Did you know that those empty bottles cluttering your recycling bin can be transformed into stunning home décor, practical organizers, and even thoughtful gifts? Upcycling glass and plastic bottles is not only an eco-friendly way to reduce waste but also a fantastic way to save money while creating unique, handcrafted items. With a bit of creativity, some household materials, and a touch of DIY spirit, you can give these bottles a second life in ways you never imagined. Whether you want to add a personal touch to your home, organize your space, or craft inexpensive yet impressive gifts, this list of 25 DIY bottle crafts will inspire you to turn ordinary trash into extraordinary treasures. From elegant lighting solutions and garden enhancements to kid-friendly projects and organizational hacks, these ideas will help you get the most out of those discarded bottles without spending a fortune. Let’s explore the many ways you can turn everyday bottles into beautiful and practical creations!
1. Chic Hanging Bottle Lanterns
source @gezazy
Transform old glass bottles into elegant hanging lanterns by cutting off the bottoms and inserting LED tea lights or candles. Wrap the tops with jute rope or wire to create a rustic touch, and hang them from tree branches or outdoor pergolas for a cozy ambiance. This budget-friendly lighting solution is perfect for backyard parties, weddings, or simply adding warmth to your patio without splurging on expensive décor.
2. DIY Self-Watering Planters
source @lildarlinstudios
If you’re a plant lover but struggle with watering schedules, this project is for you. Cut a plastic bottle in half, invert the top, and insert it into the bottom half filled with water. Place a cotton string or wick through the opening to allow the plant to absorb moisture as needed. These self-watering planters are perfect for herbs, succulents, and small houseplants, ensuring they stay hydrated without constant attention.
3. Rustic Bottle Vase Centerpieces
source @thesonnethouse
Why buy expensive vases when you can upcycle old bottles into charming table centerpieces? Simply remove the labels, paint or wrap them with twine, and fill them with fresh or dried flowers. Whether you’re decorating for an event or just want to add a rustic touch to your home, these budget-friendly vases are a stylish and sustainable alternative.
4. Wine Bottle Tiki Torches
source @toriwithee
Give your backyard a stylish upgrade by repurposing old wine bottles into tiki torches. Fill them with citronella oil to repel mosquitoes, insert a wick, and secure the top with a copper coupling. These torches not only add a beautiful glow to your outdoor space but also help keep bugs at bay during warm evenings.
5. Upcycled Bottle Bird Feeders
source @that_stem_guy
Attract birds to your garden by transforming a plastic or glass bottle into a bird feeder. Cut openings in the sides, insert small perches, and fill the bottle with birdseed. Hang it from a tree branch and watch as birds flock to your DIY feeder, turning your yard into a lively haven for nature lovers.
6. Colorful Bottle Wind Chimes
source @ducksgeneral
Turn old glass bottles into musical wind chimes that bring charm to your garden. Cut the bottom sections off, paint them in vibrant colors, and hang them at different lengths to create a melodious sound when the wind blows. This DIY project is not only beautiful but also a fun and creative way to repurpose old bottles.
7. DIY Liquid Soap Dispensers
source @northwindpottery
Upgrade your bathroom or kitchen by turning an empty glass bottle into a stylish soap dispenser. Fit a pump top onto the bottle, decorate it with labels or paint, and fill it with your favorite hand soap or dish soap. This project helps reduce plastic waste while adding an elegant touch to your sink area.
8. Decorative Bottle Candle Holders
source @melindatonzing
Create elegant candle holders by cutting glass bottles and smoothing the edges. These holders can be painted, frosted, or left clear for a sleek look. Whether used as table centerpieces, mantel décor, or mood lighting for a dinner party, these DIY candle holders are a sophisticated way to repurpose old bottles.
9. Bottle Fairy Light Displays
source @zerowastestorenamibia
Give your home a magical touch by filling clear glass bottles with battery-operated fairy lights. This simple yet enchanting DIY project instantly creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or even outdoor patio areas. Whether you use wine bottles, mason jars, or soda bottles, the glow from the tiny lights reflecting through the glass adds a cozy and elegant feel to any space. You can even customize the look by wrapping the bottle with lace, painting designs on the glass, or adding decorative charms to match your style.
