How I Got the CB2 Look on a Budget

As a self-proclaimed interiors enthusiast, I spend a lot of time scrolling the internet for home decor and inspiration. During one of my email blast-prompted scrolling sessions, I came across the floor lamp of my dreams. The only problem was the less than dreamy price – $479. While I fully believe you should save for high quality pieces you love, this price was never going to work for me. My DIY brain started spinning and I’m so excited to show you how I got the CB2 look on a budget. Read on if you find yourself swooning over home decor out of your price range!

The Dream Lamp

To me, you are perfect. I’m not sure why I am obsessed over this lamp, but I am. The brass base paired with cane and an exaggerated empire shade just call to me! The $479 price tag – not so much. Before embarking on this DIY project, I tried googling for similar but less expensive lamps. When that didn’t work, it was time to make one myself!

The “Dupe” Lamp

It may not look like much of a dupe from the picture, but I chose this lamp based on a few elements. 1. The brass base. 2. The brass pull chains. 3. The graduated pole. Changing out the shade and wrapping the pole in cane could change the whole look of this lamp! The price is also much more palatable at $130.

Materials to get the CB2 Look on a Budget

• Basket Cane
• Elmer’s Wood Glue (this is the only stainable wood glue! Don’t substitute any other glue)
• Minwax Stain
• Giant binder clips
• Empire Shade

Directions

1. Soak your basket cane in warm water for about 10 minutes until pliable
2. Apply lines of wood glue to the lamp pole starting just above the groove
3. Slightly dry your basket cane and start weaving it around the lamp pole, wiping any excess glue as you go
4. Continue wrapping the cane until you come to the end of your string. At this point, secure your wrap with a binder clip
5. Repeat with additional strings of cane until you reach the top of the lamp pole
6. Keep the binder clips in place for at least 12 hours to allow the glue to dry
7. Remove binder clips and apply wood stain (I did 2 coats)
8. Replace the original lamp shade with an empire shade

Overall, this was a fairly simple DIY project. I had some issues keeping the cane wrapping in place, but Colin saved the day with binder clips. There may be a better way to keep the cane from unspooling, but we had binder clips around the house already! I also want to note again that Elmer’s Wood Glue is the only stainable glue. I started with project with a different glue and had to redo everything when the glue wouldn’t accept the stain. Do not make a substitute here! And finally, I decided to shorten the lamp. The Target lamp includes a long piece that the finial sits on. I cut about 4 inches off this piece because the lamp felt too tall for my space. We have 8 ft ceilings, so customize the height to your own liking!

The final cost of this project was about $200. I know this is not exactly a cheap lamp, but it did save me $280. I also have the dream lamp I’ve been swooning over for months! So the moral of this post is don’t ever let price keep you from having the home decor you love. DIY is a great option! It just takes a little extra time and patience 🙂 What CB2 look on a budget would you like to see next?!