WHAT IS IT?
Demijohns are large glass (or earthenware) bottles with bulbous bodies and narrow necks. Most are capable of holding 3-16 gallons, and they originally came in wicker casings for protection.
Demijohns were used to ferment wine and store other liquids. They came in shades of blue, green, amber and clear.
Most older demijohns were blown freeform, without a mold. Bottoms were somewhat flattened, but since they were to be placed in wicker encasements, they did not need to be perfectly flat. After the bottle was blown, the neck was sheared off, frequently resulting in a rough, unfinished lip. True antique demijohns have bubbles and imperfections in the glass, and therefore gallons worth of character. (See what I did there?) ;-)
HOW TO STYLE
BUT FIRST, WORDS OF CAUTION...
—The bottoms are not always perfectly flat (especially true for large, antique demijohns). This can result in them rolling around a bit, and not always standing straight up.
—They are glass...and therefore breakable. I thought my large, antique demijohn was safe in a quiet corner of our sunroom, until a friend somehow bumped a metal chair into it...
GENERAL TIPS:
—It’s all about the light. Place it next to a window, or against a lighter background to let the natural color of the glass shine.
—Group multiple demijohns together for a statement.
—Place a branch in one as a centerpiece, or let it shine on its own.
EXAMPLES: Demijohns make excellent centerpieces. In the two photos below, they have clustered multiple demijohns together against lighter backgrounds, placed a branch in one for drama, and made sure to catch the light streaming in from the windows. Check, check, aaaaaand check. =-)
Another centerpiece cluster in amber to reflect the woodsy vibe of the room...
These demijohns, curtesy of DeVOL, give a pop of color to an otherwise neutral palate.
Demijohns against a windowsill can set both the vessel and the room aglow...
A safe spot for them is usually up against a wall or in a corner. Here, they placed one on a stool (seems somewhat precarious in my experience, but I can't get over that deep forest green color!).
A nod to its wicker origins, this one looks at home against the woven background.
Need further proof demijohns and wicker are a winning combination? Feast your eyes on the below dining room by Sasha Adler.
Demijohns' bluish-green coloring lends themselves to nautical designs and tranquil bathrooms. A smaller, similarly-shaped vessel in my bathroom holds bath salts.
With a little work, you can use them as pendant lights, as Eclectically Vintage did, below.
Or go big with a full-on ceiling installation.
And don't forget potential opportunities to use them outdoors!
WHERE TO BUY
For antique demijohns, Chairish has several solid options, with my favorite being this pair. Etsy also has a strong showing. Unfortunately, demijohns aren't always labeled demijohns, so also search for "vintage (or antique) wine jug" and "carboys". My best (and most reasonably priced) success has been at antique markets.
In recent years, many major companies have marketed reproductions. Pottery Barn sells a variety of choices, and they even have an accompanying basket for them if you want to try your hand at a more authentic look. McGee & Co also has some beautiful options and wicker-encased demijohns.
For demijohn lighting, oh how I wish Terrain would bring back the below green demijohn-inspired pendant!
This Etu Home pendant is made out of upcycled, vintage European demijohns, with what appears to be copper-like highlights around the cut edges.
For a similar look, check out this Arteriors pendant. The iridescent sheen of the glass is show-stopping.
And sometimes general teardrop-shaped lamps can mimic demijohns, like the one below from Urban Outfitters.
DIY IDEAS AND KITS
People have gotten seriously crafty with demijohns. Vidya of "Whats UR Home Story" made the below table lamp out of one. Check out her blog for full instructions on how to create your own.
Have something simpler in mind? Why not place some twinkle lights inside one?
Just Grand did BOTH in the below example:
Gardeners Supply Company sells the below DIY solar lantern kit. True demijohns are likely too heavy to hang like the below picture, but it's a clever idea.
World Market, British company The Worm, and more are also selling terrarium kits. Not sure if my thumb is green enough for these... ok, pretty confident the plants would be dead in a week. Anyone with experience creating one??
Thanks for popping in and wandering around our site!
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