How to Make a DIY Marble Table Lamp From Marble Tiles

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Have you spotted luxe marble lamps popping up all over the place? They are gorgeous, but the price is often steep. Making your own is easier than you might think with inexpensive materials and very minimal cutting required. With a few hours and a little bit of money, you can have your own high-end looking marble lamp for less.

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Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey

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Things You'll Need

  • Marble baseboard tile, 4 inches by 12 inches (5 pieces)

  • Ruler

  • Permanent marker

  • Drill with 3/8-inch bit for tile

  • Silicone caulk

  • Tile saw

  • Adhesive for stone

  • Tape

  • Lamp kit

  • 1/8-inch IP 6"-inch threaded rod

  • Brass rod and vase cap

  • Felt pad or feet

Step 1: Measure Hole for Lamp Cord

Place one tile flat on the table and one on its side, as shown below -- this will be the assembled width (4 3/8 inches). Measure the center (2 3/16 inches), 1 inch from the bottom.

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Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey

Step 2: Drill a Hole for the Lamp Cord

Place a scrap piece of wood in a sink or bowl, then set the tile on top. Add water until the tile is covered -- this will help prevent the tile from breaking. Slowly drill through the tile with the 3/8-inch tile drill bit. Once the hole has been drilled, dry the tile and apply a small amount of silicone caulk to the edges of the opening.

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Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey

Step 3: Cut the Top and Bottom Pieces for the Lamp

On one tile, measure and mark two squares, 3 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches each. Using the table saw, cut the two squares. These will form the top and bottom of the lamp.

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Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey

Step 4: Drill a Hole for the Lamp Assembly

On the top 3 1/2 inch square, measure and mark center of the square. Use the 3/8-inch tile drill bit to drill a hole.

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Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey

Step 5: Start Assembling the Tiles

Use a permanent adhesive for stone (quick setting is preferred).

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Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey

Step 6: Assemble the Base and Side

Lay the tile with the hole for the lamp cord flat on a table. Place the bottom square against the straight side (one side of the tile is straight and one is beveled), and secure with the adhesive. If needed, use tape to help hold the tile together until the adhesive sets.

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Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey

Step 7: Add the Sides

Start creating a box by lining up the bevel edge to overlap the square edge. This will create a smooth transition and a beveled edge on all four corners. Add the other side.

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Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey

Step 8: Add a Vase Cap and Tube

To cover the 6-inch threaded rod, add a vase cap and brass tube. I used old lamp parts from my collection, however, these can be purchased at a lamp store as well. My brass tube is 2 3/4 inches long. This measurement depends on the desired height for the overall lamp and lamp shade (the additional threaded rod protrudes out of the lamp body).

Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey

Step 9: Wire the Lamp

Before placing the final tile, wire the lamp by following the instructions on the kit. Thread the wire through the hole and through the threaded rod.

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Tip

Remove all tape and stickers from the interior of the lamp. Since the marble is translucent, these will be visible from the exterior once complete.

Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey
Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey

Step 10: Complete the Lamp

Add a small amount of adhesive on all the seams and place the final tile to complete the lamp.

Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey

Step 11: Add Felt to the Bottom

On the base, add felt feet or a felt bottom to protect surfaces.

Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey

Your lamp will be ready to use once the adhesive has dried and fully cured.

Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey
Image Credit: Sarah Dorsey

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