How to Make Wine Bottle Accent Lights

Do you have a collection of empty wine bottles you can’t bear to throw away? Turn them into stunning accent lights that add warmth and charm to your home decor! Wine bottle lights make perfect centerpieces, cozy mood lighting, or unique gifts. With a few materials and a bit of creativity, you can transform glass bottles into glowing works of art.

Things You’ll Need

Empty wine bottles (clean and label-free)
String lights or LED cork lights (battery-operated or plug-in)
Safety goggles and gloves
Glass drilling bit (⅜ inch or ½ inch)
Power drill
Masking tape
Funnel and sandpaper (optional)
Decorative materials (paint, ribbons, charms, twine, or frosted spray)

Steps

1. Clean and Prepare the Bottle

Remove the label by soaking the wine bottle in warm, soapy water for 15–30 minutes.
Use a sponge or scraper to remove any residue.
Rinse and dry the bottle thoroughly—make sure there’s no moisture inside before adding lights.

Tip: For a polished look, choose bottles with interesting shapes or colored glass.

2. Mark and Drill a Hole for the Lights

Put on your safety goggles and gloves.
Wrap a strip of masking tape around the area where you’ll drill (usually near the bottom back of the bottle).
Using a glass drilling bit, drill slowly at a 45° angle, then gradually straighten up as the bit bites into the glass.
Once the hole is through, sand the edges gently to prevent cuts.

Alternative: If you’re using LED cork lights, you can skip this step since the lights will go through the top opening.

3. Insert the Lights

If using string lights, feed them carefully through the drilled hole using a funnel or tweezers if needed.
For cork lights, simply insert the LED cork into the top of the bottle.
Adjust the lights so they’re evenly spread throughout the bottle for the best glow.

4. Add Decorative Touches

Wrap the neck of the bottle with twine or ribbon.
Use glass paint or frosted spray to create patterns or a matte finish.
Add charms, stickers, or decals for a themed look—like holidays, weddings, or home décor accents.

5. Display Your Wine Bottle Accent Light

Plug in or turn on the LED lights.
Place your creation on a shelf, table, or patio for a warm, ambient glow.
Try grouping several bottles together for a more dramatic effect!

Tips

Use battery-powered LED lights to avoid visible cords.
Colored bottles (green, blue, or amber) create unique lighting effects.
For outdoor use, make sure your lights are weatherproof.
Experiment with different light colors—white for elegance, multicolor for festive vibes.

Warnings