Upcycled lamps: Creative lighting made from recycled materials

An old soda bottle becomes a unique floor lamp

Upcycling is more than just a trend—it's a sustainable way to breathe new life into old objects. This is precisely the concept pursued by Thomas Rainer Beckstein with his handmade upcycled lamps made from old soda bottles. His brand, fett – handmade upcycling products, stands for unique design with a fascinating history, which he will be presenting to visitors at the Heim und Handwerk trade fair. An original soda bottle from the 1950s to 1970s is transformed into a floor or pendant lamp, with the bottle's classic lever mechanism retained and serving as a light switch. Each lamp combines nostalgic charm with modern functionality, making it a real eye-catcher for design lovers.

From soda bottle to lamp – craftsmanship with history

Soda bottles used to be an indispensable part of many households—they stood on the table to add fizz to wine or other beverages. But over time, they disappeared from everyday life. Thomas Rainer Beckstein had the idea of giving these iconic bottles a new function: Why not turn a piece of history into a luminous work of art? The use of the original lever as a light switch is particularly clever. Instead of emptying water, the mechanism now turns the lamp on and off. To preserve the bottles in their original form, Beckstein developed a special technique: the bottom of the bottle is removed so that the light source inside is perfectly showcased. This creates a unique play of light that particularly emphasizes the aesthetics of the old soda bottles. Each lamp is a handmade, one-of-a-kind piece, with no two designs alike—a perfect example of successful upcycling that combines functionality and aesthetics.

Limited edition – each lamp is unique

Since these soda bottles have not been produced for decades, each piece is strictly limited. Beckstein was fortunate enough to acquire old stock from former bottlers, but once this is used up, there will be no more new lamps. Each bottle bears the original name of the bottler who once used it, as well as the place where it was filled – for example, F. Arzberger from Obergraseldorf. This makes each lamp a unique historical piece that not only impresses with its design, but also tells a special story.

Handmade upcycled lamps – where can you buy them?

If you are interested in a unique upcycled lamp from fett - handmade upcycling products, there are several ways to purchase one. Some design shops in Vienna carry Beckstein's lamps, but the best place to find them is at trade fairs. There, customers can experience the lamps in person and customize them – because every combination of bottle, cable, and lamp head color makes the lamp a unique piece. Alternatively, the lamps are also available online at fettdesign.com. Prices start at €289 for the floor lamp and €239 for the pendant lamp. Anyone who secures one of these limited-edition lamps not only receives a high-quality design object, but also a piece of the past that has been reinterpreted through creative upcycling.

These handmade lamps are more than just sources of light—they are a statement of sustainability, individuality, and exceptional design.