Transform Your Home With These Unique Upcycling Ideas
Have you ever found yourself with extra items around the house cluttering spaces and collecting dust? Are you looking for a creative way to use all the extra stuff in your home? Upcycling is the perfect activity.
These DIY ideas are cost-efficient and fun. With a few simple steps and materials, you can transform ordinary items into something unique and practical for your home. All you need is a bit of creativity and a few tips and tricks to get you started.
Knit Covers For Christmas Ornaments
Crocheting covers for Christmas and holiday ornaments can be a creative and sustainable way to upcycle. Start by choosing a pattern or yarn that coordinates with the color scheme of your holiday decor.
Take a few hours to crochet a simple pattern, like a snowflake or star, or a more advanced one with bobbles and details. Attach the ornament cover to your existing ornaments for a custom-made twist. With some brainwaves and a few supplies, you can create holiday ornaments and a tradition that will lost for years.
Weave A Rug Out Of Yarn
A rug is an excellent way to add personality to your home, and creating your own is an ingenious way to save money while achieving the desired look. Magically recreate the feeling of walking on a cloud for the family and guests when they step on your DIY wonder.
You will need a large piece of circular fabric, a foam pad, a pair of scissors, a hot glue gun, a measuring tape, and fabric glue or spray adhesive. If needed, there are many online videos with instructions.
Decorate Plain Plant Pots With Scrap Fabrics
Upcycling old scrap fabric can be a great way to make DIY plant pot holders. A few easy steps is all it takes. First, collect your scraps. They can be fraying blankets, towels, or clothing around your home.
In the time spent watching your favorite show and for virtually no cost, a holder for your flowers will result. Cut the fabric into long strips, shape it into a round base, and sew it together. It is a great way to reuse your scraps and have some fun in the process.
Rope Spare Cloth Into DIY Mats
Craft colorful homemade mats from spare clothing materials. This DIY upcycling project may take patience, skill, online instructions, or an assignment to give to the sewing enthusiast in your life, but it will save dollars and amaze house guests.
Various techniques are available online detailing the steps necessary to upcycle scrap fabric into a mat. Weaving circles, triangles, or other shapes the mind can think of into one mat can transform bathrooms, hallways, and front entrances into colorful additions to any home.
A Kids' Play Station From A Microwave Stand
A microwave stand can be reused as a perfect station or play area for kids to enjoy their favorite toys. It makes a sturdy platform for a painting or crafting station, Lego building blocks, or even a construction area.
Kids will love the creativity they can express as they decorate their station with painted scenes, glue, stickers, or other items that can be used to personalize their play area. When they are done, they can store their toys neatly, ready for their next adventure.
Homemade Mason Jar Candles
Scented candles are popular but can get expensive to replace, especially if needed in multiple areas of the home. Crafting a homemade candle from mason jars is a trouble-free, low-cost way to freshen a room and put your DIY creativity to work.
A fun trip to a craft store or maybe some dollar stores are the only sources needed. Recycled mason or glass candle jars, soy wax flakes, beeswax, candle wicks, and the all-important oils combined with patience will save money, wow your guests, and possibly turn into a side business.
Multicolored Crayons From Old Ones
Multi-colored crayons can be formed from old ones while being simple and fun. Start by preheating the oven to a low temperature and removing the paper from the old crayons. Place the broken pieces into the cups and put them in the oven.
Keep checking on the crayons every few minutes until they are all melted. Then, take the tray out and let it cool. When cool, take the crayons out, and you will have new multi-colored crayons ready to play with, give away, or sell for a well-deserved profit.
Two Pairs Of Jeans Become One
Do not give up on your old jeans that do not fit anymore or may be out of fashion. Transform them into a stylish two-tone pair of pants. To achieve the two-tone effect, be sure the fabrics are the same weight.
This DIY project requires no complex skills or purchasing new clothes and is the perfect way to repurpose old clothing items. All that is needed now is the patience to follow the few simple steps, and you will have a unique and modern pair of two-tone jeans to wear or not wear.
Transform A Globe Stand Into A Paper Towel Holder
Today, many may wonder what to do with that old globe gathering dust in the attic. What about using the stand of it and converting it into a paper towel holder for the kitchen or washroom as a great option?
This will give a rustic and regal feel to a space in your home. Today, most globes are used for decoration, as everything is now found online, including realistic global images. Rest assured, knowing you have repurposed your globe stand and kept it out of the garbage heap.
Bed Headboard To Display Dishes
Transform old bed headboards into storage shelves for items found typically on the fireplace mantles or display cabinets. Repaint them in any color of your choice to accentuate any room. Create a unique and stylish way to display trophies, dishes, or other memorabilia on the shelves.
