Repurpose Vintage Perfume Bottles into Chic Home Decor Vases

Using Empty Perfume Bottles as Home Décor

Repurposing empty perfume bottles into mini vases is a fun and budget-friendly way to decorate your home or give personalized gifts. However, removing the cap from a perfume bottle can be tricky. Here are some easy methods for getting those stubborn caps off.

Materials Needed

Before attempting to remove a perfume bottle cap, gather the following supplies:

• Empty perfume bottle
• Rubber gloves or rag
• Needle nose pliers
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Hammer
• Towel or piece of cardboard

Trying the Easy Way First

Start by attempting to twist open the cap with your bare hands. Apply firm pressure and twist slowly. The cap may loosen over time as the perfume evaporates. Trying this method periodically as the bottle continues emptying can eventually remove the cap.

You can also try running the bottle under hot water or wiping it with a rag soaked in hot water. Heat can help break down the perfume oil residue sticking the cap in place. After heating, hold the bottle with a towel or gloves and retry twisting off the cap.

Using Tools to Remove a Stuck Cap

If you need to repurpose the bottle sooner, use tools to break the cap free. Needle nose pliers provide extra gripping power for stubborn caps. Lock the pliers onto the cap and slowly twist back and forth, working the cap loose little by little. Applying too much force too quickly can damage the cap or bottle.

Slide the jaws of the pliers under the lip of the cap to gain more leverage. Place a towel or piece of cardboard under the bottle to prevent damage to work surfaces during removal.

Loosening the Cap with a Screwdriver

If pliers fail to remove the perfume bottle cap, try using a screwdriver. Examine the cap closely looking for any visible screws under or on the spray nozzle that might be keeping the cap locked down.

Use a small flathead screwdriver that fits well in any screw slots. Slowly unscrew in a counter-clockwise direction to back the retaining screws out little by little. Rocking the screwdriver back and forth while pulling up on the cap can help pop it free once the screws are loosened.

Tapping Off a Stuck Cap

As a last resort with an absolutely stuck cap, place the bottle on a folded towel on a sturdy work surface. Hold the base of the bottle securely with one hand. With your other hand, use light controlled taps from a hammer or rubber mallet around the bottle cap to break the perfume residue seal.

Apply tapping force primarily downward against the cap, not sideways risking breaking the bottle. Use light pressure then check if the cap starts twisting free. Repeating gentle tapping between attempts twisting can gradually loosen the toughest cap.

Preparing Perfume Bottles for Use as Vases

Once unstuck, finish removing bottle caps by hand, or use pliers or screwdrivers to fully back caps off if still somewhat stuck. Clean bottle interiors thoroughly with hot water and dish soap to fully eliminate perfume residue before using as makeshift vases.

Cleaning Bottles and Caps

Wash bottle caps separately if planning to use them decoratively on the repurposed perfume vases. Set them aside to dry once cleaned.

Pay special attention scrubbing away any remaining perfume oil and dirt stuck near the nozzle area inside bottles. Residue there can foul flower stems and prevent proper water uptake.

Rinse bottles thoroughly until all soap, perfume layers, and debris gets flushed away leaving clean, transparent glass perfect for holding freshly cut blooms.

Crafting Homemade Vases

Upcycling vintage perfume bottles into DIY vases makes fun home décor projects. Choose flowers suiting the size of various bottles for customized look.

Use straightened paperclips or floral frogs suited for narrow vase necks to properly arrange cut flowers. These tools hold stems in place and provide fresh water uptake.

Get creative clustering collections of differently shaped bottles together as eclectic minimalist centerpieces. Leave caps on select bottles or scatter them about for further embellishment.

Paint bottles with chalkboard paint then tag with plant names identify homemade terrariums and herb gardens. Etch designs on bottles using glass etching cream for more customization.

Group matching sets of bottles on shelves as jewelry displays or bathroom storage dispensers. Install removable wire shelving fitted inside wider vessels to hold bath salts, cotton pads, Q-tips or other toiletries.

Upcycling Chanel No. 5 for Vintage Chic

The iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume bottle makes an elegantly simple vase or candle holder for a feminine glam aesthetic. The bottle’s classic silhouette complements all decor styles from contemporary chic to retro modern.

Source genuine vintage Chanel No. 5 bottles from secondhand stores to repurpose. Or recycle more modern versions using the previous cap removal techniques ensuring not to damage these collectible vessels.

Create cohesive vignettes showcasing the distinctive outline. Cluster bottles filled with fairy lights, air plants, dried botanicals or single dramatic stems drawing the eye to fascinating negative spaces in between.

Paint white Chanel bottles with metallic golds and silvers bringing intriguing contrast against black backdrops. Accent with cameos, hat pins or delicate chains as artful embellishments around necks for conversation-starting objets d'art.

Never underestimate the design potential found in empty perfume bottles headed for the recycling bin. A little creativity and elbow grease transforms beloved scents of yesteryear into chic do-it-yourself home accents.

FAQs

What are some good flowers to put in repurposed perfume vases?

Small delicate flowers like pansies, violets, and mini carnations work well. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano also look nice and add fragrance. For larger bottles, go with a single bold stem like a tulip, iris, or peony.

How do I clean the perfume smell out of old bottles?

Wash bottles thoroughly in hot water with dish soap, scrubbing residue away. Rinse until the water runs clear. Let air dry upside down to allow any leftover perfume oils to continue dripping out.

Can I use metal tools to pry off stuck caps and damage bottles?

Avoid metal tools that could chip or crack glass bottles. Use plastic tools like silicone grippers or try wrapping bottles in towels before using pliers. Apply minimal pressure and twist slowly.

What are some creative ways to display my repurposed perfume bottle vases?

Cluster bottles together in centerpieces or rows along shelves and windowsills. Hang bottles from ribbons or macrame holders. Use bottles to hold fairy lights or air plants. Paint messages or designs directly onto glass.

Where do I find vintage perfume bottles to use for this project?

Check secondhand and thrift stores, antique shops, estate sales, auction sites, and your own home. Look for bottles made of high quality, decorative glass with interesting shapes.