I noticed it sitting in the corner of my friend’s kitchen: a large glass bottle with a narrow neck, filled with homemade wine. “That’s my demijohn,” she said, noticing my interest. I had to know more.
If you’ve spotted these unique glass containers and wondered about them, you’re not alone. Many people ask what these bottles are and how to use them.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- What makes a demijohn special
- Common uses in homes today
- Best places to buy your own
I’ve spent years collecting these glass treasures and can guide you to find the perfect one for your home.
With the right information, you’ll soon have a beautiful demijohn of your own, no expert knowledge needed.
What Is a Demijohn?
A demijohn is simply a big glass bottle with a round body and narrow neck. I first saw one at my grandma’s house, where she kept her homemade vinegar.
These bottles aren’t just any containers; they have history. They came from France and Italy many years ago, where people used them to hold wine, oil, and other liquids.
Many have wicker coverings for protection and easier carrying.
You might hear these called by other names, too. Brewers often call them “carboys,” while some older folks use the term “dame-jeanne” (the French name).
What makes demijohns stand out is their size and shape. They typically hold 1-5 gallons and have that distinct bubble-like body that catches your eye.
I love how these bottles blend usefulness with beauty; they stored important goods for our grandparents, but now add character to our homes too.
Why Are Demijohns So Special?
Classic Vintage Appeal
The magic of demijohns lies in their aged glass and one-of-a-kind shapes. No two are exactly alike.
I fell in love with my first demijohn because of its tiny bubbles in the glass, proof that human hands, not machines, made it.
You can see the signs of time in these bottles. The glass often has a slight blue or green tint that catches light in wonderful ways.
Beauty Meets Purpose
These bottles weren’t made just to look pretty. They were hard-working tools for families making wine, storing oil, or keeping water.
I keep one in my kitchen that once held wine for an Italian family for 30 years. Now it holds dried flowers in my home. This mix of use and beauty makes them special.
Stories in Glass
Each demijohn comes with its own past. When you hold one, you’re touching something that might have been part of someone’s livelihood or family traditions.
Popular Ways to Use a Demijohn
1. Home Styling
Demijohns fit perfectly in farm-style, beach-themed, or cozy cottage homes. I have one in my entryway that gets noticed right away by guests.
You don’t need fancy skills to make these bottles look good; they do most of the work themselves.
Place one on your bookshelf among your favorite reads or on a side table near a window where light can shine through the glass.
2. Natural Displays
My favorite way to use a demijohn is with simple dried plants inside. Try wheat stems, cotton stalks, or tall pampas grass. The contrast of rustic plants with the glass looks beautiful.
You can also fill them partway with water and add a few fresh stems. I change mine with the seasons, willows in spring, lavender in summer.
3. Grouped Collections
Demijohns look even better in groups. I put three different sizes in my living room corner, and they make the space feel warm and lived-in.
Try setting a few different-sized bottles together on a dining room sideboard or kitchen counter. You can leave them empty or put a single stem in each.
4. Useful Objects
Turn your demijohn into something helpful. Some of my friends have added lamp fittings to make unique lighting. Others use smaller ones as terrariums for small plants.
I saw a clever setup where someone used a clear demijohn as a coin collection jar for vacation savings.
Types and Sizes of Demijohns
When shopping for demijohns, you’ll find several types and sizes to fit your needs. Knowing the differences helps you pick the right one.
1. Glass Colors
Clear demijohns let light shine through, making them perfect for sunny spots. I have one on my windowsill that creates little rainbows on the floor when the sun hits it just right.
Green glass bottles were common for wine storage. You’ll find many old ones in this shade. I like how they add a forest-like feel to a room.
Blue and amber bottles are less common but worth looking for. My friend has a blue one that becomes the main talking point whenever someone visits her home.
2. Covering Styles
Some demijohns come wrapped in wicker coverings. These were made for the safe transport of liquids. The wicker adds texture and a more rustic look to your space.
Bare glass bottles show off the beauty of the glass itself. You can see all the tiny bubbles and marks that make each one special.
