How to re-use light bulbs for decor may not be a question at the front of your mind. But how many times have you had to replace a light bulb and just thrown the other one away? Here is a great idea on how to use them as decor items.
How To Re-use Light Bulbs For Decor
Why Re-use Light Bulbs?
Replacing Light Bulbs
Sitting in your room there is the sound of a pop behind you and a light bulb has given up the ghost. Or, perhaps a lamp is switched on and it either doesn’t work or the lamp flashes and then the light goes out. What happens next? We think nothing of going to get a new bulb (eco-friendly of course) and replacing it.
Recycling Old Light Bulbs
But what do you do with the old one? Hopefully, it is taken to the recycling center to be disposed of. Light bulbs should not go into general rubbish or landfill as they take thousands of years to break down and are harmful to the environment. Even broken ones should be carefully wrapped and taken for recycling. However, did you know that the cost of recycling ‘older style’ incandescent light bulbs is prohibitively high? And the more modern ones have to be handled very carefully as they contain potentially hazardous substances.
Think About Re-use
Regular readers of my blog know that I am a great believer in trying to re-use/upcycle household rubbish items. Like using old CDs as interior decor items. So when we had accumulated a small collection of old light bulbs I set out to see what I could do with them.
Making Decor Items Out Of Old Light Bulbs
Preparation
I started by fixing hanging wire to each light bulb and ensuring it was tied on securely. Big loops were tied at the top to hang them with. The loops are large enough so that the light bulb goes through it to hang securely. Tip, wear gloves, it makes your hands sore.
I then rigged up an easel and some hooks and tested hanging the light bulbs. There were two reasons for this. One to check I was going to be happy with how they hung when they were finished. Secondly, to check that when they were wet with paint and dripping they would hang without touching each other!
Painting The Light Bulbs
The first thing to say is that these are spent light bulbs that to use as decor, not bulbs that will go back into light fittings or lamps. If you want to paint light bulbs for that purpose you must use heat-resistant glass paint. That is not the subject of this blog.
I originally thought of using glass paint. There are several bottles on the shelves in my studio from the days when I used to do a lot of decorative glass painting. But I decided on acrylic paint as I wanted to ensure the glass was completely covered on the bulbs and I wanted the highlight colors to pop.
I put a selection of base colors in an old large yogurt pot – did I mention I re-use everything I can? Then, each of the bulbs was rolled in the paint until completely covered. Finally, I hung them on the rack to dry with some paper underneath to catch any drips.
The next day, they had dried sufficiently for me to add the highlight colors. I opted for bright green, orange and gold and applied them in bold dribbles! Then I rehung them and left them to dry again before I decide where to display them.
Hanging The Light Bulb Decor
Imagine the family fun of painting them and using them as Christmas decorations. They would make great Christmas Tree baubles.
Can you think of other ways to re-use light bulbs as home decor? Let me know in the comments below.
See more of my re-use/upcycling projects here.
Before you go
My name is Dorothy Berry-Lound an artist and writer. You can find out more about my art and writing at https://dorothyberryloundart.com.
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Thank you for reading!
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