You’ve heard the terms, upcycling and repurposing but what is the difference?
In upcycling, we create products from discarded materials or old items, giving them a whole new makeover.
Repurposing is mostly using materials or objects for a different purpose than they were originally intended for.
These two wonderful practices go hand in hand and are essential tools for adopting a sustainable lifestyle.
For sustainable living, we adopt practices that are beneficial for the planet in the long run, and thankfully, we can start right at our homes.
Repurposing and Upcycling Ideas
Upcycled Furniture Ideas
Upcycled furniture has become a popular trend, so here are a few examples of upcycling furniture you can try to recreate.
1. Turning Ladders Into Shelves
Don’t throw that old or unused ladder! Instead, upcycle your ladder and use it as shelves.
- Place the ladder horizontally against a wall, and you have your own unique shelves!
- Each step of the ladder can be a shelf, offering lots of storage for plants, books, toiletries, or kitchen essentials.
- Sanding and painting the ladder can elevate its rustic vibe, and you can also decorate by adding hooks or baskets.
- Or maybe just plop a mirror on the top step, and you have your own ladder vanity!
2. Reimagining a Dresser as a Kitchen Island
Transforming a dresser into a kitchen island is a fantastic upcycling furniture idea. This particular transformation is from Leslie at the Dandelion Sprinkle Blog.
- A way to achieve a similar effect is to remove a few drawers from your dresser where you can place a couple of chairs.
- If the top of the dresser is not big enough, consider adding a bigger piece of wood on top of it.
- You will have a spacious workspace complete with storage.
- The remaining drawers can store kitchen stuff, while the countertop serves as a food prep and dining area.
- Apply a fresh coat of paint or varnish according to your kitchen’s aesthetic, and nobody will ever guess it wasn’t a part of the set.
3. Upcycling Wood Pallets to Make a Bench and a Table
Did you know that you can use wood pallets to create furniture? It does not come cheaper than that.
- If you are into DIY this is a great upcycling project that could be very useful.
- Add the final touches with cushions and a decorative piece on the table.
4. Repurse Wooden Crates as Shelves
These home decorations made with wooden boxes or crates are affordable and look really cute.
- Place the wooden boxes against the wall and decorate them the way you want.
- Alternatively, you could also nail them on the wall so they are more secure.
5. Make a Table Set With Logs
- To make a bench using logs, select and prepare logs for the legs, cut them to the desired lengths, assemble the seat and legs securely, sand the surfaces, and finish with a protective coat.
- To make a table using logs, pick the logs for the legs, cut and level them, assemble the legs to the tabletop, sand for smoothness, and finish for protection and aesthetics.
6. Use Surfboards to Make a Bench
To make a similar bench with legs using two surfboards, attach wooden or metal legs to the bottom of the seat surfboard, and secure the backrest surfboard vertically to the seat, ensuring stability and comfort.
Repurposed Household Item Ideas
Repurposing can also help you create tons of appealing home decor for your house! Let’s take a look at the ideas below.
1. Transforming Glass Jars into Vases
- Start by cleaning the bottles or mason jars and removing labels.
- Paint the bottles with glass paint or wrap them with twine, lace, colorful ribbons, or fabric.
- Keep fresh flowers or dried plants in the bottles, and set them up as centerpieces on a windowsill or top of your fireplace.
- For a step-by-step tutorial check out Fall Mason Jar Decor.
More ways to reuse glass jars:
2. Upcycling Glass Jars as Lights
To upcycle glass jars as lights, follow these steps:
- Clean the jars thoroughly and remove any labels.
- Choose a lighting element, such as LED fairy lights or a battery-operated candle.
- Insert the lighting element into the jar.
- Decorate the jar as desired with paint, ribbon, or other embellishments.
- Hang or place the jars in the desired location to create ambient lighting.
Remember to exercise caution with the lighting element to prevent overheating or fire hazards.
3. Revamping Old Picture Frames into Trays
Remove the glass and backing from the frame and coat it with fresh paint or stain to match your desired aesthetic. Glue decorative handles to the sides for easy carrying.
