When it comes to decorating, it’s the little details that make a room – the pillow for a splash of color, the rug to pull the room together, the vase to add a modern touch. But buying new home decor is often expensive – and excessive, too. Upcycled, do-it-yourself home decor, on the other hand, are one-of-a-kind, singular pieces that reduce waste, save money, and greenify living spaces. With upcycling, used or discarded objects are recreated as unique home accessories – old wine barrels transform into bookcases, flip flops to floor mats, and skateboards to stools. Ready to get creative? Read on.
1. THIS LAMP RECREATED FROM A BOTTLE
The perfect DIY project for wine-drinkers, this eclectic piece will bring a rustic feel to any living space.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Lampshade, bulb, old wine bottle, engraving device or drill, wiring.
HOW IT’S DONE: With a diamond tipped drill or engraving device, create a hole near the base of the bottle. Run the appropriate wiring through the hole and connect with the lamp and bulb fixture.
(Audrius Merfeldas / Shutterstock.com)
A creative way to preserve memories while upcycling old maps, you can even stitch your route for a trip down memory lane.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Old road map, embroidery needle, embroidery thread, frame
HOW IT’S DONE: Cut the map to fit the frame and then use the needle to poke holes in the map along your route. Using a backstitch, sew along the route, finishing with an X at your destination.
3. THIS BULLETIN BOARD MADE FROM AN OLD DRAWER
Salvage old drawers with this quirky bulletin board that will make a practical and colorful addition to a bedroom, office space, or kitchen area.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Old drawer, corkboard, colorful paper
HOW IT’S DONE: Cut the corkboard to fit inside of the drawer and glue in place. Cover with colorful paper and hang on the wall.
4. THIS PILLOW REPURPOSED FROM WORN T-SHIRTS
It’s time to clean out your closet and get rid of the mountain of old t-shirts you never use. Instead, repurpose them as soft, sentimental pillows.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Old t-shirts, rotary cutter, ruler, sewing machine, thread
HOW IT’S DONE: Cut the fabric to the desired size, allowing for 1/4-inch seams. Sew the sides together, leaving an opening to fill. Use filling to stuff your pillow, and then sew it closed. Push the filling to the bottom of the pillow and feed the unfinished edge through the sewing machine.
(SunCity / Shutterstock.com)
5. THESE CANDLES MADE USING OLD TEACUPS
If you’re looking for something to do with the ancient collection of inherited tea cups, these candles are a great way to light up your home and preserve antiques.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Teacup, candle wax, candle wick, old metal bowl, saucepan, scissors
HOW IT’S DONE: Combine the candle wax with water and melt over low heat. Position the candle wick in the center of the teacup and slowly ladle the melted wax into the cup, filling to the rim.
6. THESE COASTERS MADE FROM UPCYCLED DENIM
It’s time to put your old jeans to use and create one-of-a-kind, durable coasters that will protect your surfaces from heat and water.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Old jeans, scissors, fabric glue
HOW IT’S DONE: Cut away the inside, outside, and bottom seams of the jeans and trim them so they are all around the same width. Place a dot of glue at one end of the same and roll, place a line of glue along the denim while working. Continue rolling and adding new lengths of seam until you have a four-inch-round coaster.
7. THESE BOOKENDS THAT WERE ONCE VINYL RECORDS
If you’re looking for a nice way to display your neglected vinyl record collection, these bookends bring a pop of vintage to your bookshelf.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Two vinyl records, kettle or pot for boiling, flat-bottomed heat resistant container
HOW IT’S DONE: Boil enough water to allow an inch of water in your container. Dip about 1/4 of the record into the hot water. The vinyl bends easily once it heats up. Bend the record so it forms a 90 degree angle and let cool.
(Gabor Tokodi / Shutterstock.com)
