When it comes to repurposing, lightbulbs are a tried and true DIY go-to. Whether you’re turning one into a bud vase or covering it with twine to masquerade as a pear, these versatile pieces of glass belong anywhere but in your trash. We’ve rounded up 14 brilliant ways to breathe new life into your burnt out bulbs.
14 Brilliant Ways to Repurpose Lightbulbs

By Anjelika TempleJul 07, 2013
Anjelika Temple
As Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Brit + Co, Anjelika Temple brings her voracious consumption of all things creative and colorful to DIY projects, geeky gadgetry finds and more. When she's not DIY-ing her heart out, you'll find her throwing dinner parties with friends or adventuring with her husband David, their daughters Anokhi and Indira, and their silly dog Turkey.
When it comes to repurposing, lightbulbs are a tried and true DIY go-to. Whether you’re turning one into a bud vase or covering it with twine to masquerade as a pear, these versatile pieces of glass belong anywhere but in your trash. We’ve rounded up 14 brilliant ways to breathe new life into your burnt out bulbs.
This tutorial
Tiny Terrarium
Mix and match a bunch of different mini light bulbs and paint them gold to create an illuminating decor theme. (via
Repurposed Lightbulb Oil Lamp
Another take on the terrarium, this is an adorable idea for place cards at a wedding. (via
Chic Bud Vase
Even burnt out lightbulbs can still carry light, it’s just the light
This one involves a whole lot of cool materials. First, find yourself a vintage sugar mold! Impossible? Maybe, but you could also look for similar shapes or tea light holders at a flea market. Then get battery powered lights to put at the bottom of each opening and top with vintage light bulbs. (via
Lightbulb Necklace
We never actually realized that lightbulbs look a whole lot like pears until seeing them cleverly wrapped in twine. (via
Bookmark this under holiday hacks. It’s a fun way to create an ornament-inspired decoration. (via
For the more avant-garde makers among you, check out this industrial-looking sculpture made from an assortment of lightbulbs. (via
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