Half-covered bottles offer the best of both worlds. I found one with wicker on the bottom half only; it shows both the glass and the handiwork of the wicker.
3. Size Range
Small demijohns (1-2 gallons) fit nicely on shelves or tables. You can move these around easily, and they don’t take up too much space.
Medium bottles (3-5 gallons) make stronger visual statements. Mine sits on the floor next to my fireplace and fills that awkward empty corner perfectly.
Large ones (over 5 gallons) become room-defining pieces. My neighbor has one that’s almost as tall as her coffee table! These big bottles need their own space, but really make a statement.
Where to Buy a Demijohn Today?
Looking for a demijohn but not sure where to find one? Let me help you with some practical options for buying this useful glass container.
1. Local Hunting Grounds
Flea markets and yard sales often have hidden gems. I found my favorite demijohn under a table at a country flea market for just around $25. Go early for the best finds.
Estate sales in older neighborhoods can be gold mines. Homes that have been lived in for decades often have these bottles tucked away in basements or garages.
Antique shops usually have a few, but expect to pay more; usually $50-200, depending on size and age. Still, the shop owners can tell you about the history, which adds value.
2. Online Shopping
Etsy offers thousands of options from sellers worldwide. I’ve bought two this way. Prices range from $40 for small new ones to $300+ for rare antiques.
eBay auctions can sometimes get you great deals if you’re patient. Set a budget before bidding to avoid getting caught up in the excitement.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are worth checking for local pickup deals. You can often find them for $30-100, and you’ll save on shipping costs.
3. What to Look For
Check for cracks by tapping gently on the glass; a clear ring means it’s solid, while a dull thud might signal damage.
Don’t worry about minor scratches or worn wicker; these marks tell the bottle’s story and add character.
Measure your space before buying. I once ordered one online that was way too big for my shelf. Take a minute to check dimensions, especially when shopping online.
Tips for Choosing the Right Demijohn
1. Think About Placement
Consider where your demijohn will live in your home. I keep a large one on my floor near my bookcase, but a smaller one might work better on a shelf or table.
For bright rooms, clear or light blue glass catches sunlight beautifully. In darker spaces, amber bottles add warmth and glow.
If you want your bottle to be a main feature, go bigger or pick one with unusual coloring. When I want a subtle touch, I use smaller ones mixed with books and plants.
2. Match Your Home Style
Your demijohn should feel at home with your other items. In my cottage-style living room, I chose one with wicker covering that matches my basket collection.
For clean, modern spaces, look for bottles with smooth glass and less texture. Country or rustic homes pair well with bubbled glass and worn wicker.
Beach-themed rooms come alive with blue-green tinted bottles that remind you of sea glass. I added one to my guest bathroom that picks up the colors in my seashell collection.
3. Embrace Character
The best demijohns have stories written into their glass. Mine has tiny bubbles and a slightly off-center neck that shows it was hand-blown.
Don’t pass up a bottle just because the wicker is frayed or the glass has age marks. These small flaws make each one special and give your home warmth.
I once passed on a “too worn” bottle and still regret it years later. Now I know those marks are what make these bottles worth having.
4. Take Your Time
Finding the right demijohn isn’t something to rush. I looked for months before finding one that felt perfect for my space.
Visit different shops and sales. Compare sizes and styles in person when you can. Sometimes the bottle you least expect turns out to be the one that feels right.
Take photos of ones you like and look at them later at home. I find this helps me picture how they’ll fit into my space.
Conclusion
Demijohns bring more than just looks to your home; they carry bits of history with them.
I love thinking about all the hands that might have held my bottles before me, and the homes they’ve lived in through the years.
These glass treasures fit almost anywhere, from a sunny kitchen shelf to a dark corner that needs some light. Their beauty lies in their simplicity and stories.
Have you found a special demijohn of your own? I’d love to see how you’ve used it in your space. Share a photo in the comments below or tell us where you found your favorite piece.
Remember, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these bottles.
Your demijohn should make you happy when you look at it. That’s what makes these simple glass containers worth having. They add a touch of soul to any room they grace.