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A Vintage Decanter Lamp

March 23rd, 2009 in blog, projects     
suewhitney Sue Whitney, editor
6 users recommend
This lamp is made from something everyone can find (possibly in your own cupboard of goodies) and everyone can do. All you need is a decanter, a lighting kit, an inexpensive lampshade (from Target perhaps), and a two inch dowel.
The right up the middle shot of the new and improved decanter. I love the cord left exposed at the top of the lamp.
Just a simple decanter waiting for a role in life other than serving up an adult beverage!!
Take a two inch dowel and cut it fit the legth of the neck of your decanter. Mine is 4 inches in length. Then using a chisel, form the wood to fit like a cork into the neck of the decanter. Use a sander to smooth the dowel to a nice finish.
Purchase a lighting kit online, from a lighting store, Home Depot, Or Lowes and follow directions on the package. Here the lighting hardware is secured to the dowel leaving the cord exposed so that...
The dowel can be slipped in and out of the neck of the decanter. What does this mean? You can still use it to serve beverages if you so desire. At this point you may be in the dark, but what will be, will be!
You can serve this lamp straight up without a harp or..
On the rocks with a harp. This will depend on the lamp shade you choose.
The cork is in the house!
The end.
This lamp is made from something everyone can find (possibly in your own cupboard of goodies) and everyone can do. All you need is a decanter, a lighting kit, an inexpensive lampshade (from Target perhaps), and a two inch dowel.

This lamp is made from something everyone can find (possibly in your own cupboard of goodies) and everyone can do. All you need is a decanter, a lighting kit, an inexpensive lampshade (from Target perhaps), and a two inch dowel.
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This is my way of paying tribute to an old and comforting friend of ours, Country Home Magazine. During my time with the magazine, Carol Sheehan (Editor in Chief) and Sandy Soria (Executive Editor), became my dear friends and mentors and helped the JUNKMARKET take decorating with junk to a whole new level. While some others wrinkled their noses at the word junk, it brought perky little smiles to their faces. Brings one to my face just thinking about it! Forward thinking, I love it. Thanks ladies for all the learning experiences, the wisdom, joy, laughter, and friendship you shared with me. When one door closes, another opens. Here's to recycled doors...Cheers!

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posted in: blog, projects, tabletop, light fixture
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Comments (15)

JudiD writes: I've got some bottles I've had for ages to turn into lamps. The stopper idea you used here will solve the problem that kept them from being turned into lamps. Thanks! If/when I and DH get 'em done, I'll post photos.

JudiD Posted: 4:48 pm on April 10th
Dorism54 writes: I bought one very similar to this at a yard sale for $1.00!!! I keep my collection of beach glass in the decanter, so it looks really pretty when it's lit.
Posted: 9:05 am on April 2nd
MimiToria writes: Sue this lamp is gorgeous as is the vintage decanter. I would of never thought of this either, but I know a local spot that has a stash of these beauties, and I may have to take a trip there soon with newly opened eyes. Great repurposing and no drilling is always a bonus.
Gretchen
Posted: 10:40 am on March 28th
design4less writes: This is a beautiful lamp!! Posted: 11:22 am on March 27th
fellowjunker writes: Wow........this is amazing Sue!!!!!!! I never, never would have thought to create a beautiful lamp out of an old decanter. I love it and have definitely put it on my "TO DO" list!!!!!!!!
xojanis Posted: 8:30 pm on March 25th
CottageElements writes: Sue, love the lamp! Wonderful details. The shade is beautiful, too, and it really brings it up-to-date. Sad thing about Country Home. It was my favorite of all the magazines. Maybe it will come back eventually like Victoria Magazine did. We can only hope.

Lani Posted: 11:29 pm on March 24th
georgiamoon writes: Sue what a lovely lamp. I really like the way you left the cord out...no drilling! I too will miss Country Home and would not have found my way into your life without it. I remember being so inspired by all the articles you did for them and ESPECIALLY the one on the Central Coast of Ca.....when you missed me! Haha. We made up for that little blunder didn't we? It all turns out the way it is supposed to. Great tribute to all the people that you became friends with while working with them. Geo Posted: 8:11 pm on March 24th
JunkArchitect writes: I’ll never pass up a decanter at a tag sale again. You have come up with another beautiful, simple and creative way to avoid throwing something out. One of the great things about this site is that most of the projects are made from things that would have ended up in a landfill…that is a compliment to everyone.

Jim
Posted: 5:29 pm on March 24th
shabbychick writes: Sue - love the lamp - the shade is a perfect compliment - what a great repurpose for that decanter!

I'm sad about losing Country Home too - it was my favorite...but am glad that there are so many of us to continue on with the junk we love - and that we have such a great place to share it!

Thanks Sue!!!

Kathy

P.S. Candy, I ended up calling Meredith Corporation - there are a few other choices, or you can add your remaining subscription time onto one that you might already have with them...like BH&G... Posted: 3:36 pm on March 24th
Junk_Sophisticate writes: This lamp is truly beautiful, Sue. I am completely amazed it all started from a decanter and can honestly say I wouldn't have thought to make it into lighting! Love the shade too!

I'm missing my Country Home and was saddened to see it go...especially when my subscription was replaced with one I'm just not that into. I'm so happy Carol and Sandy saw exactly what you were all about and knew to go with it!

Candy Posted: 1:47 pm on March 24th
Koiner2 writes: Lovely Lamp! You are full of inspiring ideas... speaking of which, I am sooo sad about the news about Country Home magazine...always my favorite source of ideas, and my intro to junkmarket style! Posted: 12:10 pm on March 24th
justloveit writes:
Marie, all of us who love to "junk" are pursuing a very important path. We are rescuing what other wise might be found in a landfill and elevating it to a new purpose! That lovely decanter might have lost its stopper and someone else may have tossed it, but Sue gave it new life and allowed it to Shine! Thank you Sue. Love the lamp! And Marie, you were just ahead of the curve!!! Posted: 8:47 am on March 24th
oldnews writes: I so agree with Alice! I never really minded being called "quirky", or having my junk style taste called "interesting" followed by an eye roll! But now that it's become trendy, I can do a little smirking myself! It's so nice to have a place to share ideas and have them be appreciated! Thanks! Marie Posted: 12:02 am on March 24th
alicemom writes: I am glad those 2 ladies had a vision too. You have made my world a better place. Keep up the good work.
Smiles,
Alice Posted: 11:01 pm on March 23rd
LuAnn writes: This is way cool. You definitely has the knack of taking ordinary "junk" and turning it into something great. Good job!!!

LuAnn Posted: 8:06 pm on March 23rd
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