interior with diy furniture

Why Upcycle?

Do you have old items in your house that you are tired of? With a splash of paint and a spark of creativity, you can turn yesterday’s “meh” into today’s masterpiece. Not only does upcycling save you money, but it’s also a beautiful way to reduce waste and keep things sustainable.

Plus, nothing beats the feeling of looking around your space and going, “I made that.” Upcycling also serves as a reminder that even the oldest items have a story to tell, as well is beneficial for the environment.

modern white tub and chest of drawers with sink in

Old Drawers into a Bathroom Vanity

Got a set of old drawers gathering dust?  With a little vision and some hands-on love, you can turn an old dresser into a custom bathroom vanity that’s packed with character and charm.

Cut in space for plumbing, add a fresh coat of paint or stain, and swap out those old rusty knobs. And there you have it, a budget-friendly bathroom vanity.

shelving unit with different items in bathroom interior

Ladder shelving unit

This genius upcycle gives you vertical storage with character which is perfect for books, plants, or décor. Sand down any rough spots, clean off dust, and apply paint or stain if desired.

Go natural for a rustic feel or paint it bold for a modern twist. If the ladder is wobbly, add furniture pads for balance. For added security (and peace of mind), you can anchor the top to the wall.

interior design cozy room with white hanging bench

An Unused Crib into a Dreamy Hanging Chair

Though it may have heard its final lullaby, that crib is far from finished. Making sure the frame is still strong enough to sustain weight, begin by removing the crib’s longer side.

After that, drill a hole in each corner, thread sturdy rope through them, and tie them off with tight knots. Securely hang your ropes by installing sturdy ceiling hooks. Test the weight gently before settling in.

A cozy kitchen with green cabinets, a wooden countertop, and copper pendant lights.

Repaint Kitchen Cabinets

Think about your kitchen’s vibe. Will you go moody and modern, light and airy, or colorful and bold? If you are unsure, try testing your samples on your actual cabinets first to see how the color looks in your lighting throughout the day.

Don’t forget to prime your surface before applying your paint. Once everything’s dry, reattach the doors and hardware. Step back and admire your fresh new kitchen.

bottle of aroma spray with plant on pouf in living

An Old Ottoman into a Stylish Side-table

Ottoman looking sad? Rather than letting it sit there unused, you can give it a whole new life by transforming it into an amazing, functional side table.  A large wooden tray or round/rectangular piece of wood can easily work as the surface for your side table.

You can find these at home improvement stores, online, or repurpose an old wooden piece. Attach with wood glue and voila. You have your side table.

stylish rug cushions and shelving unit near orange wall

Old towels into a Rug

This project will save your towels from ending up in the trash. Pick towels that are no longer in great shape for their original use but are still absorbent and in decent condition. They should be thick to provide good cushioning. Cut the towels into squares or rectangles.

These will be sewn together to create the rug. Purchase non-slip rug pads or make your own by cutting a rubber mat to fit the back of the rug and there you have your new rug ready.

home rest hobby concept two plumpy cosy pillows in pillowcases

Fabric Scraps into Perfect Throw Pillows

Turn fabric scraps into cozy throw pillows. The perfect way to upcycle and add unique, personal flair to your space.

Whether it’s old clothes, leftover quilting fabric, or even worn-out curtains, you can turn them into colorful, textured accent pillows that brighten up any room. Cut the scraps into tiny squares and sew them together. Add lace around the pillow and take it to the next level.

large kitchen table with thalers cutlery and glass glasses before

Old Sheets, New Table Magic

Old bed sheets are perfect for creating beautiful, no extra penny spent, tablescapes. They can be repurposed into a variety of pieces like table runners, placemats, napkins, or even tablecloths with a little creativity.

These will surely impress your guests and bring new life to items you might otherwise discard.

creatively decorated bedroom

Rustic Rope & Wood Backdrop

Here is what to do with the scrap wood and rope that you have shoved inside your garage. Four pieces of wood of the same size for the frame.

Screw them together to make your square frame. Then drill holes on opposite sides for the rope to thread in and knot in place. That’s it, and your simple but pretty backdrop is ready for you to display.

ethnic living room decor

Bed Sheet Backdrops

With just a bed sheet, some hooks, you can create a stunning backdrop for your event or photo shoot at a fraction of the price of traditional backdrops.  They come in various colors, sizes, and patterns, so you can find one that fits your desired aesthetic without much trouble.

Plus, they’re quick to set up and take down.  Their affordability, versatility, and ease of use make them a perfect choice.

stylish and cozy scanidnavian interiors of apartment with big mirror

Upcycle a Mirror

If you’ve got a mirror that’s still in great shape, upcycling it is a smart way to give it new life with no waste and no extra spending. Plus, you get to call the shots on the style, whether you want it sleek, artsy, or totally glam.

Upcycled mirrors also make thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts for friends or family. It’s creative, personal, and way more meaningful than anything off the shelf.

wicker chair houseplant and wicker decor on beige wall in

Rug Wall Décor

Who says rugs belong on the floor? Turn them into bold wall art for instant texture and personality to your home.

It’s a creative and unexpected way to use rugs that might otherwise be placed on the floor. Whether you’re using vintage, handmade, or modern rugs, this type of wall décor can transform any space.

rattan peacock chair and big monstera plant in loft room

Attic to Table Suitcase Transformation

Instead of purchasing a new table, you can turn something old and forgotten into a functional and beautiful piece. Ideally, look for a sturdy, vintage suitcase with a hard shell.

The condition of the suitcase is important for both aesthetics and stability, but even worn-out ones can work with a little tweaking. Sit back and admire your new table with hidden storage.

vintage tea pottery reused as a plant pot

Teapot Planters

If you have teapots that are chipped, cracked, or no longer functional for tea time, they can be given a new life as planters.  They can be a quirky focal point or a unique way to display your favorite plants.

Have fun experimenting with different teapots, plants, and styles to create your own personalized pieces of décor that will leave your guests in awe. For more creative ways to turn everyday objects into chic decor, check out upcycle magic that actually looks chic.

shelving unit houseplants and picture in interior of living room

Repurpose a Bookshelf

A simple repaint, a complete redesign, or a functional transformation, there are many creative ways to upcycle a bookshelf to fit your style and needs. Upcycling allows you to make the bookshelf match your exact needs and taste.

If your bookshelf doesn’t have drawers, consider adding a few small drawer units within the shelves. Be creative, think outside the box, and enjoy the process of giving an old item a new purpose.

If you love the charm of reimagining a wooden bookshelf, don’t miss upcycle elegance with reclaimed wood in home decor for even more ways to bring the beauty of wood into your space.

What’s the most creative way you’ve upcycled furniture? Drop your ideas in the comments!

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

Jessica Xavier
I’m Jess, here to share practical design advice and budget-friendly hacks, blending your favorite fandoms seamlessly into your decor. Let’s connect and create your dream space together!

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