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HOME » RUSTIC DECORATING » Upcycling » Page 4

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.

by Renee Hanlon - April 15, 2014April 15, 2019

Antique Collection Ideas For DIY Home Decor

See how antique collecting can be a way to furnish your home interior with vintage display or repurposed items.

by Renee Hanlon - April 11, 2014April 15, 2019

Outdoor Decorating With Old Windows

Decorating with old windows is not just for your home interior. See all of the unique ways that you can bring old windows to the exterior of your home.

by Renee Hanlon - April 7, 2014December 22, 2021

How To Repurpose Old Light Fixtures

If you have updated light fixtures in your home, see how you can repurpose your old light fixtures with these unique and creative ideas.

by Renee Hanlon - April 2, 2014April 15, 2019

Creative DIY Storage Using Old Toolboxes

See how you can convert an old vintage toolbox into handy decorative storage with this creative diy storage idea.

by Renee Hanlon - March 31, 2014October 21, 2020

Furniture Made From Old Doors

See how you can create interesting and unique furniture made from old doors. Find ideas for tables, shelving units, headboards and more.

by Renee Hanlon - March 19, 2014April 15, 2019

Ways To Repurpose Dressers Empty Of Drawers

See how you can repurpose dressers if you have one that is missing drawers or you have used the drawers for other projects.

by Renee Hanlon - March 14, 2014December 22, 2021

Vintage DIY Decorating With Boat Oars

See how you can easily add vintage charm to your coastal retreat by decorating with boat oars.

ways to repurpose
by Renee Hanlon - December 13, 2013April 15, 2019

Creative Ways To Repurpose Almost Anything

You will want to search your attic or storage space when you see all of the creative ways to repurpose those odds and ends that you may have lying around!

by Renee Hanlon - November 6, 2013April 15, 2019

Unique Interior Door Ideas For Rustic Chic Decor

Design a home that is a step above the rest with some unique and stylish interior door ideas using vintage doors, sliding and barn door designs.

by Renee Hanlon - October 31, 2013April 15, 2019

How To Decorate With Old Windows

See how to decorate with old windows and where you can find the windows to begin with.

by Renee Hanlon - October 16, 2013April 15, 2019

Five Fun Ideas For Ladder Shelves

See how you can transform an old ladder or two into stylish shelving for your home with this collection of ideas for ladder shelves.

by Renee Hanlon - August 12, 2013April 15, 2019

Ideas For Upcycled Home Decor

If you are looking for something unique in decorating, check out my simple ideas for upcycled home decor.

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About Author
Renee Hanlon

Creating rustic styling on a budget by giving new life to old things and using the beauty that is already found in nature. Read more about me.

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