10. DIY Bottle Wall Shelves
source @floatingshelves_interiors
If you’re short on space and looking for unique storage solutions, consider turning plastic or glass bottles into wall shelves. By cutting large bottles in half, smoothing the edges, and securely mounting them onto a wooden plank or directly onto the wall, you can create small storage compartments for keys, mini plants, or even bathroom essentials. Painted in vibrant colors or left transparent for a modern touch, these bottle shelves are a creative way to organize your home while keeping costs low.
11. Glass Bottle Table Lamps
source @objectshq
Why spend a fortune on designer table lamps when you can make your own from old wine or liquor bottles? Simply clean the bottle, add a lamp kit, and top it off with a stylish shade to create a high-end-looking lamp for a fraction of the cost. You can customize the look with spray paint, decals, or even fabric-wrapped bottles to match your home décor. This DIY project is an excellent way to repurpose empty bottles while adding a personalized touch to your home lighting.
12. Painted Wine Bottle Bookends
source @radkepaints
If you love books, you’ll love this DIY project! Instead of purchasing expensive bookends, fill empty wine bottles with sand or pebbles for weight, then paint them in bold colors or wrap them with decorative twine. These sturdy and stylish bookends add a unique touch to your bookshelf while keeping your favorite reads in place.
13. Bottle Cap Mosaic Art
source @jambottlecapart
Don’t throw away those bottle caps—use them to create stunning mosaic artwork! Arrange caps of different colors and sizes on a wooden board, mirror frame, or tabletop to craft eye-catching designs. You can spell out words, create geometric patterns, or make nature-inspired art. This budget-friendly project is a great way to recycle small waste materials while unleashing your artistic side.
14. DIY Garden Edging with Bottles
source @ginzstone
Create a visually appealing and eco-friendly garden border by burying glass bottles upside down along the edges of your flower beds. This unique landscaping idea not only helps recycle used bottles but also adds a decorative and colorful touch to your garden. Mix and match different bottle colors for a vibrant, artistic look, or stick with one shade for a more uniform aesthetic.
15. Upcycled Bottle Storage Bins
source @mdesign
Turn large plastic bottles into handy storage bins for organizing household items like toys, office supplies, and bathroom essentials. By cutting the bottles into various sizes, decorating them with fabric, paint, or washi tape, and labeling them for easy identification, you can create a neat and tidy space without spending money on store-bought containers. These bins are especially useful for small apartments, craft rooms, and kids’ play areas.
16. DIY Bottle Herb Garden
source @joplingreenhouse
If you love fresh herbs but lack outdoor space, transform empty plastic or glass bottles into an indoor herb garden. Cut the bottles in half and use the top half as a self-watering planter or stack them vertically to create a hanging herb garden. Fill each section with soil and plant basil, mint, cilantro, or any herb of your choice. To give it a more decorative touch, paint the bottles or wrap them in burlap. This space-saving solution is perfect for apartments and small kitchens, allowing you to grow your own fresh herbs while adding a green, vibrant element to your home.
17. Handmade Bottle Jewelry Holders
source @nb_bottles
Tangled necklaces and missing earrings can be frustrating, but an upcycled bottle jewelry holder can solve that problem stylishly. Cut off the top of a plastic bottle or use the neck of a wine bottle to create a simple yet elegant jewelry stand. You can stack multiple bottle necks on a wooden dowel to hold rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Decorating the bottles with gold spray paint, pearls, or crystals can make them look like a high-end jewelry organizer, perfect for keeping your accessories neat while adding a touch of sophistication to your dresser.
