How to Change a Bulb in a Vintage Jelly Jar Light Fixture

Jelly jar fixtures, with their rustic appeal and classic mason jar design, add a touch of vintage charm to any room or outdoor space. They're a surprisingly versatile lighting solution, perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, patios, porches, or even industrial-style lofts.

But if you've never changed the bulb in one before, knowing where to start can be a bit confusing. Let's take those beautiful lights out of the dark and get them glowing again!

Steps to Change a Bulb in a Vintage Jelly Jar Light Fixture

Electrical work can be dangerous, so always prioritize safety. Turn off the power to the light fixture at the breaker box before you begin any work. This will prevent the risk of shock.

Gather Your Tools: You'll likely only need a few things to complete this task. A regular screwdriver will do the trick for most thumbscrew-secured fixtures. If your fixture uses a twist-off design and seems stuck, you might need some lubricating oil like WD-40 to help loosen things up. Most importantly, make sure you have a new bulb on hand.

Choose a bulb that's compatible with your jelly jar light fixture and has the appropriate wattage. A quick look at the old bulb's markings or referencing your fixture's manual will help you identify the correct replacement.

Thumbscrew Version:

Locate the thumbscrews, which are typically small screws positioned around the rim of the metal base that holds the glass jar in place. Using your screwdriver, gently turn each thumbscrew counterclockwise a few rotations at a time.

You don't need to remove them completely, just loosen them enough to allow the glass jar to wiggle freely.

With a firm but gentle grip, grasp the glass jar by its base or sides. Carefully lift the jar straight up to disengage it from the fixture base. Be mindful of any wires or electrical components that might be attached to the bulb socket and avoid pulling on them.

Once the jar is free, set it down on a soft surface to prevent accidental breakage. Now you have clear access to the old bulb. Unscrew the old bulb by turning it counterclockwise until it detaches from the socket.

Dispose of the old bulb according to local regulations, as some bulbs contain harmful mercury.

Twist-Off Version:

Since there are no thumbscrews to loosen on a twist-off design, it's important to stabilize the metal base to prevent it from turning with the jar. Hold the metal base firmly with one hand.

You can grip the underside of the base or the part that attaches to the ceiling or wall.

Gently Twist the Jar: With the other hand, grasp the glass jar by its widest part, avoiding the rim where it meets the metal base. Gently apply a counterclockwise twisting motion to the jar. It might take a little effort to get it started, especially if the jar hasn't been removed in a while.

Persistent Jar? Apply Lubricant: If the jar seems stuck and won't budge, apply a small amount of lubricating oil, like WD-40, around the threads where the glass jar meets the metal base. Let the lubricant sit for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate any grime or corrosion. Then, carefully try twisting the jar again using a back-and-forth motion to loosen it gradually.

Success! Replace the Bulb: Once the jar loosens and comes free, carefully set it down on a protected surface. Now you can access the bulb socket and replace the old bulb with your new compatible bulb. Just screw the new bulb in firmly, but not too tight, by turning it clockwise.

Reassemble the Fixture: Carefully lift the jar and align it with the opening on the metal base. Begin screwing the jar back on by turning it clockwise. You should feel some resistance as the threads catch, but don't overtighten it. A snug fit is all that's required.

What if My Jar is Stuck?

Don't panic! Years of grime and corrosion can make the jar stubborn. Try applying a bit of lubricant like WD-40 around the threads and let it sit for a bit before trying to loosen it again.