When it comes to versatility the humble glass jar might just be the winner. I, perhaps rather boringly, have them on my shelves for storing things. But it turns out that they’re so much more than that. Recently I have seen them in hotels where they are used as lighting, as cocktail shakers and in my local cafe they are simply handed out as glasses to drink from.
The most common is the Mason jar, mine are Quattro Stagioni, but let’s not forget the Kilner version too. All of which have been pressed into service by enterprising craftsmen and women to create something that is along way from storage.
Etsy, the bastion of all things vintage and handmade is full of mason jar lights, including this very pretty sea green version.
While westelm, newly opened in London (but with lighting still to make the trek over from the US) has created its own version based on the jar.
There are even countless websites devoted to the repurposing of the classic mason jar of which this: 100 Clever Ways to Repurpose Mason Jars is just one. There is also a Pinterest Board called One Million, but at 247 pins so far, I feel that may have been a tad ambitious.
In addition to plant pots, they also make rather good lamp bases as you can fill them with different things and change the display. If you fancy having a go at making your own then here’s a tutorial and finally, this time a wall light.
So what are you waiting for. Glass light shades with vintage bulbs are deeply fashionable at the moment. Eat the jam, wash the jar, add some electricity to it. Send over your photographs to kate at madaboutthehouse dot com.
And here are mason jars used as soap dispensers as mentioned in the comments below:
I saw a really lovely jar lamp from west elm and i would love to order it – here it is
https://www.cb2.com/cloche-table-lamp/f7648
I’m not sure whether you’d be able to advise me, but the lamp’s volt input has to be no more that 120V. But since i’m in the UK, it’s 230 volts. What do i do? I was thinking about purchasing a small transformer but they cost just as much, if not more than the lamp itself.
Help?!? i really love this lamp 😀
I know that the lighting is supposed to be coming to the UK Westelm soon. Hold on and I will find out exactly when for you … watch this space. Literally…
And I have just spoken to them and been told that the lighting will be here in the autumn. There’s no fixed date yet but the company is hoping to have everything ready by late August/early September. I hope that helps.
Wow Great!! Glad to hear that, i’ll definitely be checking back for an update
Thank you 🙂
J’adore ces idées d’inspiration avec les bocaux en verre
Hi Kate,
We use or Balls jars as soap despensers! Have a peek at them on our website.
Hi Fionnuala, I have added them to the post, see above. They’re great.
Hi Kate,
Thanks for that.Yes they do look great!
I have had a snoop at your kitchen and love the grey shelves and the artistic way in which you have filled them. (Spotted the Apperol!)
All the best
Fionnuala.