Transform An Empty Laundry Detergent Bottle Into A Textured, Modern Vase

Running out of detergent usually just means it's time to get more, but what if it also means your home gets a beautiful new piece of decor? There are many ways you can reuse a laundry detergent bottle, but if you're looking for something particularly beautiful, this might be the craft for you. A detergent bottle with a handle makes a stunning modern vase. To get started, grab your empty laundry detergent bottles, paint, a sponge or pounce brush, and some flowers to arrange in it. The sponge will give the paint some texture, but you can also mix in an additive for a more pronounced look. Coffee grounds, sugar, and sand are a few household items that you can use to add texture to your paint. Alternatively, you can swap the paint for something thicker like plaster or joint compound.

When coated with a layer of textured paint, the shape of the laundry detergent bottle comes to the forefront. Without the label or plastic sheen, all you're left with is the graceful curve of the handle and body. Since modern vases are defined by unique shapes and functionality, detergent bottles are a surprisingly good fit. Plus, the bottles are designed to hold liquid detergent, meaning they shouldn't leak when filled with water. This means you can use them for real flowers without any extra supplies, although you should wash the bottle out first. Some laundry detergents contain compounds that can damage plants, which could potentially impact the aesthetics of your cut flowers.

Preparing your laundry detergent bottle is simple. Make sure any last detergent is removed or dried out, then peel off the label. It should come away fairly easily, and the paint will cover any residue. Still, if it bothers you, you can remove sticker residue with hot water or some vinegar. Make any other adjustments to your bottle now to save yourself the trouble of fixing the paint later. You can cut off the threaded neck where the cap screws on to make it less obvious that it used to be a bottle or cut shapes into the sides. You could also use cardboard or other materials to change the shape of your bottle, adding extra curves or sculptural elements to highlight the modern aesthetic.

Mix up your paint or alternative of choice and start coating the surface. If you're adding something to the paint to give it extra texture, add in a little at a time until you're satisfied with the texture. Keep in mind that if you add too much, the consistency may change enough that a paintbrush isn't effective at applying it. In that case you can apply it by hand like a paste. With a brush, use a dabbing motion rather than brush strokes, leaving small peaks and bumps in the paint. Once dry, your new modern vase will have a lovely but subtle texture to it. Add in your flowers and foliage to complete the look.