For the base, use pieces of wood, a nice and colorful fabric, or patterned wallpaper cut to the frame’s size. Attach the stuff properly to the frame, and your repurposed frame tray is ready to use!
4. Using Sea Shells as Fridge Magnets
Very simple to do.
- Once you have your shea shells, clean them, glue a magnet into them, and stick them on the fridge door.
- You could also add some fake greenery or flowers into the sea shells.
- Let your imagination run.
5. Upcycle Can Ideas
What can you make out of tin cans? There are many ways in which you can reuse or upcycle tin cans.
- Paint them and use them as vases for flowers or greenery.
2. Use them for your pencils, pens, crayons, etc
3. Transform your ugly can into a beautiful container and give it the use you want.
6. Upcycling Plastic Coffee Cups
Upcycle old plastic coffee cups as a repurposed greenhouse.
7. Christmas Ornaments Made With Recycled Materials
Here is an easy DIY upcycle craft project you can create for Christmas.
- These are ornaments made with repurposed old sweaters, jeans, and embroidery hoops.
- They are ideal for your home decorations or to offer as gifts in the festive season.
RELATED READING: How to fill clear Christmas ornaments
8. Upcycle Pans as Plant Pots
Don’t throw your old pans and pots. Instead, use them to grow flowers or plants, like these succulents.
9. Upcycled Egg Carton Project
To make a floral wreath out of an egg carton:
- Cut individual cups from the egg carton.
- Trim and shape the cups into flower-like petals.
- Paint or decorate the petals as desired.
- Glue or attach with a wire the petals onto a circular base (e.g., cardboard or a wreath frame).
- Add faux or real flowers, leaves, or other embellishments (optional).
- Attach a ribbon or string for hanging.
This upcycled wreath is a creative and eco-friendly craft project, perfect to make with kids.
10. Upcycling Old or Vintage Teapots as Plant Pots
This vintage teapot is beautiful and doesn’t mean that just because is old we have to throw it away. Find creative ways to reuse it, just like in the image below, and use it as a flower or plant pot.
11. Reusing Old Boots as Plant Pots
- Many of us have old boots lying around the house doing nothing.
- Give them a new lease of life by reusing them as planters.
- It looks really cute.
- An easy and fun upcycling project for all.
Guide to Get Started with Upcycling and Repurposing
- Necessary tools and materials: You need your paint, paint brushes, adhesives, scissors, and other tools. Start collecting stuff like old furniture, fabric pieces, or discarded items that catch your eye and ignite your creativity.
- Safety measures are paramount throughout the whole process. Depending on the materials and tools used, basic safety precautions like wearing protective gear and working in well-ventilated spaces are mandatory.
- Also, adapting eco-friendly practices, like non-toxic paints, cleansers for cleaning brushes from polyurethane, and adhesives, lines up with the sustainable essence of upcycling and repurposing.
- The beginner’s mindset: Approach projects with an open mind, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, and let your imagination run wild!
- Educate yourself: Attend local workshops or watch online tutorials to improve your skills and gain inspiration. Practice at home and keep going at it until you’re satisfied.
RELATED READING: Easy handmade home decor items and seasonal decor ideas
FAQs
1. What Are Upcycling Products?
Upcycling products are items that have been creatively transformed from discarded or old materials into new and useful products.
2. How Is Upcycling Good For The Environment?
Upcycling is good for the environment because it reduces waste by repurposing discarded materials, saving resources, and decreasing energy and emissions wasted from manufacturing.
3. Does Upcycling Reduce Waste?
Yes, upcycling reduces waste by repurposing and transforming discarded materials into new and valuable products.
Last Words About Upcycling and Repurposing
I hope you found this guide informative and helpful enough to ease you into a sustainable lifestyle.
Sustainable living is the best option to save and restore our planet to somewhat of its former glory in the long run, and upcycling and repurposing are its two important stepping stones. I hope I’ve empowered you enough to share this guide with your friends and family.
Happy upcycling and repurposing!
