If you are decorating on a budget or simply just don't like seeing things go to waste, you'll love these upcycling ideas for the home. I try to upcycle whenever I can and find it very rewarding. When you can give new life to old things, it's a win-win. You not only eliminate waste, but
Upcycling
Upcycling is taking any old item and giving it a new use either as it is or with a little modification. For instance, something like an old suitcase can be used for decorative storage. Or, an old kitchen funnel can be made into a stylish pendant light. Of all the DIY projects, upcycling is the most affordable and offers so many unique options. You will never look at vintage, trash or junk items in the same way again!
Probably the most popular place to find items to upcycle are at flea markets. People seem to already know that the old things they are selling having definite design potential. They also know which items are the most popular, for use in DIY, and may price them higher based on that. Other places to look are garage or estate sales. It can be harder to find specific items but when you do they are typically priced lower than even flea markets. To get the most affordability, definitely check around your own home. Go search those storage boxes and garage items and look for their potential. Pretty much anything that you no longer have a use for can be upcycled into something new.
Things To Upcycle
The following posts will provide you with plenty of inspiration for upcycling what you have.
UPCYCLING WITH ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE
Architectural salvage items include materials that have come from an old home structure. Things like old windows, doors, door knobs, pillars, and shutters are all good examples of architectural salvage. All of these things can be made into new items like furniture, chalkboards, coat racks, or headboards. There are many specific architectural salvage stores but you can also find these items and flea markets and antique stores.
UPCYCLING WITH FLEA MARKET FINDS
Shopping flea markets will give you so many possibilities. Look for old kitchen gadgets, cans, furniture parts, old suitcases and plenty of other vintage items.
UPCYCLING WITH THRIFT STORE FINDS
Old furniture with good bones is great to find at thrift stores. The prices are normally fantastic and the furnishings have lots of potential. Besides general makeovers, you can also upcycle a piece of furniture for a completely new use. Examples are a dresser turned into a tv stand or bar cart.
UNIQUE WAYS TO UPCYCLE OLD STUFF
Creative examples of ways to repurpose a wide variety of items. Besides old items like suitcases or old cutting boards, these ideas include ways to repurpose trash items like cans from the pantry.
DECORATING WITH LADDERS
What happens when an old ladder is no longer safe to use? You definitely do not throw it out. There are so many cool ways to decorate with old ladders and use them for other purposes like a pot rack. Whether you have an old step ladder or a long wooden or metal ladder, there are lots of creative ways to incorporate them into your decor.
Best Thrift Store Finds And Makeovers
Get inspired by these amazing makeovers from thrift store finds. They will have you running out to search for your own deals!
50 Unique Ways To Repurpose Old Stuff
Pull out your unwanted items and repurpose them using the unique ideas in one of the fifty recycled crafts found here!
Decorating With Architectural Salvage
See how you can incorporate architectural salvage into your home whether you are remodeling or you just want to add some unique interest.
DIY Book Picture Frame Using A Vintage Book
Although I love vintage books in their proper form, sometimes it's best to repurpose one for a different use. One such book, that I had, was already starting to fall apart. Instead of throwing it out, I decided to make a book picture frame. A book cover, without the pages, makes a perfect easel for
Ten Super Easy DIY Headboard Ideas
If you are looking for a quick and easy headboard that is still full of style, check out these ten diy headboard ideas.
Repurposed DIY Projects For Home Decor
Get inspired for your own repurposing project with this collection of 43 repurposed projects from the community of Hometalk.
Decorating With Ladders Both Inside And Out
Check out all of these creative ways for decorating with ladders both indoors and out!
Vintage Wooden Shoe Form Display Ideas
Check out several different ideas for decorating with wooden shoe forms plus be inspired by a unique idea given by Ann from Once Upon A Firefly.
Scrap Metal DIY Project Ideas
Rusty old scrap metal can be turned into unique home decor or yard art! Check out these fun scrap metal project ideas for inspiration.
What To Do With Cast Iron Shoe Molds
Do you have some old vintage cast iron shoe molds? See all of the fun ways that you can re-purpose them into new and useful items.
Creative Photo Displays Using Vintage Props
See how you can incorporate your family photos into your home decor with these creative photo displays that are both stylish and functional.