Upcycling has become a bit of an obsession for me, and I’m not even embarrassed to admit it. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking an item that seems destined for the bin and transforming it into something useful or beautiful. It’s a creative process that’s eco-friendly, budget-conscious, and fun! Today, I’m excited to share with you 20 unusual upcycling ideas that I’ve tried (or I’m eager to try) that might just inspire you to do a bit of DIY magic of your own.
20 Unusual Upcycling Ideas
1. Turn Old Suitcases into Chic Side Tables
This is one of my favorite upcycling projects. If you’ve got an old, vintage suitcase lying around—one of those with character and personality—don’t throw it away! Attach four legs to the bottom, and you’ve got yourself a unique, retro-style side table. It doubles as storage, too, which is always a win in my book. I use mine to store magazines and knick-knacks.
2. Tires into Garden Planters
Old tires are perfect for this next idea. Instead of sending them to the landfill, turn them into colorful garden planters. I painted mine bright turquoise and planted some herbs inside. The contrast of green plants against the vibrant tire adds a pop of color to my garden. You can stack them for a tiered planter look or hang them vertically for a garden wall effect.
3. Turn a Ladder into a Bookshelf
Who knew an old, rickety ladder could make such a stylish statement? If you have an old wooden ladder collecting dust in your garage, give it a good sanding and a fresh coat of paint (or keep it rustic, depending on your style). Lean it against the wall and use the rungs as shelves to display books, plants, or pictures. It’s a quirky storage solution that adds height and visual interest to a room.
4. Lightbulbs as Tiny Vases
This one is more of a cute craft than a full-on upcycling project, but it’s still worth mentioning. If you’ve got burnt-out incandescent lightbulbs, carefully hollow them out (you can find tutorials online to do this safely) and turn them into mini vases. I hang mine from the ceiling with twine, and they make adorable hanging planters for small flowers or succulents.
5. Wine Bottles into Tiki Torches
If you enjoy the occasional bottle of wine like I do, you probably have more empty bottles than you know what to do with. Don’t recycle them just yet! With some torch wick, fuel, and copper fittings, you can easily transform old wine bottles into stylish tiki torches for your garden or patio. They add a warm glow to summer nights, and they’re super easy to make.
6. Jeans into Aprons
We all have that pair of jeans that has seen better days—maybe they’re ripped or just no longer fit right. Instead of tossing them, turn them into aprons! The denim fabric is durable, making it perfect for kitchen use or even gardening. I made a half-apron out of a pair of jeans that had a massive tear in the knee, and it’s now my go-to apron for messy baking sessions.
7. Tin Cans as Hanging Lanterns
This is one of those projects that’s easy, quick, and yields beautiful results. All you need are some old tin cans, a hammer, and a nail to punch holes into the sides in whatever design you like. Add a tealight candle inside, and voila! You’ve got yourself some charming hanging lanterns. I like to hang mine from tree branches for outdoor parties, and they cast such pretty patterns of light.
8. Broken Crayons into New Crayons
If you have kids, you know that crayons never stay whole for long. Instead of throwing away all those broken bits, melt them down into fun-shaped molds. You can buy silicone molds in different shapes (hearts, stars, animals) and create multicolored crayons that are way cooler than the originals. Plus, the kids love helping with this project.
9. Turn Pallets into Outdoor Furniture
Wooden pallets are like the holy grail of upcycling. With a bit of sanding, staining, and a few nails, you can turn pallets into outdoor couches, coffee tables, or even vertical garden walls. I made a pallet sofa for my patio, complete with cushions, and it’s now one of the coziest spots in my house. The best part? Pallets are often free if you know where to look.
10. Old Doors as Headboards
When I upgraded my front door, I didn’t want to just throw the old one away. Instead, I sanded it down, gave it a fresh coat of paint, and repurposed it as a headboard for my bed. The unique look adds character to the bedroom, and I love that it’s a one-of-a-kind piece with some history behind it.
