DIY and homes Instagrammer, Jen Rothbury, just showed us how you can flip almost anything to better suit your personal interior style if you just have a little imagination.
When you see the before and after, you won't even believe it was the same lamp to begin with. Right on the nose with the latest lighting trends of the season, this is the next lighting hack you definitely need to try out at home.
A post shared by Jen Rothbury (@crack_the_shutters)
A photo posted by on
That's right. The IKEA ACKJA table lamp was the starting point for this easy DIY project, in all its original chrome-plated glory. While its original form might be favourable for those sporting the metallic lamp trend that was predicted to be big in 2024, it's admittedly not to everyone's taste.
The bowl-shaped lamp base in metal is already advertised on IKEA's website as a lighting solution that you can transform into a small and personal table lamp with a decorative LED bulb of your choice.
However, Jen not only selected a bulb of her choice, but she also took it a step further by spray painting the base with a matte black finish, completely custom to her.
What you'll need
What resulted is a stunning bedroom lighting idea, which now sits perched on her fluted bedside table. Needless to say, we're in love and dare we say a tad envious that we don't have one for ourselves.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
That being said, given how simple the process was, we're extremely tempted to try it at home to further elevate our home's lighting game.

Jullia was Ideal Home’s Junior Writer from 2022-2024 and the Ideal Home Certified Expert in Training on Vacuums having spent over 60 hours testing different models. She’s always loved all things homes and interiors, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Nottingham where her love for writing blossomed following her internship at ArchDaily. Now focused on home tech and cleaning, Jullia works on writing features and explainers to help people make the most of their home appliance investments, putting the newest launches through their paces. When she isn’t writing, she loves exploring the city, coffee shop hopping, and losing hours to a cosy game or book.
-
George Home's designer look £40 garden lounge chair sold out twice last year - it's back in stock, but not for long
Don't miss it this time around
-
3 colours to avoid when painting window frames – experts say they might draw the eye, but not in a good way
These are the colours to avoid if you want to transform your window frames from drab to dazzling
-
What do you do with stuff in your loft if you want to convert it? I’ve got 5 expert-approved solutions for you to try
If you use your loft for storage, what on earth do you do with all the stuff if you want to turn it into living space?
-
5 IKEA BESTA hacks that will transform your basic storage cabinets into stylish pieces with a high-end look
Not sure what to do with your BESTA storage cabinets? These hacks will give you plenty of inspiration to work with
-
7 smart IKEA IVAR hacks that transform this blank canvas into a striking piece of furniture
This is how to elevate and transform the plain and simple IVAR cabinet to fit your home’s style
-
7 IKEA KALLAX hacks to elevate your simple cube storage units beyond recognition
These are the best ways to give your flatpack a new lease of life, especially if your KALLAX is looking a little too bland for your liking
-
I asked 6 interior stylists and designers about their favourite IKEA hacks – this is the one that kept coming up
And to be honest, I'm not surprised!
-
7 IKEA BILLY bookcase hacks that are so clever you'd never believe they were once a flatpack
The best ways to elevate IKEA's iconic BILLY bookcase beyond recognition and wow your family and guests
-
IKEA playroom ideas – 7 ways to use affordable flatpack furniture to maximise storage and your little ones’ playtime
How to turn KALLAX units and more into a magical play space
-
6 IKEA bathroom hacks that turn the flatpack staples into clever storage solutions and stylish decor
Get your DIY juices flowing with these bathroom IKEA hacks that will transform your space on a budget
-
How a simple IKEA cabinet can be transformed into an on-trend chrome storage unit
An Instagrammer turned a set of simple IKEA cabinets into the chrome-finish sideboard of her dreams – here’s how