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5 Ways to Reuse Old Light Bulbs
Repurpose those old incandescent light bulbs for your next DIY project.Written by Dominique Sabins
Edited by Jamie Cesanek
Last updated 09/20/2024
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Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is phasing out incandescent light bulbs, and some consumers may be unsure of what to do with their used ones.
- Upcycling burnt-out bulbs into DIY projects can be a fun, artistic way to give new life to old bulbs.
- Five unique ways to reuse old bulbs include making a terrarium, coin holder, vase, art piece, or plant holder.
Lighting FAQs
The main difference is that LED light bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. This makes LED light bulbs more energy efficient and a cheaper option for household lighting.
You can no longer buy regular household incandescent light bulbs. However, there are a few exceptions for specialty lighting, such as three-way bulbs, chandeliers, refrigerator bulbs, and plant grow lights.
Instead of simply throwing away your old bulbs, we recommend transforming them into an art project. Try one of the options listed in this guide.