The New York Times article "Thinking Like a Student [1]" takes a look at the thrifty, creative home-design moves college students, particularly architecture students, are making during these difficult economic times to make their homes a better place, aesthetically and functionally.

Along with the article is a wonderful slideshow showcasing many of these "on the cheap" tricks. One of my favorites was a set of candle holders fashioned from recycled light bulbs by Lauren Chapman, a student at Yale School of Architecture. By now we've hopefully all made the switch to CFLs [2], but that doesn't mean we should just toss those standard old bulbs in the trash.

To find out more about this project, .
Why not turn them into candle sticks? I've actually shown you lamps made from light bulbs [3] before, but those were much too pricey. My only concern is how Chapman got the bulbs to stand up. I'm thinking that by using a glue gun on the candle holders' bottom, you could create a flat base. Or, you could set a magnet inside the bulb, and then one underneath your table cloth, like those DIY magnetic vases [4]. What do you think? Do you like it, or is it too thrifty-looking for you?
Photo by Phil Mansfield [5] for The New York Times