Upcycle for Low Cost Home Decor

Looking to add some sparkle to your home without spending a whole lot? Consider “upcycling” something you already have and using it in a different way. June 24th is Upcycle Day, which celebrates the art of taking old objects and furniture and using your creativity and craft to make it something new, unique and beautiful.

Not only can upcycling be cost effective and fun, it is a sustainable use of household goods. By recycling items instead of being wasteful, and reusing things that we might consider useless at first glance is a huge plus for the environment.

Project ideas

Here are some ideas to inspire your next upcycling project.

Move furniture around.

If something isn’t working for a particular room, try it in another room. An end table from the living room that you’re always tripping over may be a better fit for a small bedroom. If you’re short on cabinet space in the kitchen, why not move the bookcase that doesn’t have many books on it anyway to the kitchen to help store can goods and cookbooks?

Repurpose tablecloths

Cut up and reuse old tablecloths and bed sheets. A stained tablecloth can find new life as cloth napkins or even a window valance, just dump the part that’s stained. Your sheets may be faded but could look beautiful as the lining of baskets used to store magazines or blankets.

Old shirts become new shams

Cover throw pillows in old suit jackets, or even T-shirts you don’t want to part with, or sweaters that no longer fit.

Suitcase pet bed

Turn an old suitcase into a bed for pets. Just add padding to make it comfortable for your furry friend.

Old doors

Old doors can be transformed into things like headboards, plant stands, entryway wall hook boards,

Transform furniture

Repurpose an old dresser into a wine bar or buffet,

Picuture frames

Old picture frames can make great serving trays. You can also use chalk spray paint to create a unique chalkboard.

Broken dishes

Old broken or chipped dishes or other ceramic items can be used to create beautiful mosaic garden stepping stones.

Ladder racks

Vintage ladders make great decorative throw blanket racks.

Vinrage barrels

Old barrels or washtubs can be transformed into interesting and end tables.

Pallet projects

Turn old pallets into, well…just about ANYTHING! Pallets are a popular upcycle items that can be transformed into coffee tables, benches, wall art, raised planter beds and so much more.

Filing cabinet transformation

Cover an old filing cabinet that no longer opens with a piece of fabric, or even a sheet, for a chic nightstand in a guest room.

Before dumping something, ask yourself if you can give it another life in a different room, with a coat of paint, or in a different form? A quick Pinterest search is sure to yield endless project ideas. With a little creativity the possibilities to create new and stunning items around your home are endless!

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