A pair of 19th century black painted terracotta, Neoclassical twin-handled urns, from Germany, simulates Josiah Wedgwood's renowned black basalt.
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An antique lamp is a beautiful and useful addition to any room. Antique vases are stunning in their own right… But an antique vase lamp has a practical use case – providing an attractive, additional source of light in the home.
In the image above, you can see a pair of 19th century black painted terracotta Neoclassical urns from Germany, twin-handled and simulating Josiah Wedgwood's renowned black basalt.
These were later converted to table lamps with gilt stands and covers, as well as a base fitted to include the lamp fitting – leaving the urns unaltered.
Resting on a magnificent marble fireplace, just above two chairs, they are helping to turn the area around the fireplace into a perfect place for reading and relaxin
Turning an antique vase into a table lamp can be a satisfying DIY project that brings a new purpose to a treasured item.
However, take great care not to damage the vase or put yourself at risk in any way – if you’re unsure how to safely convert it into a lamp, always seek support from a qualified electrician.
Read on for further examples of antique vases converted into table lamps from our collection:
Antique vase table lamps: Examples
The famous Townley vase is a large Roman marble vase dating from the 2nd century, based on a Greek original. Gavin Hamilton, a Scottish Antiquarian, discovered the vase in 1773.
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This exquisite 19th century hand-painted Chinese temple jar was later converted to a table lamp.
This lidded jar has a floral decoration and is highlighted in gold. It is mounted on a rosewood stand from later in time.
Find out how to identify an antique Chinese vase in our dedicated guide for collectors. Also, learn more about the Chinoiserie design style trend that became popular due to the West’s fascination with Asia.
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This beautiful 19th century garlic neck Delft vase lamp is painted in the typically Dutch style using cobalt blue, with smaller details picked out in Manganese.
The central scene is a landscape dotted with windmills, surrounded by a foliate design – highly representative of the natural imagery often appearing in the Delftware style.
Learn more about how to identify Delft pottery marks in our guide.
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This pair of French, late 19th century, large patinated bronze table lamps are the form of the Townley vase, mounted on stunning Belgian black marble bases with applied bronze adornments.
The famous Townley vase is a large Roman marble vase dating from the 2nd century, based on a Greek original. Gavin Hamilton, a Scottish Antiquarian, discovered the vase in 1773.
Its name comes from the English collector Charles Townley, who purchased the vase after its discovery and after his death, the vase was brought to its final home, the British Museum.
How to turn antique vases into table lamps
Using a side-entry cord preserves the vase and avoids any drilling, making this method ideal for valuable and sentimental antique pieces.
Turning an antique vase into a table lamp is a rewarding DIY project that can give new life to a cherished piece. However, take care not to damage the lamp – if in any doubt, always seek expert support.
Materials needed
- Antique vase
- Lamp kit with side-entry cord (no drilling required)
- Vase cap (wooden or metal, sized to fit the vase opening)
- Super glue or silicone adhesive (optional, for securing the cap)
- Lampshade
- Bulb
- Felt pads or cabinet bumpers (optional, for stability)
- Screwdriver
- Electrical tape
Always follow the lamp kit instructions for wiring and safety.
Using a side-entry cord preserves the vase and avoids any drilling, making this method ideal for valuable and sentimental antique pieces.
If you want the lamp parts to be removable, avoid using permanent adhesives.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
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Clean and inspect the vase carefully
Make sure your vase is clean and dry inside and out. Check that the opening is wide enough to accommodate the lamp kit’s fittings.
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Fit the vase cap
Choose a vase cap that fits snugly into or over the vase opening.
If needed, use a little adhesive to secure the cap, but this is optional if the fit is tight. The cap will support the lamp.
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Assemble the lamp kit
Follow the instructions provided with your side-entry lamp kit. Usually, this involves:
- Attaching the threaded rod or nipple to the vase cap
- Securing the lamp socket to the rod
- Ensuring the side-entry cord is positioned to exit neatly from the base of the socket, running down the outside of the vase
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Wire the socket
Feed the side-entry cord into the socket base as instructed.
Strip the wire ends and connect them to the socket terminals, tightening the screws securely.
Use electrical tape if needed for extra safety. Reassemble the socket.
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Place the assembly on the vase
Set the assembled lamp hardware and cap onto the vase opening.
If you want extra stability, add a few dabs of silicone adhesive around the rim before placing the cap, but this is optional so you can remove the lamp parts later if desired.
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Add the finishing touches
Attach felt pads or cabinet bumpers to the bottom of the vase if needed to prevent slipping or scratching the surface underneath. Screw in your bulb, add your lampshade and plug in the lamp.
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Test your new antique vase table lamp
Switch on the lamp to ensure everything is working properly.
Adjust the cord so it hangs neatly down the side or back of the vase.
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A fireplace mantelpiece is one of the most impressive locations for an antique vase lamp.
Final thoughts: Antique vase lamps
Our collection of antique lighting includes antique chandeliers, wall lights, lanterns and of course, lamps – including candlesticks – ranging from the Georgian era to the late 20th century.
To see more antique vases, take a look at our vast collection of decorative antiques from the Renaissance to the Victorian era.
Westland London specialises in fine period antique fireplaces. As you can see from the image at the top of this article, a fireplace mantelpiece is one of the most impressive locations for an antique vase lamp.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries or to learn more about any of the antiques we have in stock.