Turn a demijohn into a lamp It's a growing trend in sustainable and customizable decor. This type of lamp is ideal for both interiors and patios, terraces, or gardens, providing a rustic, vintage, and unique aesthetic. Plus, this project is suitable for everyone, even if you have no previous DIY experience.
What is a demijohn and what makes it special for lamps?
An demijohn It is a voluminous container, traditionally made of blown glass but also made of fired clay, characterized by its rounded body and wide base, which tapers into a long, cylindrical neck. Originally, demijohns were used to store and transport liquids such as wine, oil, or preserves. However, with the passage of time and the arrival of new industrial containers, this type of bottle has been converted into a decorative element of great value and versatility.
- Unique visual appeal: The thick, green, transparent, or blue-tinted glass, with bubbles and small imperfections, gives the lamp personality.
- Decorative styles: It fits perfectly in rustic, bohemian, Nordic, industrial and eclectic environments.
- Great customization capacity: You can paint it, decorate the outside with rope, add LED lights, plants, or materials like stones, corks, and sand.
- Ecological element: By reusing a demijohn, you contribute to recycling and sustainable decoration.
The rise of demijohns in home decor has made originals coveted collector's items. Finding authentic ones with a history can be difficult, but they still appear in antique shops, flea markets, vintage stores, or even through online sales between individuals. If you can't find an old model, large home decor stores often offer reproductions in different sizes, finishes, and colors, designed for decorative use and DIY projects like the lamp.
Where and how to get a suitable demijohn
The first step in creating your own lamp is to choose the demijohn. Keep these in mind tips:
- Material and quality: Look for demijohns made of thick glass, free of cracks or breaks. If there are imperfections or bubbles, all the better! That will give them a vintage charm.
- Size: Demijohns come in sizes from 5 liters to over 30 liters. Consider the space where you'll be placing the lamp to choose the most suitable one.
- Opening: The neck must be in good condition. It doesn't matter if you have an original stopper: you can use a universal cork, rubber, or even create a custom one.
- Color: Green and transparent shades are the favorites, but you can look for blue or amber tones for more sophisticated environments.
If you prefer to buy a new one, go to home decor stores, online portals, or even specialized department stores. If you want an authentic piece, your best option is to scour flea markets, antique shops, or inquire at wineries, as they sometimes part with old containers.
Essential materials and tools for making a demijohn lamp
- Clean and dry demijohn
- Flexible electrical cable of quality and adequate length
- Switch (surface or cable)
- Plug and, if you prefer, a splice sheet
- Light bulb holder (usually E27, also valid E14)
- Bulb (warm LED recommended for safety and aesthetics)
- Cork or rubber stopper compatible with the neck of the demijohn
- Compatible lamp mouth if you want to place a screen
- Diamond drill bit (ideally 6 to 10 mm) for glass
- Electric drill with speed control
- Electrical insulating tape and, optionally, heat shrinkable
- Pliers y screwdriver
- Protection gloves and protective glasses
Some variants allow the cable to be installed internally without drilling into the glass (using battery-operated LED bulbs or LED strips). For more customization ideas, see how to combine lamps with plants.
Step by step to make your own handmade demijohn lamp
- Prepare the demijohn
– Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the container (see instructions below). Check for any dirt, labels, or moisture. - Drilling the glass
– Put on protective gloves and glasses.
– Using the diamond glass drill bit, gently drill a hole in the bottom of the demijohn, large enough to pass the cable through (approximately 1 cm). Work slowly, avoiding overheating.
– You can also make a hole in the plug (if you are going to use it). - Strip and assemble the wiring
– Strip about 2 cm from each end of the wire. Connect one end to the light bulb socket, the other to the switch, and finally to the outlet. Check that the splices are well insulated (with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing).
– Pass the cable first through the hole in the base and then through the hole in the plug. - Install the socket and bulb
– Attach the cap to the plug, securing it with a screw, washer or nut.
– Insert the stopper with the cap mounted into the mouth of the demijohn.
– Install the appropriate light bulb (preferably a low-consumption LED for safety). - Test and final adjustments
– Connect the plug to the power supply and check that the lamp is working properly.
