Damajuanas: the perfect complement for decoration

Although in its original version (wicker cover with handles to protect the contents and give stability to its base), it is used mainly in rustic environments, the truth is that once they were detached "from the coat", the aesthetics of the inner glass opened up all kinds of possibilities for interior design and decoration, becoming the perfect complement to give a rustic chic touch to any space.

Let's see some curiosities and tricks to use them when decorating.

What is a demijohn?

A demijohn is actually nothing more than a container for liquids, a kind of glass or earthenware decanter, with a wide base, thin neck, rounded shape and considerable size, which can hold between 2 to 40 liters of liquid.

Traditionally they used to have a wicker cover (nowadays generally plasticized) to facilitate their stability and transport, by incorporating a handle. However, at a decorative level, today they are reduced almost exclusively to glass, eliminating the cover and sometimes incorporating the handle to the glass container itself, forming part of it.

Where does the term Damajuana come from?

There are several legends about why the Damajuanas are called as such, but the two most widespread are these:

The first links the origin of the term to the French "dame-jeanne", relating it to an anecdote by which Queen Joanna I of Naples, after taking refuge one stormy day in the workshop of a glassmaker, was interested in the method of making bottles and tried to make his own right there, blowing so hard that he got a container of much greater capacity than usual (10 liters), which is why they ended up giving them this name.

The other version links it to Mexico in the mid-nineteenth century, from the hands of a glassmaker in the town of Tijuana. It seems that there, his wife, a certain Juana de los Milagros González, small and plump, began to go to the purchase of daily wine with that kind of bottle and day by day in the village began to be popularized as "the bottle of Lady Juana", as it was popularly known to the woman, and that is how it was commissioned to the glazier not knowing what to call it. To this was added the jokes of the inhabitants who resembled the shape of the bottle to Juana herself, wide hips and a few extra pounds, which is why it ended up being awarded that name.

How to use Damajuanas in decoration?

As a vase of fresh flowers or dried branches

This would be their most typical use. Although its initial function was to transport liquids, its particular shape makes the damajuanas the perfect vase to incorporate all kinds of flowers, branches or bouquets.

On benches, benches, consoles and sideboards

If you have a decorative bench or a low piece of furniture like the TV stand and you can't think of a way to give it some life, try placing a damajuana with dry branches and you will see how you fill the space...

The same goes for entryway consoles or work desks: A damajuana mitigates the coldness of papers, scissors or books and conveys a sense of peace that is ideal for any entryway.

Damajuanas on the ground

Both in rustic and modern environments, the demijohns on the floor dress the room in a very particular way. Put it next to a sofa, place several under a window or place them to the left or right of the steps of an interior and you will see how it fills everything with life...

 Why not more than one?

In pairs or multiples, one of the most decorative options when decorating with demijohns is to use several of different sizes and/or formats and place them together, either at the same level (for example on a coffee table) or at different levels (for example one resting on the floor and the other on a small stool).

As a centerpiece

Another typical use of every damajuana in interior design is to use them as table centerpieces. Whether on dining tables, side tables or centerpieces, demijohns are a very decorative solution to decorate.

Colored...

Although the aesthetics of transparent or greenish glass is perfect as a neutral element to decorate later in any color, you can also consider using glazed demijohns in different colors to achieve a cheerful and lively atmosphere.

As ceiling lamps

If DIY or going out of the established canons is your thing, you can use the demijohns as a dysfunctional design object: insert a cable and a light bulb and turn them into fun ceiling lamps.

... or as table lamps

Another option to reuse a demijohn stored in the storage room is to use it as a base to place a lampshade or LED strips inside and create a beautiful table lamp.

Decorating the heights...

The floor or low tables are not the only possible location for a demijohn: place them on the lintel of the fireplace, on a free-standing fridge or on a low cupboard that looks uncluttered.

Aren't they a real beauty...? If you like to surf through decoration blogs, it's rare that you didn't know them, but in case you haven't discovered them yet, here are some more images for your inspiration. Have a good start of the week!