Match shelves to the decor, or vice versa, using white for a contemporary feel or a bold color for a dramatic effect. Mount the shelves on the wall with hardware and enjoy a beautiful new functional look.
Store Kitchen Knives In Books
Old books can be used as an intriguing and creative way to store knives in the kitchen. Upcycling these books that will never be read is one way to incorporate unique decor into your kitchen without breaking the bank.
It is an easy upcycling project that anyone can do. Leave the book as-is, or you can paint it the color of your choice. Place the knives in the slots you can create by gluing pages together and cutting slits for the chosen knife, and you have upcycled a unique knife holder.
Expired Licence Plates As Chandeliers
Reinvent old and expired license plates into something creative and unusual, such as lampshades and light chandeliers. Upcycling these plates into something functional and stylish will instantly bring charm to a space.
The plates can be forged with a strong adhesive, welded, or riveted to create an intricate, unique pattern. If opting to weld, they can be embossed with repurposed templates or with the ends of rods and wire mesh. Finished with a vibrant coat of varnish, the plates can be successfully transformed into something modern yet classic.
Wear Carpets And Rugs As Pants
Designing trendy pants from old carpets and rugs is a great challenge for any fashion visionary or sewing enthusiast. Inspiration, imagination, and artistic drive are ingredients needed to create something to wear that is unique and fashionable.
Using various colors and patterns, any old carpet or rug can be repurposed into a fashion statement that will turn heads and gather clicks. With the help of a sewing machine, pockets and other details can be added to the pants to complete the look.
Repurpose Wooden Skids To Hang Pans And Pots
Wooden skids may seem like a thing of the past, but they can still make your kitchen look stylish. One idea is to use the beams of skids to hang kitchen pans and pots. The natural wood can create an industrial but homely look.
After gathering some screws and a hammer, the skid beams can be mounted on a wall. To hang different pots and pans, screw hooks, or other types of hangers into the wood and suspend the pieces on them.
Modify A Dresser Into A Kitchen Island With Storage
Antique wooden dressers can be converted into attractive kitchen islands with added storage space. The dresser can be repainted to bring an updated look to the dresser and the kitchen. If the wooden look is desired, the dresser can be sanded down, and finishes can be applied to bring out the natural wood grain.
Unless Bob Vila or Martha Stewart is on the speed-dial list, anyone with a touch of artistic inspiration can change an antique dresser into a stunning centerpiece in the kitchen and provide ample storage space.
Accent Mirrors From Tennis Racquets
Upcycling old wooden tennis racquets is a fabulous way to add character to your home. Their weight creates a sturdy and durable statement piece, and their unique shape makes them easy to attach to walls or furniture for an instant vintage look.
Using a racquet made from wood rather than modern ones gives the space a tennis or country club feel. You can end up with an arresting piece of art for many years. The upcycling process helps keep these vintage treasures out of landfills and gives them a new life.
Reading Lamp Made With Books
Reusing old books to decorate a table lamp stand is an eccentric upcycle method. All you need to do is cut the books to fit the lamp through the center and stack them together. Depending on the book and lamp sizes, you can use as many pieces as necessary.
After cutting a hole suitable enough for the hardcovers to stack up, the books will create a unique and sturdy base for the lamp. It is an easy and creative way to upcycle your old novels to transform a bland table lamp into vintage furniture.
Cardboard Laptop Stand
Building a laptop stand out of cardboard is a simple DIY project. The cardboard can be old pizza delivery boxes that can easily be found and used. Measure and cut the box to the desired size and shape.
Then, fold the cardboard into the desired laptop stand shape and glue the pieces together for stability. Once the glue dries, the stand is ready to be used. Using cardboard to make a laptop stand is one way to recycle while applying imagination to create something functional at no extra cost.
Tin Cans And Cups For Knick Nack Storage
This tip is one cost-effective way of repurposing materials and reducing a carbon footprint. Tin cups and cookie and candy tins made from aluminum can be upcycled into attractive storage containers for nick-nacks such as small toys, jewelry, keys, and other tiny items.
Larger-sized containers can be turned into vintage-style trinket boxes, and unused pizza trays can be attached to an old paper towel stand to create a base. Finding new uses for these items is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Baking Whisks For Hanging Tealight Candles
Old steel baking whisks can be reused as cute mini tealight holders. Hang them up or suspend them using a stainless steel chain. They can be hung above a kitchen island, under cupboards, or anywhere needing light and added decor.
Whisks are available in many local dollar stores or big box ones like Walmart, so breaking the bank on this DIY project is unnecessary. They easily hold slender tealights and are an inexpensive way to add a touch of mood lighting to any room.
