Emily Flores
Stop throwing money at home stores when your recycle bin contains better decorating solutions than most retail shelves. Smart homeowners have cracked the code on turning household rejects into stylish, functional pieces that guests instantly assume cost a fortune. So, put on your favorite playlist and try to make something charming out of what you already own.
Glass Jam Jars
Your pantry doesn’t have to look like a disaster zone. Those glass jam jars you usually toss are perfect for storing everything from rice to chocolate chips. Add some paint and decorative touches, and suddenly you’ve got a pantry that’s both organized and stylish.
Old T-Shirts
Old concert tees deserve better than becoming dust rags. Instead, cut them into strips and braid them into custom rugs. It’s surprisingly easy and totally beginner-friendly. Just remember to not wash them in the machine. Opt for gentle hand cleaning if you want them to last for a good few years.
Wine Corks
Stop throwing corks away after finishing the bottle. Combine a few to make a simple heat-resistant trivet for your pots and pans. As your collection grows, you can even turn them into unique corkboards—round, square, or patterned—to organize notes, photos, and memories in style.
Vintage Picture Frames
You know those old picture frames sitting in your closet? Don’t throw them out. You can actually turn them into really cool serving trays. Simply add a solid base to the frame, stick on some handles, and voila! You now have something perfect for bringing snacks to your friends, and a flip you can brag about.
Wooden Ladder
Give that old wooden ladder a new role as a bookshelf. Simply lean it against a wall or lay it horizontally for unique display options. Add paint or stain that matches your decor to create stylish storage with a personal touch.
Single Dresser Drawer
That forgotten dresser drawer sitting idle could be the answer to your storage woes. Instead of letting it languish, repurpose it into a sophisticated under-bed storage solution by mounting smooth-rolling caster wheels and adding decorative wallpaper lining. Now, you can organize shoes, toys, or seasonal clothing right under your bed.
Worn Necktie
Start reusing old neckties with simple projects, such as decorative ribbons or stylish headbands. Once comfortable with the material, advance to making camera straps and bag handles. Always check the tie’s condition first, though, because some fabrics handle weight better than others.
Broken Ceramic Plates
Got a plate that slipped and shattered? Don’t worry; those broken pieces can be turned into something beautiful. Try colorful mosaics on a wall, stepping stones for the garden, or even handmade coasters. Rather than throwing them away, you’re giving broken dishes a second, creative life.
Mason Jar Lids
Mason jar lids are actually amazing for many things once they’ve sealed jars. Pop them on garden stakes for plant labels that won’t fall apart in the rain. Inside, they’re great for sorting small stuff and keeping your drawers organized without spending money on fancy containers.
Old Toothbrushes
With over a billion plastic toothbrushes discarded annually, don’t be the kind who adds to that statistic. Instead of tossing used toothbrushes, use them for cleaning! Their durable bristles excel at refreshing tired shoes and reaching those tricky crevices around tiles and other household corners.
Paperback Books
Paperback books make the coolest hidden boxes with just a little cutting work. Cut out the middle pages, and you get a perfect secret spot that looks like any other book. Great for hiding rings, money, or anything small that you want to keep safe.
Baby Onesies
Countless outgrown baby onesies end up discarded as textile waste in landfills. But creative pet owners have started to repurpose these sentimental garments into stylish accessories for dogs and cats. Once your pet outgrows them, too, you can simply use the fabric as stuffing for a DIY pillow or stuffed toy.
Old Belts
Old belts can be used as strong handles on homemade tote bags. Or you can mount them on walls as racks to hold tools and supplies. They also work as creative plant hangers, where you can use the buckles to support lightweight pots with style.
Cracked Teacups
Before turning a cracked teacup into a planter, proper drainage is essential. To prevent waterlogging, either drill holes or layer pebbles at the bottom. Once that’s sorted, these cups become charming homes for succulents or mini herb gardens, bringing a playful, decorative element to your living space.
Toilet Paper Rolls
Skip buying expensive plastic seed pots this spring and use toilet paper rolls instead. The cardboard works just as well for tomatoes, herbs, and flowers, costs absolutely nothing, and actually helps your plants since you never have to disturb the roots when transplanting to the garden.
Old Ladderback Chair
An old ladderback chair doesn’t need to sit forgotten in the basement. Remove the seat, mount the frame on a wall, and those wooden rungs instantly become useful again. They work perfectly for hanging towels or supporting potted plants (indoors or outdoors) with vines that spill down.
Film Canisters Or Small Tins
Tired of losing tiny things like earrings, buttons, or seeds? Film canisters and small tins solve that problem instantly. The tight lids keep everything secure and moisture-free, whether you’re storing garden seeds for next season or packing travel vitamins that won’t spill everywhere.
Worn Jeans
Start easy with old jeans by making a simple Kindle cover that needs zero sewing skills. Once you see how awesome denim works for projects, you can try bigger things like sturdy shopping bags. The original pockets become perfect spots for keys and other tidbits.
Broken String Lights
Don’t throw away broken string lights when they stop working because they can become amazing home decor instead. Rewire the good bulbs and stuff them into mason jars to create custom table lamps with warm, cozy lighting. These DIY projects cost almost nothing but add so much charm to any and every room.
Old Vinyl Records
Old vinyl records make amazing craft projects when you apply gentle heat to reshape the plastic material. Turn them into unique serving bowls for parties or functional storage dishes that catch keys by the front door. Go one step ahead and convert them into wall clocks that showcase the original album artwork beautifully.