How Stained Glass Can Totally Transform Your IKEA Desk Lamp

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Most homeowners with an office have experienced it. Your desk lamp seems to be working fine, but the light itself is harsh, uninviting, and uninspiring. Whether it's placed in a cluttered home office, a vibrant art studio, or helping to create a cozy reading nook in your home, your lamp should reflect your style. The IKEA TERTIAL lamp is a classic lighting solution — sturdy, adjustable, and affordable. But its industrial vibe isn't exactly a design statement. That's where a clever DIY solution comes in. Add a colorful stained glass disk inside the dome, and you transform this utilitarian lamp into a vibrant centerpiece. When the light shines through the glass, it casts warm, eye-catching patterns across your workspace. This simple upgrade proves that even budget-friendly lamps can become decorative focal points.

First, buy an IKEA TERTIAL work lamp in either a dark gray or light blue for just under $20. From there, all you need are a few simple materials to bring this upgrade to life. A stained glass disk that will fit comfortably into the front of the lamp is the star of the show. Get it new, have a custom piece made to fit, or DIY one using a stained glass kit. The TERTIAL's dome naturally concentrates the glow onto the stained glass, but you need to secure the decorative insert inside the lamp first. Grab yourself a few small clips, strong magnets like Deryun Small Round Neodymium Magnets, or a heat-safe adhesive to do so.

Ready to style your home like Nate Berkus with a creative IKEA hack? Pulling off this DIY is fairly straightforward. Clean and dry the inside of the lamp thoroughly to ensure the disk will adhere to it. For the best results, you'll want to use small clips or a few carefully placed magnets to secure the disk inside the dome of the lamp. Just make sure whatever you use can take the weight of your stained glass piece. If you're concerned, check the packaging for clip weight limits or magnet strengths before you buy. You can also use a heat-safe adhesive, though it may make it difficult to remove the disk to switch out the bulb at a later date.

Real stained glass isn't your only option for this DIY. Colored acrylic disks offer a lightweight, shatter-proof alternative that delivers a similar vibrant effect. Likewise, decorative lampshade diffusers come in a range of patterns. Or you can create your own using fabric for softer, moodier light and a cozy atmosphere. Acrylic or plexiglass colored with paint or heat-proof window cling is another hands-on option, one that gives you full control over color and design. Just be careful not to place them too close to the bulb as they may present a fire hazard. Experiment with these materials before securing them to your lamp to determine the best feeling for your individual space. Don't have an IKEA store nearby? Lamps are a decor item you should always check the thrift store for first. You might find a similar style desk lamp to make your own.