Blogs

Who would have thought that a few empty plastic beverage bottles could be recycled to create a beautiful table lamp? Anyone can easily make this exquisite lamp; all you really need are some empty 2-liter plastic bottles.

Step 1: Cutting the plastic bottles

This project requires the upper section of the bottle, as shown in the image. Make your cut about 5mm below the decorative line on the bottle. If your bottle doesn't have a decorative line, you'll need to estimate where to cut.

Step 2: Connecting the bottles

I placed the bottles in hot water (not boiling water) to make it easier to join the two cap sections together. I wouldn't say it's easy—it takes a bit of skill—but you'll get the hang of it after a while.

The cut made 5mm below the decorative section is where you will join the two cap parts. Hot water also helps the bottle regain its shape if it has become dented. Alternatively, you can use the handle of a wooden spoon to push out any dents from the inside.

Step 3: Cutting off the necks

I did this in the wrong order; I recommend cutting off the bottle necks *before* joining the bottles together. I used a rotary tool with a cutting disc to remove the bottle mouths. You'll understand why later.

Step 4: Making the connector

To cover the cut ends of the bottle necks and add a decorative touch, I cut a section from a cardboard tube (like the kind found inside wrapping paper rolls). I then wrapped it in self-adhesive aluminum foil roofing tape.

Step 5: Assembling the lamp

The joined bottles and the connector are screwed onto a 20mm diameter PVC conduit—the same type used by electricians worldwide. The table lamp is now starting to take shape.

I should also mention that before final assembly, I spray-painted the bottles with Rust-Oleum frosted glass spray paint to match the color of the base I planned to use.

Step 6: Adding the wiring and lamp socket

After threading the electrical wire through the conduit, I installed a table lamp socket at the top and secured it with epoxy resin. This type of adhesive is very strong, so I highly recommend using it. To add strength, I also wrapped a piece of cut tape around it.

Step 7: Adding the Base

I made the base using a glass lampshade from an old ceiling fan—something I had kept specifically for this purpose. I cut some 16mm-thick MDF board into a circle and drilled a 20mm hole in the center using a spade bit; this ensures the base is sturdy enough to support the table lamp's weight and keep it upright.

If you don't have a suitable base, you can simply cut a piece of MDF to the right size and spray-paint it metallic—and you're all set!

Step 8: Installing the Lampshade

Here is the finished lamp with the shade attached.

I am really pleased with how the table lamp turned out. Aside from the cost of the lampshade, it didn't cost me a penny to make, and it put a plastic bottle to good use!