A vintage Mid-Century vase is transformed into a unique vase lamp

Many people own a whole hodgepodge of vases, some of which may be particularly dear to them. Sometimes they are family heirlooms, sometimes they come from a flea market or a trip. Often they are high-quality vintage ceramics from the 1960s or 1970s, which, although appreciated today, are hardly used in everyday life. In fact, not every vase from that period is still waterproof. But many of these vases are simply too good to throw away, and some now have a significant collector's value.

At Roomlight Studio, we transform such objects into individual vase lamps. A vintage vase becomes a table lamp that combines design history, craftsmanship, and modern lighting technology. This creates a light that not only provides illumination but also tells a story.

Vintage instead of Fast Furniture

Many pieces of furniture and home accessories today follow short-term trends. Products are bought, replaced, and disposed of, even though they have often only been used for a few years. We believe that good design should be durable.

That's why we prefer to work with vintage ceramics from the Mid-Century era. These objects were often produced more than fifty years ago and still impress today with their quality, shape, and expressive glazes.

The conversion into a lamp does not create a new product from new materials, but a sustainable connection between an existing object and a new function. A vase becomes a light for the living room, office, or other areas at home.

The idea of upcycling plays a central role in this. Instead of consuming new resources, existing objects are given a second life. Each vase lamp thus also stands for sustainability and a more conscious approach to design objects, furniture, and home accessories.

Which vases are suitable for a vase lamp?

Our lamps are particularly often made from ceramics from the West German Pottery. These include manufacturers such as Scheurich, Bay Keramik, Jasba, Dümler & Breiden, Steuler, Fohr, Übelacker, or Carstens Tönnieshof.

However, many other vintage objects are also suitable for conversion. The decisive factors are the shape, height, stability, and the effect of the ceramic. Even unusual unique pieces can deliver excellent results.

Many customers bring us vases with a personal history. Some are from an estate, others were discovered during travels or collected over many years. It is not uncommon for such a vase to become the most personal lamp in the entire home.

Collector's value is retained

The conversion is carried out with great care and without drilling. The original vase is preserved. The lamp socket is securely anchored using an individually adapted construction.

Depending on your preference, the lamp can be built with a cable, switch, and plug, or as a cordless table lamp. The original character of the ceramic is retained, and the construction can be dismantled again if necessary.

Especially with high-quality Mid-Century ceramics and rare vintage pieces, this is an important aspect. Collector's value, form, and original substance are preserved.

The right lampshade

A lampshade significantly influences the effect of a lamp. Therefore, each vase lamp is individually matched to the shape, color, and style of the vase.

High-quality fabrics, papers, and other translucent materials are used. Many customers also bring their own fabrics – for example, materials that have already been used for curtains, furniture, or cushions. This creates a harmonious overall picture in the home.

We pay attention to the connection between ceramic, lampshade, and lighting effect. Color, material, and proportions are carefully coordinated to create a harmonious luminaire from individual components.

From vase to finished table lamp

The path to the finished lamp usually begins with a few photos. Based on these pictures, we can assess whether a vase is suitable for conversion and what possibilities exist for the lampshade, socket, and technology.

In the next step, the suitable lampshade is selected. We consider both the style of the ceramic and the desired use of the lamp. Whether it's a small accent light, a larger table lamp, or a special light for the living room – each vase has different requirements.

How to request the conversion of a vase into a table or floor lamp

The first step is very simple: Send us some photos of your vase.

Pictures from the front, side, and opening are helpful. We also need the most important measurements such as height, diameter, and – if available – a photo of the base mark. The inner diameter of the opening is important. Based on this information, we can assess whether the vase is suitable for conversion into a vase lamp and we can calculate the price for the conversion.

Afterwards, we discuss the possibilities together. What shape should the lampshade have? Which fabrics or materials are suitable? Should the lamp be built classically with a cable or as a cordless table lamp?

On request, we can create visualizations in advance or show examples of similar projects. This creates a good idea of how the finished lamp will look even before the conversion.

After coordination, the conversion takes place in our Berlin studio. The vase is carefully prepared, the technology is installed, and the matching lampshade is made. Afterwards, the finished lamp is carefully packed and shipped or can be picked up in Berlin by arrangement.

From the first inquiry to the finished lamp, we accompany you personally and coordinate every step individually according to your object and your wishes.

Favorite pieces become design objects

The most beautiful projects often begin with a simple question:

"Can this vase be turned into a lamp?"

In most cases, the answer is yes. Vintage vases with a bit of a neck are well suited. Spherical vases are a bit more difficult to convert - but sometimes that works too. If it is a glass object, it must always be considered that the plugin solution recessed into the vase will be visible. Depending on the style of the vase, however, this is not necessarily disturbing.

This creates individual vase lamps and table lamps that combine Mid-Century design, vintage ceramics, and modern lighting design. Each lamp is unique and gives a special piece a new lease on life.

Perhaps the most beautiful lamp-to-be is already in your cellar, attic, or display cabinet – just waiting to be rediscovered.