Repurpose antique oil lamps into charming flower vases with this easy DIY idea. A creative way to decorate with vintage style and nostalgic flair!
Looking for a fresh way to decorate with vintage charm?
This simple DIY shows you how to repurpose antique oil lamps into one-of-a-kind flower vases—no tools or crafting skills required.
It’s quick, creative, and the perfect way to bring new life to an old favorite.
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Antique Oil Lamps: A Vintage Favorite with a Decorative Twist
There’s just something about antique oil lamps that feels timeless. Whether they’re vintage, passed down through family, or even brand new with old-world charm, oil lamps make beautiful accents in any room. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors—and while they were once essential for lighting the way before electricity, today they’re more about ambiance and style.
My mother had a beautiful collection of antique oil lamps, and over the years, I’ve gathered a few of my own too. You’ll find them styled all over our homes—from coffee tables to bathroom counters, and even out on our porch tables here in the Vermont mountains. Though truthfully, those porch winds make it tricky to keep them standing (and don’t even get me started on trying to center those glass chimneys!).
So instead of lighting them, I decided to try something new—and that’s when the idea hit me: why not repurpose an oil lamp into a flower vase? With some short-stemmed, sturdy blooms like pink and orange gerber daisies, it turned out to be the simplest little DIY with big vintage charm. Perfect for the transition from summer into fall!
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How to Repurpose Antique Oil Lamps into Flower Vases in 4 Easy Steps
This DIY is so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner—or maybe you have! Turning antique oil lamps into unique flower vases takes just a few minutes, and the results are as charming as they are creative.
Here’s how to do it in four easy steps:
1. Remove the oil lamp chimney: Carefully lift off the glass chimney and set it aside.
2. Unscrew the wick holder and remove the wick: Most antique oil lamps have a threaded wick holder that twists right off.
3. Run the base through your dishwasher: Give your oil lamp a deep clean to remove any lingering oil or residue.
4. Add water and your favorite flowers: Short-stemmed, sturdy flowers like gerbera daisies work beautifully.
I filled my three newly repurposed antique oil lamps with cheerful pink and orange gerbera daisies to brighten up the dining room table for the season.
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How fun and festive are these vintage beauties turned flower vases?
Personally, I’m partial to oil lamps with handles—they add just the right touch of farmhouse charm. And the best part? If you ever want to use them again as actual oil lamps, all you have to do is screw the top back on and pop the chimney back into place. Easy peasy!
For now, though, I’m enjoying these repurposed oil lamp flower vases styled on our dining table. I especially love using the larger antique oil lamps for statement bouquets and surrounding them with smaller ones for a layered centerpiece look.
What do you think? Do you think you would try this repurposed oil lamp idea?
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They’d be beautiful for holiday decorating too—just imagine a mix of evergreen clippings in winter, or deep orange blooms in an amber glass lamp for fall. So versatile, so vintage!
You’ll see in the photos how I’ve styled one of my favorite antique oil lamp vases on a glass nesting table in our sunroom. With the sunlight streaming in and a pop of color from the flowers, it’s an easy way to bring a little old-fashioned joy into your space.
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Oil Lamp to Unique Flower Vase in Craft Room
Back in Vermont with a fresh fall bouquet, I couldn’t resist styling one of my antique oil lamps as a whimsical flower vase in my craft and blogging space. It adds just the right touch of vintage charm and creativity—perfect for a room filled with eclectic decor and inspiration. Want to see more of this cozy nook? Check out the full tour in my Vintage Eclectic Decor Meets Craft Room Design post!
Reader Inspiration: Antique Oil Lamps at a Wedding Table
One of our sweet readers sent in this stunning photo from a recent wedding, where antique oil lamps were used as centerpieces filled with soft pastel flowers. Inspired by this very post, the table design is timeless, romantic, and full of vintage charm. What a beautiful way to celebrate love—with a touch of nostalgia!
Repurposing antique oil lamps into unique flower vases is such a simple way to breathe new life into a timeless vintage find.
Whether you’re decorating for the seasons, adding charm to a wedding table, or just want something creative and unexpected, this easy DIY is sure to spark conversation.
With just a few quick steps, you can turn old oil lamps into floral centerpieces filled with nostalgia and beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antique Oil Lamps
To identify an antique oil lamp, look for hand-blown glass, mold seams, maker’s marks, and signs of age like patina on the metal parts. Many antique lamps also have decorative fonts, unique chimneys, or ornate brass hardware that set them apart from reproductions.
The value of antique oil lamps can vary widely depending on age, condition, rarity, and maker. While some sell for under $50, rare or highly decorative pieces can be worth several hundred dollars to collectors.
Yes, most antique oil lamps can still be used with the proper wick and lamp oil, but it’s important to clean them thoroughly and check for cracks or damage first. Many people now use them more for decor than function, or repurpose them into flower vases like I’ve done here!
For most antique oil lamps, use clear lamp oil or kerosene (if the lamp was originally designed for it), but be cautious—modern lamp oil burns cleaner and is safer indoors. Always read labels and never use gasoline or flammable substitutes.
To clean an antique oil lamp, disassemble it and soak the glass parts in warm, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher if safe. Wipe down the metal parts with a gentle cloth and avoid harsh chemicals that could damage patina or paint.
Have an antique oil lamp tucked away somewhere? Give this idea a try and let your creativity bloom! I’d love to see how you style yours—tag me on Instagram or drop a photo in the comments. And don’t forget to pin this idea to save for your next vintage DIY project!
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
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I love this idea. I have a collection of old oil lamps and I am going to do this! I might even paint one. Thanks for the idea!
Thank you Cathy, I’m so glad. Send me a picture, I’d love to see what you do
I love this idea! I yave several lamps in my garage that belonged to my grandmother, one has a green base. They have been sitting on a shelf at not any more! Will bring them in, clean them and fill with flowers, in memory of my grandmother 💖
I love that so much, sounds like a wonderful and thoughtful sentiment. I’m so happy you were inspired:)
What a great idea!!!!! I am now on the hunt for an oil lamp!!!! Thanks Ann.
Awesome, thanks for stopping by today Kathy!
This is such a fun idea, Ann! I always see these lamps when I am out antiquing, but never knew what I would do with them. Wow what a storm you had! Have a great weekend!
Thanks Molly, yes we’ve been getting hit hard with humidity and thunderstorms, more on the way today too!
I don’t have have oil lamps but I find their form to be beautiful. This is a clever repurpose. Plus now you have all those new mini cloches to play e 😊
I do too Pamela. And now here’s a second purpose for these beauties. And you’re so right all those extra chimney’s to play with:) We think alike!
That’s a great idea! We have a few from my father in law. Now I can use them.
Joann
I’m so glad you were inspired. I have so many too. And they’re so cute this way🌸