Weekend Project: 9 Household Items Begging to Be Upcycled
Waste not and want not by giving everyday objects a new lease of life. Be inspired by these clever ideas
Next time you get the urge to buy something for your home, take a quick look around it first. Is there anything that’s ready for the bin that could be given a new purpose? Upcycling had gained popularity because it makes use of what we already have, so there’s little expenditure and practically no waste, but also because it adds that hard-to-achieve unique note to your décor, giving your home personality. Take a look at these nine ways to stylishly upcycle everyday items to add a creative edge to your space.
Find inspiration from thousands of home decor products
Find inspiration from thousands of home decor products
2. An unsteady ladder
Do you have an old set of wooden ladders in the shed that have seen better days and are a bit too unsteady for standing on? Think of alternative uses for them, such as displaying linen tea cloths or bathroom towels. Leaving the paint marks and knocks from many a decorating project intact only adds to the charm.
Do you have an old set of wooden ladders in the shed that have seen better days and are a bit too unsteady for standing on? Think of alternative uses for them, such as displaying linen tea cloths or bathroom towels. Leaving the paint marks and knocks from many a decorating project intact only adds to the charm.
3. Vintage tin boxes
Don’t throw away vintage seed or cigarette tin boxes. Instead, fill them with soil and herbs for a lush look that beats plain planters hands down. Even fairly new tin boxes – home to tea or chocolates, for instance – will soon gain a worn patina, so give them a new purpose, too.
Don’t throw away vintage seed or cigarette tin boxes. Instead, fill them with soil and herbs for a lush look that beats plain planters hands down. Even fairly new tin boxes – home to tea or chocolates, for instance – will soon gain a worn patina, so give them a new purpose, too.
4. Jam jars
Collect jam jars and other glass containers as an inexpensive alternative to buying vases. For a look that’s all your own, dip the bottom of the jars in white or pastel paint, or swirl a little inside, then gather them together on a sideboard and fill with wildflowers for a beautiful display.
Collect jam jars and other glass containers as an inexpensive alternative to buying vases. For a look that’s all your own, dip the bottom of the jars in white or pastel paint, or swirl a little inside, then gather them together on a sideboard and fill with wildflowers for a beautiful display.
5. Lego
Have your kids grown out of Lego? If so, get their creative juices flowing again by asking them to create storage. Anything from a utensil holder to a storage box would make use of old bricks and add fun colour to your home, too.
Have your kids grown out of Lego? If so, get their creative juices flowing again by asking them to create storage. Anything from a utensil holder to a storage box would make use of old bricks and add fun colour to your home, too.
6. Offcuts of wallpaper
When choosing wallpaper, it’s difficult to buy the exact amount for your space, which leads to lots of offcuts. Get creative and paste discarded lengths onto a plain wall for a unique look.
Shop for wallpaper online
When choosing wallpaper, it’s difficult to buy the exact amount for your space, which leads to lots of offcuts. Get creative and paste discarded lengths onto a plain wall for a unique look.
Shop for wallpaper online
Another way to use wallpaper offcuts is simply to pop a square into a frame. This is particularly effective when using statement wallpaper, such as this palm print. It also adds a cohesive feel to a scheme if the wallpaper has already been used in the room.
Browse more photos of home bars
Browse more photos of home bars
7. Old blocks of wood
Don’t discount blocks of wood – they have the potential for all sorts of uses. This sturdy block acts as a rustic side table in this bedroom while simultaneously adding warmth and texture.
Don’t discount blocks of wood – they have the potential for all sorts of uses. This sturdy block acts as a rustic side table in this bedroom while simultaneously adding warmth and texture.
Railway sleepers are often reused in gardens for bedding borders, but what about utilising them inside? The owner of this city pad has used a single sleeper to create a slimline hall shelf. If you don’t have old pieces of wood lying around, get to know your local salvage yard for second-hand steals that could make all the difference to your room.
TELL US
Do you have any tips for upcycling everyday items? Share your ideas and photos in the comments section.
MORE UPCYCLING IDEAS
Weekend Project: Get Creative With Old Windows and Doors
Make Your Bed and Lie in It: 13 Creative DIY Bedheads
Get Crafty: Add Class With Old Glass
TELL US
Do you have any tips for upcycling everyday items? Share your ideas and photos in the comments section.
MORE UPCYCLING IDEAS
Weekend Project: Get Creative With Old Windows and Doors
Make Your Bed and Lie in It: 13 Creative DIY Bedheads
Get Crafty: Add Class With Old Glass
Old-school rulers and yard sticks are very interesting visually, so give one another job to do and attach some small hooks to create a handy hanging zone for your gardening tools.