18. DIY Bottle Curtain for Doorways or Windows
source @diggydooscoffee
For a bohemian, artsy vibe, consider making a DIY bottle curtain using plastic bottle bottoms or glass bottle slices. Cut the bases of colorful plastic bottles into flower-like shapes, drill small holes, and string them together with fishing line to create a whimsical, eye-catching curtain. Hang it in a doorway, window, or even on a patio for a vibrant, eco-friendly alternative to traditional curtains. If using glass bottles, smooth the edges with sandpaper and use different colored bottles to create a stained-glass effect when the sunlight shines through. This is a fun, budget-friendly way to add character to any space.
19. Recycled Bottle Chandelier
source @mas_tortilleria
Instead of splurging on an expensive chandelier, why not craft one from upcycled bottles? By cutting the tops or bottoms off glass or plastic bottles and arranging them in a circular pattern around a light fixture, you can create a stunning, artistic chandelier that casts beautiful light patterns across the room. Choose clear bottles for a sleek, modern look or colored bottles for a more eclectic design. This DIY bottle chandelier is not only an affordable lighting solution but also a unique conversation piece that will make any room feel stylish and elegant.
20. DIY Bottle Pencil and Craft Holders
source @thebatliproject
Keep your workspace tidy with upcycled bottle pencil holders. Cut plastic or glass bottles at different heights, decorate them with paint, fabric, or twine, and use them to store pens, markers, scissors, and other craft supplies. This is an especially great project for kids’ desks or home offices, providing an easy and fun way to organize everyday essentials without spending extra money. If you’re feeling extra creative, use chalkboard paint on the outside so you can label each container with its contents, making organization even more effortless.
21. Garden Watering System from Bottles
source @breatheinforest
Save money on expensive irrigation systems by repurposing plastic bottles into a DIY garden watering system. Simply poke small holes in the bottom of a plastic bottle, bury it near the roots of your plants, and fill it with water. The slow release of moisture ensures that plants receive steady hydration without overwatering. This method is especially useful for busy gardeners or those going on vacation, as it keeps plants healthy and thriving with minimal effort. You can even add a nutrient solution to the bottle for a low-cost, homemade fertilizer system.
22. DIY Bottle Phone Charging Dock
source @drip
Tired of tangled charging cables and misplaced phones? Make a DIY phone charging dock using an empty plastic bottle. Cut the bottle to create a pocket that holds your phone, attach it near a power outlet, and decorate it to match your room’s aesthetic. This clever solution keeps your phone off the floor while charging and prevents cords from getting in the way. You can even personalize it with washi tape, fabric, or paint to give it a stylish touch.
23. Homemade Bottle Christmas Ornaments
source @reallyicetomeetyou
For budget-friendly holiday decorations, turn old bottles into dazzling Christmas ornaments. Cut plastic bottles into small shapes and paint them with festive colors, or use glass bottles to create mini winter scenes inside by filling them with fake snow, tiny Christmas trees, and fairy lights. You can even create personalized ornaments by writing names or special messages on the bottles. These handmade ornaments make wonderful gifts and add a unique, sentimental touch to your holiday décor while saving money on store-bought decorations.
24. Upcycled Bottle Soap Holders for Bathrooms
source @abedsbarbados
Upgrade your bathroom storage by turning plastic bottles into stylish soap holders. Cut a section from a large bottle, smooth the edges, and attach it to the wall with adhesive hooks or suction cups. This provides a handy spot for holding soap bars, sponges, or razors, keeping your bathroom sink area clean and clutter-free. You can customize the holders with waterproof paint or decorative contact paper to match your bathroom’s color scheme. This DIY project is a simple and effective way to stay organized while repurposing plastic waste.
25. DIY Bottle Piggy Bank for Saving Money
source @astelladivina
Encourage smart saving habits by making a fun DIY piggy bank from an old plastic bottle. Cut a coin slot in the top, paint it in bright colors, and decorate it with stickers or craft supplies to make it look like a cute piggy, robot, or any design you like. This is an excellent project for kids, teaching them the value of saving money while giving them a creative craft to work on. If you want to get extra fancy, add a small lock mechanism to turn it into a secure savings bank. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to start a savings habit while recycling an old bottle.
