10 Uses for Wine Bottles

As the holiday season approaches, recycling bins often overflow with empty wine bottles. Instead of discarding these versatile glass containers, why not repurpose them into attractive and useful projects? This article explores ten creative ways to give new life to your empty wine bottles to reduce waste and add unique touches to your home and garden.

1. Keep Plants Hydrated

Transform your empty wine bottles into efficient irrigation systems. This DIY watering project can keep your plants hydrated, especially when you’re away on vacation. Here’s how to create a slow-drip irrigator out of a wine bottle:

1. Clean the wine bottle thoroughly and remove any labels.
2. Drill a 1/4-inch hole through a cork using a drill bit.
3. Fill the bottle with water and insert the cork.
4. Press the bottle neck-first into well-hydrated soil near your plant.

This simple irrigator allows water to slowly seep into the soil, providing consistent moisture to your plants’ roots. It’s a good choice for potted plants or small garden areas that require regular watering. It’s also a great solution for those who tend to forget watering schedules.

2. Level Crooked Wall Frames

Achieve perfectly level picture frames with this clever wine bottle trick:

1. Fill a wine bottle to its label with water.
2. Hold the bottle bottom-down on top of the picture or mirror frame.
3. Adjust the frame until the water’s meniscus (the curved surface of the liquid) aligns with the label’s edge.

This technique works because the water in the bottle always seeks its own level, thus providing an accurate reference point for adjusting your frames. This is a useful method for leveling frames or mirrors when you don’t have a traditional bubble level on hand and can be a handy tool for DIY wall gallery arrangements.

3. Stop Tall Boots From Toppling

Keep your tall boots in shape and standing upright with this simple trick. Simply insert clean, dry wine bottles into the shafts of your winter footwear. This method offers several benefits:

• Allows air circulation, reducing moisture buildup in the boot
• Keeps boots upright in closets or mudrooms, saving space
• Prevents creasing and maintains the boot’s shape

For best results, use bottles that closely match the height of your boots. This technique works well for leather, suede, and synthetic materials. It’s also a great way to repurpose wine bottles if you have a large collection.

4. Make a Festive Light Display

Create a charming, eco-friendly light display using wine bottles and string lights. This project adds a warm, inviting glow to any space. Here’s how to make your own:

1. Choose a wine bottle with an interesting shape or color.
2. Ensure the bottle is completely dry before inserting the lights.
3. Using a 3/4-inch tile bit, carefully drill a hole in the side of the bottle.
4. Enlarge and smooth the hole with a conical grinding stone.
5. Feed a 50-light string (with just one plug) into the hole.

This upcycled decoration is perfect for patios and dining areas or as a unique nightlight. Remember to use LED lights to prevent heat buildup inside the bottle. These illuminated bottles can become an enchanting centerpiece for a festive gathering.

5. Prop Books

Create personalized bookends using wine bottles that hold special memories. This project combines functionality with sentimental value:

1. Select a meaningful bottle, such as one from a celebration or special occasion.
2. Clean the bottle thoroughly and remove any labels if desired.
3. Fill the bottle with sand, small pebbles, or decorative beads for weight.
4. Place the filled bottle on its side to prop up books on a shelf.

This DIY bookend keeps your books organized and serves as a unique conversation piece. Consider using bottles from different occasions to create a set of mismatched but cohesive bookends. Personalize them further by wrapping the bottles in twine or attaching small labels commemorating the event.

6. Apply Stone Dust to Your Patio

Keep your stone patio in top condition by repurposing a wine bottle as a handy repair tool. Fill a clean, dry bottle with stone dust and use it to quickly address gaps in your patio or walkway. Here’s how:

1. Clean out the joints between flagstones or bluestones.
2. Pour the stone dust from the bottle into the gaps.
3. Sweep the dust into the joints and mist with water to settle.

This method allows for precise application of stone dust, making it easier to maintain your outdoor spaces. Keep the bottle in your garden shed or garage for quick access when needed.

7. Protect Candles From Drafts

Create elegant, custom hurricane lamps to protect your candles from drafts. This project transforms ordinary wine bottles into stylish decor pieces:

1. Carefully remove the bottom of the wine bottle (see step-by-step directions for safe cutting techniques).
2. Sand the cut edge to ensure it’s smooth and safe.
3. Place the bottle over a tea light or small candle.

This project shields your candles from the wind and creates beautiful, flickering light patterns through colored glass. It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings or adding ambiance to indoor spaces. Experiment with different bottle colors and sizes to create a varied and interesting display.

8. Space Open Wall Shelves

When installing floating shelves, wine bottles can serve as spacers to ensure consistent gaps between each shelf. Follow these steps for perfectly spaced shelves:

1. Install the first shelf securely.
2. Place two identical wine bottles near the ends of the installed shelf.
3. Rest the next shelf on top of the bottles and mark its location.
4. Remove the bottles and install the next shelf at the marked position.

This method is useful for creating a cohesive look in home offices, living rooms, or kitchens. This trick can make your DIY projects look polished and professional without the need for specialized tools.

9. Edge Garden Beds or Paths

You can create a unique and eco-friendly border for your garden beds or paths using wine bottles. This project adds a touch of whimsy and color to your outdoor spaces:

1. Collect empty wine bottles throughout the year.
2. In spring, excavate an 8-inch-deep trench along your garden bed or path.
3. Bury the bottles neck-first, leaving the bottoms exposed.
4. Ensure the bottles are firmly packed in place with soil.

The exposed bottle bottoms will catch the sunlight, creating a sparkling border. Choose bottles of similar colors for a cohesive look, or mix and match for a more eclectic style. This method creates a durable and visually appealing border that requires minimal maintenance.

10. Get The Kinks Out of Wallpaper

Smooth out wallpaper or shelf liner before application using a wine bottle as a sturdy rolling pin. This technique helps create a professional-looking finish:

1. Cut your wallpaper or shelf liner to size.
2. Lay it flat on a clean surface, pattern side down.
3. Use the wine bottle to reverse-roll the paper, smoothing out any creases or curls.
4. Apply the paper to your wall or shelf while it’s still slightly curved.

The weight and smooth surface of the wine bottle make it an ideal tool for smoothing out stubborn papers that tend to curl at the edges. This easy trick can save you time and frustration during your next decorating project.

Our Conclusion

From practical garden tools to decorative home accents, these versatile glass containers can be repurposed in numerous ways. By giving new life to empty wine bottles, you not only reduce waste but also add unique, personalized touches to your living spaces. If you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply looking for eco-friendly home solutions, these ten ideas provide a great starting point for your next upcycling project.