This Wood Crafter Turned a Pallet Block Into a Table Lamp That Doesn’t Look Like Scrap
Most pallet projects start by pulling the boards apart. This one does the opposite. A wood crafter from tillylab.fr kept one of the solid EPAL blocks intact and built around it.
That decision changes the outcome. Instead of assembling multiple parts, the project relies on a single dense piece of wood. The block becomes the base, the structure, and the visual anchor at the same time. With a drilled center and a simple socket, it turns into a compact table lamp that does not feel improvised.
The idea is direct: one pallet block becomes the entire object.
How the Pallet Lamp Works
The lamp uses a single wood block as both structure and design element. Everything is organized around a central axis.
The design includes three main parts:
- Wood block base that supports the lamp
- Vertical drilled channel that hides the cable
- Top opening that holds the socket and bulb
The thickness of the EPAL block provides enough stability, so no additional frame is needed.
The Simple Build Process
The process focuses on control and alignment rather than complexity.
- Cut the pallet block – A solid EPAL block is separated and trimmed into a clean shape.
- Mark the center – Straight lines define the exact drilling point.
- Drill the main hole – A vertical hole runs through the block for the cable.
- Create the socket recess – The top is widened to fit the socket.
- Thread the cable – The wire is pulled through from the bottom and connected.
- Install the bulb – A large bulb is added to complete the lamp.
The Bulb Defines the Object
The bulb is not an accessory. It sets the scale and balance of the piece.
A large glass bulb with a visible filament contrasts with the solid wood base. The glass keeps the form open, while the wood keeps it grounded. Without a lampshade, the proportions remain clear and direct.
The Final Object
Once assembled, the block reads as a finished object rather than leftover material.
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It works as a table lamp for a desk, bedside, or shelf. The EPAL stamp remains visible, giving the piece identity without adding decoration. The cable stays hidden inside the block, and the structure remains compact.
This project shows that a single component can carry the entire design. With a few controlled steps, a pallet block becomes a functional lighting piece instead of waste.