– You can choose to add a lampshade, decorate the base with rope, braided jute string, lace, fabric, or even glass paint or markers.
Creative ideas and decorative variations for your demijohn lamp
The scope for customization of these lamps is enormous. We'll show you some of the most original and trendy ideas to make your demijohn lamp completely unique:
- Decorative filling: Add objects such as rope, stones, shells, wine corks, dried branches, colored sand, LED light beads, or natural elements to the interior. Change the interior according to the season.
- Ambient lighting: Use LED strips (white or multi-colored) inside for a magical and modern effect. You can add a timer or remote control to adjust the intensity.
- Natural touches: Hang artificial plants from the neck of the demijohn, or add dried branches or preserved flowers inside. You can even integrate it into a composition with other decorative plants.
- DIY Paintings and Techniques: Decorate the exterior with special glass paints, permanent markers, decoupage, or frottage techniques (aged effect). The motif can be geometric, ethnic, floral, or abstract, depending on the style of your home.
- Screens or accessories: Add linen, jute, raffia, felt, or cotton shades to filter the light and create a warm and cozy atmosphere. If you prefer a more industrial look, you can leave the bulb exposed with a vintage metal socket.
Different decor styles adapt perfectly to this type of lamp: from a country house, a chill-out terrace, to a modern urban apartment.
Simple Alternatives: Demijohn Lamp Without Electricity
If you prefer Do not drill into the glass or tamper with the electrical system, you can opt for a very simple technique:
- Enter a led strip lights (battery- or USB-powered) inside the demijohn. Choose warm white lights for a relaxing atmosphere, or multi-colored ones for fun spaces. You can also use rechargeable LED bulbs or remote-controlled ones.
- Outdoor placement: Attach the LED strip to the outside, forming patterns or figures. This technique also allows your lamp to be used temporarily.
- Portable light: If the lamp will be in the garden or on the terrace, opt for solar LED strip models, ensuring autonomy and avoiding cables.
- This way, you'll have a striking lamp in just a few minutes, risk-free and without the need for tools.
Safety and maintenance tips
- Handle glass with caution: You should always wear thick gloves and protective eyewear during drilling and cleaning.
- Avoid overheating: If you drill into glass, do so at low speeds and keep the area wet so it doesn't get hot or crack.
- Perfectly insulates electrical connections with high-quality electrical tape. Never leave wires exposed.
- Periodically review: If you use a traditional light bulb, make sure the heat doesn't damage the plug. LED bulbs are the best option due to their low consumption and low temperature.
- External cleaning: Wipe the glass with a soft, damp cloth regularly to maintain a sparkling finish. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- If you have children: Make sure the lamp is out of reach, especially if it is very large or heavy.
Which bulb is best for your demijohn lamp?
The type of bulb is decisive for both the aesthetics and safety of your lamp:
- Warm LED (recommended): Very low consumption, minimal heat, and a pleasant light. Furthermore, LED bulbs have a very long lifespan and prevent the risk of overheating of the glass and cap.
- Vintage filament: If you prefer a more retro feel, there are LED filament bulbs that mimic the Edison aesthetic, creating unique shadows through the glass of the demijohn.
- Intensity and color: You can use bulbs of different intensities or light tones depending on the environment: warm white for living rooms and bedrooms; neutral or cool white for passageways or reading areas.
Where to place your demijohn lamp?
- Main room: On a side table, sideboard or reading area.
- Bedside table: It provides a romantic and cozy air, especially if you use a soft lampshade.
- Receiver: Make your home's entrance unique and welcoming.
- Terrace or garden: Use LED or solar models to create magical outdoor atmospheres. You can use several demijohns of different sizes for a striking visual effect.
Each location will allow you to experiment with the decor depending on the style you want to achieve: bohemian, rustic, modern, minimalist, or eclectic.
Making a lamp from a demijohn is an ideal opportunity to unleash your creativity, recycle, and create a unique decorative piece. This element not only illuminates your home, but also fills it with personality and tells a story. With the techniques described and the proposed variations, anyone can be inspired to design their own demijohn lamp—safe, original, and perfectly suited to the style of their space.