Pack Your Books Into A Suitcase Bookshelf
Old suitcases can be given a new life by transforming them into beautifully mounted bookshelves. By making a few adjustments, they can be hung on a wall in any room, adding charm to the decor. Place books and other trinkets on the shelves to create a unique feature in your home.
One of the many bonuses of using suitcases is the storage capabilities of the pockets and spaces because items can be stored inside and on top, making it a handy space saver. This tip breathes new life into something that typically collects dust when unused.
Make Music In The Powder Room Or Guest Washroom
Hanging old instruments as accent shelves in powder rooms and guest washrooms adds a musical look to the room. An acoustic guitar or string instruments like violins provide ample space for decor. The shelves can be created for candles, plants, or other small items can be stored there.
Try extra large instruments, like a double bass, for shelves to display figurines or small sculptures. Whatever you choose to showcase, the old instrument shelves will add character to any powder room or guest washroom.
Beverage Glass Racks Using Yard Rakes
One unique idea is upcycling a rake into a stemware rack. Start by removing the rake's handle and using the head. It can attach to solid walls by the rake head to a wall or a door for countertop space. The result is an unexpected and decorative way to store glasses, bottles, and mugs.
Use them to hang stemmed beverage glasses made of crystal or glass, making them an ideal storage rack when entertaining. With a little effort and imagination, upcycling has a range of exciting possibilities.
Cheese Graters To Store Kitchen Utensils
The cheese grater is an underrated item in the kitchen to cleverly solve storage concerns. The handy tool can be used for its original purpose to grate various cheeses and other food items, but they also are great for creating additional wall storage space.
Graters come in different shapes and sizes, making it easy to customize storage units, perfect for those with limited space. Plus, it is a great way to upcycle old items and get creative with something that sometimes goes unused.
Twine Changes Milk Crates Into Vintage Furniture
Plastic milk crates are a perfect resource for creating eco-friendly DIY custom furniture. With a few simple tools and a bit of imagination, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece for your home. Use strong twine to weave through the crates and make unique seating or storage.
Stack the crates to make a table or coffee table, and personalize it with a fun texture or pattern. One detail to be mindful of is you can even paint the crates to match your current decor. It is an innovative idea for a budget-friendly custom piece perfect for any room.
Create DIY Porch Chimes With Pasta Colanders
A colander can be turned into a unique decor piece or a wind chime with a bit of imagination. Hang the colander from a sturdy hook on a porch or in the kitchen with twine. Then, hang beads, utensils, necklaces, or other decorative items from the colander for a one-of-a-kind creation.
Safety is paramount. Use extra twine to secure items and keep sharp utensils, like forks, out of reach of children. Once the hanging decor is complete, the wind chime or kitchen art will be proudly displayed and admired by all passers-by and guests.
Denim Pockets Upcycled Into Wall Organizers
Using old back pockets from jeans is a great way to upcycle and store small items or utensils around the home. Start with some quick stitchwork, then hang the pockets on the wall and store items like letter openers, craft tools, and other small items.
Strengthen the pockets using old picture frames to add to the finished look while providing additional support. This is a simple and effective way to repurpose old jeans and keep essential items in one easy-to-access place. Plus, it is a jaw-dropping way to show off.
Rusted Farm And Auto Parts To Hold Candles
Using old farm equipment or auto parts to make upcycled items like candle holders is an innovative way to add a rustic farm-style atmosphere to your living space. Start by sanding the rough areas to reveal the rustic metal, but preserve most of it for that antique look.
You can then add some paint to accentuate the rustic look. Do not forget to clean off any dirt before attaching the auto parts and farm equipment for a well-crafted candle holder. End your brilliant DIY session off with a set of beautiful tea lights or pillar candles.
Repurpose Wooden Hangers Into An Accessory Rack
Reusing materials is a great way to reduce waste while inventing something unique and functional. Wooden hangers can be repurposed in many ways, such as by mounting them to a wall to hang keys, scarves, hats, and other accessories.
Hang one alongside the door to always have your most used items within reach. Or arrange multiple hangers on the wall over the bed for a creative and organized way of displaying your favorite caps and scarves. All that is required is thinking outside of the box and a minimal amount of elbow grease.
Paint And Reuse Baby Formula Tins To Organize Shoes
Old baby formula tins or large paint cans can be magically turned into an activity or shoe organizer for the kids' playroom. All that is needed is to attach the formula tins or paint cans to a wall, and then they are ready for use as storage.
