8 Simple Ways to Repurpose Empty Wine Bottles into Practical Stuff

First things first, we want to say that these ideas for wine bottles don’t require drilling, cutting, or structurally altering the bottles in any way. When we say “simple” way to repurpose empty wine bottles, more or less that means we don’t have to deal with bottle cutters or glass-cutting drill bits and often don’t require tools at all. That’s part of what makes these projects easy.

In terms of “practical” stuff, we are also focusing on ways to repurpose wine bottles to be used in some way beyond decorative objects. That’s not to say our projects won’t have aesthetic appeal—they do and will—but, more so, that we won’t be suggesting painting a bottle and putting it on a shelf to look at. That’s not very practical.

Simple and practical is a killer combination in these terms. However, realistically, there are only so many wine bottles a person can repurpose, which isn’t to say we shouldn’t be giving it our all. Repurposing is usually a better option than recycling in terms of energy consumption, and a good repurposing project might mean we don’t have to buy something new.

All that in mind, the good thing about glass container recycling is that it is 100% recyclable and can be processed again and again without the glass losing its integrity. Plus, we actually have facilities in the US that do it, so it will likely be recycled as opposed to say plastic.

1. Tiki torches

Old wine bottles are fantastic for tiki torches, and they don’t require much work. They are made from a material that doesn’t burn. They will hold plenty of fluid to burn all night. You need a wick and fuel, two things that even store-bought torches require, as well as something to hold the wick up out of the bottle. This can either be a bushing from the plumbing section or a metal cap with a hole drilled through it.

2. Flower vase

A flower vase is one of those items that can be as simple as putting some water in a wine bottle and standing a flower in it. However, these can be made a bit nicer by bunching three wine bottles together to make a bigger bouquet, or the wine bottle can be painted or decoupaged to make it more than an old wine bottle. Some wine labels, however, are stunning enough to do the job.

3. Birdfeeder

There are a few ways to make birdfeeders from wine bottles. This one doesn’t require altering the bottle, but it does require a bit of carpentry and tools. However, the woodwork is very simple. The birdfeeder is self-filling, adding more seed to the tray as the available supply diminishes.

4. Infused Vinegar/Oil

Wine bottles are great for using to infuse olive oil and vinegar with flavors from the garden. Spicy peppers, bright edible flowers, or fresh herbs can be dropped into the bottom half of the bottle, and the rest is filled with either vinegar or oil and left for a month or more to absorb the flavors. Then, they can be secret weapons in the kitchen. They

5. Lamps

There are many methods for repurposing a bottle into a lamp. Some require drills and electrical skills, but several are much simpler than that. For a bedside lamp, the socket can be glued to the mouth of the bottle, and the wire left hanging or glued to the outside of the bottle. For outdoor lighting, strains of Christmas lights can be shoved into bottles and run between them.

6. DIY Cleaning

As we become more eco-conscious, many people are getting into making their own cleaning products, from dishwashing soap to window cleaners to all-purpose cleaners. Old wine bottles can be good storage containers for this stuff, keeping plastic out of the house.

7. Garden Borders

Wine bottle garden borders can be a very attractive feature for patio gardens and other small growing spaces. Even better, they repurpose loads of wine bottles. Just bury the bottles’ necks down in the soil, leaving the bases up to create a visual border for the garden.

8. Candle Holders

Many a wine bottle has lived the fate of being a candle holder, and why not? It’s just a matter of buying a taper candle and sticking it in the top of the bottle. They are so well-suited to it that candles have been specially made to melt down the sides of the wine bottle and leave a cool mix of colors. Again, these can be improved with a bit of paint or artistic flourishes on or in the bottle.

Wine bottles are going to happen in most adult homes these days. That’s just a part of life. But, those of us willing to get a bit funky and fun can make something of all those empties, therein justifying creating more of them. How convenient! Now, what to do with the corks?

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