Light It Up without a Flame

Up-cycling Vintage Ashtrays, Strikers, Lighters and Cigarette Boxes

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MCM Ronson Decor Flying Saucer Lighter

Vintage ashtrays, lighters , cigarette boxes/holders and match strikers come in gorgeous shapes and materials.  

French Kiosk Popup Cigarette Dispenser

From painted porcelain to colored glass, you'll find a plethora of shapes, sizes and configurations that will look great in your decor. 

Wedgewood Jasperware Cigar Set

You don't have to be a smoker to appreciate some of these vintage beauties.  There's something to fit every style.  Put them in a rustic cabin or your Parisian pied a terre.

My inspiration for writing this piece, are all the fabulous versions that One Kings Lane currently has on display on their site.

Ashtrays

Here are a few ways to up-cycle vintage and antique ashtrays.

1. Use as a candle holder.
2. Use to hold jewelry.
3. Use to hold wrapped candies.
4. Use to hold your phone.
5. Use to hold keys.
6. Use as coasters.

   

   Vintage Brass Fly Ashtray

   
   

   

   Vintage Brass Shoe Ashtray

   

   Vintage Brass Crab Ashtray

You'll find that the European ashtrays are a lot more refined than those made in the US.  I don't know why this is the case.  I can only guess that Americans were just more utilitarian.  Some European ashtrays, made by Royal Doulton, weren't even called ashtrays.  They were called "ash receivers", as they didn't look like ashtrays.  

Royal Doulton Ash Receivers

Strikers

Here are a few ways to up-cycle vintage and antique match strikers.

1. Place a vintage striker near your candle to hold matches.
2. Use as a small candle holder.
3. Use to hold matches near a fireplace.
4. Use as a small vase.

   

   Vintage French Cassis Quenot Porcelain Match Striker

   

   Vintage English Match Striker

Lighters

Let's face it, there's not a log of new ways to use a lighter.  It is what it is.  You could place a vintage lighter near your candle to quickly start a flame, or start a really cool collection.  There are quite some unusual lighters out there to get you started.

Vintage Car Lighter

EVANS Cut Crystal Jewel Encrusted Standing Table Lighter

Cigarette Boxes and Holders 

Cigarette boxes were often placed on the tabletop to quick and decorative access to your smokes.

1. Hold small items on a side bed table.
2. Hold small bathroom items (Q-Tips, cotton balls, etc.)
3. Hold jewelry, receipts, pens, etc.
4. Hold business cards.

Antique 1900 Persian Russian Islamic Silver Signed Cigarette Box

Antique Art Deco 9ct Gold & Sapphire Cartier Cigarette Case

1960s Cigarette Dispenser

Use any of these items  together or with other decor for a really cool vignette.  

These little objects were once a part of everyday decor, but can now be up-cycled to objects d'art or play another part in your everyday life.

If you're looking to start, there's actually a Vintage Tobacciana site and you can of course look on the standard Ebay and Etsy sites.