Once mounted, fill the tins with items like coloring books, games, markers, puzzles, and other art for craft activities. For shoes, store sandals, sneakers, slippers, or boots in the tins for a neat and organized look. Overcome spatial issues with these easy and creative ways to maintain cleanliness in their playrooms.
Bike Wheel Chandelier
Creating a unique and stylish light fixture using an old bike wheel is a creative and innovative upcycling idea. All you need is a few attachments, such as an Edison bulb, a rope, or a chain, and you have yourself a statement piece worthy of adorning any room in your home.
The bike wheel can be hung on the ceiling once it is done to reveal a vintage lighting display. With the style of a bike wheel, you can easily give your home a funky, industrial feel without worrying about sacrificing design or spending a large amount of money.
Bench Made From Snowboards And Skis
Building a bench out of old snowboards and skis in storage is a great way to put them to good use and add a unique piece to any home. Upcycling snowboards and skis is easy with a few simple tools and materials.
Whether you use it on the front or back porch, as an accent piece in the house, or anywhere else, this DIY creation will be a conversation starter with everyone who visits the home and the perfect way to show off your snowboard and ski upcycling skills.
Comic Book Stool Seat Covers
Creating custom seat covers for chairs and stools from upcycled comic books is a great and fun way to get creative with your furniture. All you need are old comic books, fabric glue, fabric, and scissors. Cut them into different shapes and patterns, then glue them on.
With a few strategically placed stitches, your comic book seat covers will be ready to transform any piece of furniture. The unique patterns and vibrant colors with the comic book characters will give your upcycled furniture a whimsical and fun vibe.
Wall Art With Vinyl Records
Upcycling vinyl records into artwork is a unique way to display your records while adding style and flair. They can be transformed into items, such as tables, wall hangings, ornaments, and clocks. They can also serve as canvases for painting, allowing you to express your creativity.
Converted vinyl can be hung on walls, displayed on tables, or decorated with colors, shapes, and other materials such as fabric or glitter. It is an imaginative way to turn an old item into something unique and a symbol of your talent.
Use Old Monitors As Cat Beds
If you have an old desktop computer monitor lying around that is no longer in working condition, do not let it head to the landfill. Instead, upcycle it into a comfy bed for your cats and other small pets. Remove the monitor's front panel and cut out the wires and parts until empty.
Place a cushioned pad or old blanket inside, and your pet has a cozy spot to relax and sleep. For something to blow your pet's mind, add hanging toys and blankets to make it even more inviting.
The Keys To Gardening
Reusing old keys as plant markers is a great way to spruce up a small garden. The keys can be collected, bought, or salvaged and used to identify the plants and flowers in your garden. Labels can be written, painted on the keys, or printed using your computer or smartphone.
Because of their small surface area, mini-labels work best. Just make sure to write the plant name legibly and clearly. These recycled keys provide a fun conversation piece and a nice splash of color to any garden.
Upcycle Water Jugs Into Toy Containers
You can turn old plastic water jugs into containers for your child's toys and puzzle pieces. Cut the top third of them and even out the rough edges. Leave the bins on the floor as-is or add handles using string. Give the containers some personality by painting or drawing on them in colorful designs.
Finally, join the containers to create a fun and unique storage solution. The kids will love these colorful and engaging containers for their toys and puzzles, and their parents will be proud to watch them keep their play area tidy.
Recycle Pringle Cans To Become Plant Pots
Would you believe old Pringles chips cans can be turned into plant pots? In no time, things meant for recycling become a treasure. Decorate the pot with yarn or fabric glue. Add personal touches such as gluing beads or plastic gems to the can.
The last step is to add some soil and your chosen plant, then marvel at your new beautiful plant pot. You can also use items found around the house, like buttons, paper, or ribbons, to decorate it. The most effort needed might be a trip to the craft store.
Display Family Photos Using A Door For Frames
Upcycling old doors with glass panels as picture frames is a great way to create unique and beautiful wall decor. To turn a door into a frame, remove the hinges and apply a coat of paint or leave as-is. Hang it on the wall and display photos in the glass panels.
For added creativity, add wooden molding around the perimeter for more of a framed look. Ambitious DIYers can give the picture another dimension by adding decorative wood pieces or paper accents to the frame.
Hang Items On An Old Mattress Spring Frame
Repurposing old mattress spring frames is a great way to add a touch of eco-friendly decor to any space. They can be used to hang messages and artwork or to garden and hang plants. Baby crib mattresses are particularly well suited for this because of their size.
Hang the frame with rope, wire, or a few nails, and one can easily hang and showcase everything from small plants to photos and art. The look is classic and fun and adds a playful touch to any corner of the home or office.