Light up your reading nook with a lamp made from old books

Curling up with a good book is one of the most relaxing things a book lover can do. The only tough part is finding the right lighting. Overhead lighting may cast a shadow. A window with natural light is fine during the day but fades quickly. A lamp can be the perfect solution. Creating a lamp from old books is a satisfying way to make a reading area cozy and personalized.

Hardcover books take center stage in this tutorial, and for good reason. Although paperback books would work, hardcover books will be more structurally sound and produce the desired effect. The table lamp base is widely available through online retailers and is one way to customize the reading lamp. For more light, choose a taller lamp base.

Materials
- 3 old books
- Hot glue gun
- Table lamp base

Instructions
1. Choose one of the books to serve as the base and lay it flat on the work surface.

2. Arrange the other two books so they form a V shape that is perpendicular to the base.

2. Apply a strip of hot glue about 1 inch long to the top edge of one of the books where it will meet the other book. Press it firmly against the edge of the other book.

3. Add a 2-inch line of hot glue to the bottom of the two books that are attached to secure them to the book serving as the base. Press the books to the base.

4. Place the table lamp base behind the two top books, and plug it in.