11. CDs into Mosaic Mirrors
Remember when we all had stacks of CDs lying around? Well, if you’ve still got some and they’re no longer useful, here’s an idea: break them into small pieces and use them to create a mosaic design around a mirror. The reflective surface of the CDs adds an extra layer of sparkle to the mirror, and the effect is absolutely stunning.
12. Sweaters into Pillow Covers
Have a cozy old sweater that doesn’t fit anymore? Don’t toss it—turn it into a pillow cover! Sweater fabric is soft and warm, perfect for adding a bit of texture to your couch or bed. I love how my sweater-turned-pillow looks, especially in the colder months when it adds an extra layer of coziness to the room.
13. Upcycled Picture Frames from Scraps
If you’ve got leftover wood from other projects, why not turn those scraps into picture frames? It’s a relatively simple project, and you can customize the frames to fit the size and style you want. I made a gallery wall of upcycled frames, each with a slightly different finish, and it looks amazing—plus, it cost next to nothing.
14. Mason Jars into Soap Dispensers
Mason jars are classic for a reason—they’re just so versatile. One of my favorite uses for them is turning them into soap dispensers. All you need is a pump (you can buy these online or repurpose one from an old bottle), and you’ve got yourself a rustic yet chic soap dispenser. I’ve made a few of these for my kitchen and bathrooms, and they add such a lovely homemade touch.
15. Umbrellas into Clothes Dryers
This one is a bit quirky, but if you’ve got a broken umbrella, don’t throw it away just yet. Strip off the fabric, and you’re left with a great frame for a hanging clothes dryer. I hang mine in my laundry room, and it’s perfect for drying small items like socks and underwear. Plus, it’s collapsible, so it doesn’t take up much space.
16. Skateboards into Wall Art
Old skateboards, especially those with cool designs on the underside, make excellent wall art. If you’ve got one (or can find one second-hand), mount it on the wall as a statement piece. It’s a great way to add a bit of edge and personality to a room. I hung one up in my office, and it always gets compliments from visitors.
17. Convert Drawers into Under-the-Bed Storage
Don’t throw out that old dresser just because the frame is broken or damaged. Salvage the drawers and add some castor wheels to the bottom to turn them into rolling under-the-bed storage. I use mine to store seasonal clothing and extra bedding, and it’s a practical and stylish way to declutter your space.
18. Chipped Dishes into Garden Markers
If you’ve got chipped or cracked plates or dishes, don’t toss them just yet. Break them into pieces (carefully!), and use a permanent marker to label them as garden markers for your herbs and vegetables. The pieces add a rustic, handmade touch to your garden, and it’s a great way to repurpose broken crockery.
19. Washing Machine Drum into Fire Pit
This is one of those projects that sounds more complicated than it actually is. If your washing machine has finally kicked the bucket, salvage the drum and turn it into a fire pit for your backyard. The holes in the drum allow for great airflow, making it perfect for a cozy outdoor fire. Just give it a good clean, and you’ve got yourself a trendy, upcycled fire pit.
20. Shoe Organizers as Vertical Gardens
Those over-the-door shoe organizers with multiple pockets? Turns out, they’re great for gardening! Hang one on a fence or wall, fill the pockets with soil, and plant herbs or small flowers. It’s a fantastic way to create a vertical garden, especially if you’re short on space. I’ve got one on my back porch filled with mint, basil, and thyme—it’s like my own little herb wall.
What will YOU Epicycle?
So, there you have it—20 unusual upcycling ideas that can transform everyday items into something new and exciting. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of creativity to your home, save money, or do your bit for the environment, upcycling is such a rewarding way to do all of the above.
I hope some of these ideas spark your interest and encourage you to give upcycling a try. The beauty of it is that the possibilities are endless, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. It’s all about creativity, imagination, and seeing the potential in what others might discard. Each project not only helps reduce waste but also allows you to express your personal style and add unique touches to your home. Plus, the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created something with your own hands is unbeatable. So, next time you’re about to throw something away, take a second look—you might just find your next upcycling masterpiece waiting to happen. Happy upcycling!
