9 DIY Projects That Reuse Your Old Glass Bottles

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Updated April 9, 2021

person in billowy white top holds upcycled glass bottles with twine as craft project — Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

In some cities, recycling glass bottles isn't as simple as you might think. In fact, some of those bottles end up in landfills.

But instead of fretting about the problem, get creative by transforming them into a clever DIY project. Here are 9 ideas to get you started.

flat lay shot of glass bottles to be upcycled in crafts project with supplies and paint — Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

1. Flower Vase Centerpiece

upcycled glass bottles as modern wood vase centerpiece with flowers on wooden table — Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Jazz up your dining room table with 1-inch x 6-inch wood board and old glass soda bottles. Construct the centerpiece by building a rectangular shape with your wood and drill holes into the top piece to make room for the flower stems.

2. Colorful Bottle Chandelier

wine bottles upcycled and painted and hung with twine as lighting pendant — Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

To make a wine bottle chandelier, cut your wine bottle using a bottle cutter (there are many types on Amazon to choose from), then sand the bottom edge of your bottle to make it smooth. Then simply paint your bottles with Mod Podge Sheer Color Paint. Once dry, attach a pendant light kit.

3. Painted Flower Vases

glass bottles upcycled into painted bud vases holding white tulips on wooden table — Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Add some color to your home décor by painting bud vases. All you have to do is pour a few tablespoons of paint into your bottles and then swish the paint around so it covers the inside of the bottle. Then turn your bottles upside down to dry an allow the excess paint to drip out. Once dry, you can put your fresh flowers inside.

4. Bottle Tree

upcycled brown glass bottle tree as outside decor next to wicker chair — Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

You can purchase bottle trees from many online stores or make your own. Buy a steel rod from a local steel supply store and decorate it with an assortment of colored wine bottles.

5. Tiki Torch Bottles

glass bottle turned into lit tiki torch on patio table in backyard with festive drinks — Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Did you know that you can make a tiki torch out of just about any glass bottle? Fill your empty liquor bottle halfway with water and the rest with tiki torch fluid. Drench your wick into the tiki torch fluid and then place it inside the bottle. The next step is to light it. It's a perfect addition for backyard party.

6. Rainbow Wine Bottle Lanterns

wine bottles painted and upcycled with twine placed over tea lights as outdoor lanterns — Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Repurpose your wine bottles into these adorable rainbow lanterns. Cut your bottles using a bottle cutter and then paint them in a rainbow of colors. Once they're dry, simply light your tea lights and place the glass bottles on top for a simple decoration.

7. Candles in Cut Wine Bottles

person lights candle in upcycled brown wine bottle cut into candle holder on top of books — Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Wine bottles make the perfect candle containers. Using a bottle cutter, slice your wine bottle in half. Then fill with melted soy wax and wooden wicks. If you're a fragrance person, be sure to add some essential oils to make your home smell delicious when you light it.

8. Calming Bottles

person sits on floor cradling a glass bottle filled with gooey sparkle gel for relaxation — Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Is it hard for you to take a minute to breathe and calm down? This DIY calming bottle is great for kids and adults. All you do is fill a glass jar with glitter, glue and water. The idea is to shake the bottle and as the glitter slowly falls to the bottom of the jar, you take as many deep breaths as you need to settle your emotions at the same time.

9. Etch Your Own Soap Bottle

glass bottle on bathroom sink is upcycled into soap dispenser with green top — Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Transform an old milk, wine or olive oil bottle into a dish soap bottle and add an extra design element to it by etching it. Adhere letter stickers on your glass and then apply etching cream over your letters, rinse off and viola — your project is done!