This quick vintage oil lamp Christmas upcycle took only minutes to put together! If you love vintage Christmas decor, this easy DIY project is for you!
Vintage Oil Lamp Base
I have a couple of vintage oil lamps that we actually light sometimes to create a cozy ambiance. One belonged to my parents, and one belonged to my husband’s parents.
I also have this oil lamp base that my son-in-law found in an old house that he was fixing up. Knowing my love of all things old, he saved it for me. It was filthy, but I cleaned it up and knew that I could use it for “something someday”. Ha, that’s how I roll. I tucked it away in the basement until inspiration struck…
Apologies for not having a picture of it empty, but I got so excited when I also found the perfect little glass bulbs in my stash and dropped them in before I got the pic snapped. You can use your imagination though, right?
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Mini Ornaments
I carefully filled the spot where the oil is intended to go with these little glass bulbs that perfectly fit in the opening. Mine are vintage glass bulbs, so I had to be very careful. I broke one trying to take them back out again for the picture, so I gave up.
Bottle Brush Tree
Next I chose a bottle brush tree from my stash. The bottom was too large to fit into the hole, but it sat nicely on top, so I just did that. You can choose any tree or even just some faux greenery stems.
Lighting
The bottom of the base was hollow too, making the perfect space to add some lighting. A small battery-operated tea light, or a string of fairy lights are both good options.
I went with fairy lights because they provide more light. The tea light would be a better option if you prefer a bit more subtle lighting. Both operate on a timer that comes on and off automatically each evening.
Quick Vintage Oil Lamp Christmas Upcycle
Next, I placed my oil lamp on a stack of vintage books and tucked the battery box behind them. I placed some of the lights underneath the lamp, and fed the rest up behind, wrapping them around the bottle brush tree.
The lights will come on at the same time each evening, and then automatically turn off 6 hours later.
Doesn’t this vintage oil lamp Christmas upcycle look gorgeous next to my family heirloom clock?
I decorated this year with almost all vintage decor, and this lamp upcycle is the perfect touch to this area of my fireplace mantel.
The vintage glass candelabra was a flea market find and I filled them with my favorite battery-operated tapered candles. I love the glow of them along with the oil lamp.
I’m loving the nostalgia of my Christmas decor this year. I’ve used a lot of pieces that belonged to my parents and grandparents, and they just make the house feel so warm and cozy, and bring back great memories.
Happy decorating to you all,
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Vintage Christmas Decor Shopping
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This is fabulous. I’ll have to make a trip to someplace like ReStore. Featuring when my link party opens!
Oh, ReStore is a great idea! I hope you find one. :-) Thank you so much for featuring my project!
Lovely. Now all I need is to find an oil lamp.
Hi Bernadette, you can find some on Etsy, although they may a bit pricey. I often see them in antique stores and flea markets for not much money. Good luck!