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You can build a low-voltage, 3D-printed ESP32 lamp from published project files rather than designing every part from scratch. GlowLight is one documented example: it uses an ESP32-C3, an 11-LED WS2812B strip, a push button, and a three-piece printed shell. Its files and instructions are available in the GlowLight project repository. The title’s exact intended lamp design is not identified, so GlowLight is an example—not a claim about a particular reference image or STL.
What this ESP32 lamp project includes
GlowLight is a bedside lamp project built around an ESP32-C3 development board. Its enclosure is made from three printable pieces: a base, a lampshade, and a shade holder. The project publishes software, schematics, and STL files, along with instructions for assembly and firmware setup. See the GlowLight repository for the current files and project-specific details.
The firmware documentation describes button-controlled lighting modes, including static colors and a rainbow mode, plus optional features such as sunset and candle modes. It also describes using the distance sensor for color selection and ESP-NOW synchronization. These are features claimed by the project documentation, not independently verified performance results.
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The GlowLight component list calls for the following items. Confirm the exact board variant and strip type before buying or wiring parts; pin assignments and electrical requirements are not universal across ESP32 lamps.
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- DUBEUYEW ESP32-C3 development board
- VL53L0X distance sensor
- Push button
- 11-LED, 5 V WS2812B addressable LED strip
- External 5 V power supply
- USB cables
- M3 threaded inserts and screws
- 3D-printing filament
- Soldering tools and materials
The repository names an external 5 V supply but does not establish one universal current rating for every possible strip arrangement. Size the supply for the actual LEDs you use, rather than assuming any 5 V adapter will be sufficient.
Print and assemble the three-piece housing
Download the project’s STL files and check the model dimensions against your printer’s build area. The base, shade, and shade holder are designed to fit together; an M3 threaded insert and screws secure the shade. Use the project’s own files and instructions as the fit reference instead of assuming print settings or dimensions from a different lamp will transfer.
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Before final assembly, plan how you will reach the USB connection and any wiring that may need maintenance. A separate ESP32 lamp builder reported that a compact printed column warmed the electronics and later redesigned the print for ventilation; that is a useful prompt to consider airflow, not evidence that the GlowLight enclosure has the same issue. That builder also used removable electronic connections and secured the USB connector at the enclosure. See the Durian Lamp project for that separate build experience.
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Wire the GlowLight example
The following GPIO assignments are specific to the documented GlowLight build and its stated ESP32-C3 configuration. Check the exact board pinout and the repository’s schematic before connecting anything; another ESP32 board or design may use different pins.
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| Part | GlowLight connection | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Push button | GPIO 4 and ground | The project says its firmware uses the ESP32-C3 internal pull-up, so this wiring does not need an external resistor. |
| VL53L0X sensor | GPIO 6 for SDA and GPIO 7 for SCL, plus power and ground | Use the sensor’s documented power connections and verify the board’s pin labels. |
| WS2812B strip | GPIO 3 for data, plus 5 V power and ground | Plan the LED supply for the strip’s actual length and current demand. |
For the LED power connection, a separate ESP32-C6 lamp project estimates approximately 60 mA per LED at full white for 5 V strips and recommends external LED power except for very short strips. That is contextual guidance from another project, not a GlowLight-specific calculation or a guarantee for every strip. For example, applying that estimate to 11 LEDs gives roughly 660 mA at full white; check the specification for your actual strip and allow for the rest of the circuit as appropriate. Connect the LED supply ground and ESP32 ground together so the data signal has a shared reference. See the ESP32-C6 project for its wiring and power context.
Install and configure the firmware
GlowLight documents an interactive setup flow as well as PlatformIO and Makefile routes for building and flashing its firmware. Follow the repository’s current setup instructions for the toolchain, board selection, and configuration values; these can be project- and version-specific. After flashing, configure the features you intend to use, including the sensor if you want distance-based color selection. The repository describes the available modes and optional ESP-NOW synchronization in its firmware documentation.
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Plan for safe power, heat, and maintenance
The cited lamp builds are low-voltage USB or 5 V projects, and the project documentation does not establish household-product certification. Keep mains-voltage conversion outside a printed enclosure unless you have a separately validated design and the relevant safety review. Do not treat a DIY printed shell as an electrical enclosure certified for mains use.
- Keep LED current planning separate from the controller’s needs; the ESP32 GPIO is a data output, not a substitute for an appropriately sized LED power supply.
- Check clearances for the board, connectors, and wiring before closing the housing.
- Test the lamp while it remains accessible, watching for unexpected warmth and confirming that buttons, sensor, and LEDs behave as intended.
- Arrange ventilation and strain relief thoughtfully, and make connections accessible enough to inspect or replace.
Choose a control and print approach that fits your build
GlowLight combines a simple push button with an optional distance sensor. Other ESP32 lamp designs may instead use Wi-Fi or app controls, or pursue Matter or Thread integration. Those choices affect the controller, firmware, network setup, and often the wiring. Likewise, changing the LED type or count changes power planning, while changing the shell shape affects print-bed fit, light diffusion, access, and ventilation. Treat each design as a complete system: board, firmware, LEDs, supply, and enclosure all need to agree.
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- 3 sets of code: MicroPython, C and Processing (Java). Python is one of the most popular languages, and C is one of the most classic languages. Processing code needs to run on computers to provide graphical interfaces
- Detailed tutorial: Can be downloaded (in English, 828-page in total) or viewed online (original in English, can be translated into other languages by browsers) (The tutorial link can be found on the product box, no paper tutorial)
- 121 projects from simple to complex: Provides step-by-step guide with electronics and components knowledge, each project has schematics, wiring diagrams, complete code and detailed explanations
- 243 items in total: This ultimate kit includes the most commonly used electronic components, modules, sensors, wires and other compatible items
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