15 Surprising Ways to Repurpose Things You Already Have at Home

Everyone has that stuff around the house that never gets used — old jeans, casserole dish covers, or just that colander you haven’t used for the last few years. Why not put those things to good use instead of the things take up space? You Can Give New Life To Old Things — Here Are 15 Practical Ideas For Recycling Your Home Items Into Something New And Useful. And the best part? And the best part is, you don’t need to purchase anything at all new!

1. Turn Casserole Dish Lids into Bird Feeders

Have a spare casserole dish lid sitting around? Do you have unwanted teacups and saucers just gathering dust in the kitchen – but don t want to throw away?What about turning them into cute bird feeders for your garden? Simply add a small chain or bit of twine to the handle of the lid, fill the inside with birdseed, and hang it outside! This is a super simple method of calling over some cute feathered friends into your back garden area. And you can always paint the lids and give them a colorful customization.

2. Make a Succulent Planter with a Colander

That old colander at the back of the cupboard? It has more benefits than you realize! A colander can be a fun option for planting succulents that can drain because they have built-in drainage. Simply place some stones or coconut fiber at the bottom for the soil, fill with your most loved succulents and you will have an unusual and low price planter. Put it right on your kitchen counter or hang it up for fast greenery!

3. Turn a Plastic Watering Can into a Door Hanger

A simple upcycle you could do with that cheap plastic watering can you have forgotten in the garage, turn it into a cute door hanger. You can stuff it with fake flowers or dried greens then wrap a ribbon around the handle and hang it on the front door or porch. A simple trick to brighten up your home entrance with a visual pop of colour and charmer to wear your home a fresh, welcoming look for bucks to none.

4. Use Old Bandanas as Bowl Covers

We All Have a Few Old Bandanas Floating Around. Why not make them into reusable bowl covers? They’re ideal for covering food during a picnic or backyard barbecue. Just cut the bandana to the size of your bowl, sew in a piece of elastic around the edges, and you have a stylish, eco-friendly plastic wrap alternative. And they’re simple to clean and reusable!

5. Convert an Old Ladder into a Rustic Bookshelf

Dont get rid of an old wooden ladder that has seen better days! You can transform it into rustic bookshelf or storage display easily. Just lean the ladder against a wall, and place books, plants or decorative items on each rung. It gives any room a vintage, farmhouse feel and is a great way to recycle something that would just get thrown away.

6. Transform an Oatmeal Container into Chic Storage

You know those empty oatmeal containers? Don’t throw them away yet! Brainstorming skills testWhile there are lots of ways to use a muffin tin, with a little creativity, you can repurpose one to store accessories, crafting supplies, or kitchen utensils, somewhat stylishly. Wrap the container in wrapping paper, fabric, or contact paper for an uptown vibe, and voilá — you have a custom organizer that’s functional and fabulous. And experiment with different sizes for a whole collection of matching storage pieces.

7. Turn Picture Frames into an Herb Drying Rack

Are there spare picture frames lying around unused? Instead of leaving them to gather dust, turn them into a DIY herb drying rack. Just take out the glass, stretch some mesh or screening over the frame and hold it in place. Whether hung on the wall or lying flat, use it to dry garden herbs. It’s a practical and attractive method to store your fresh herbs for use in cooking.

8. Create a Lamp Out of a Tea Set

Have an old tea set that you can’t bear to throw out but have never used? Create a unique lamp out of it! Then stack the cups and saucers, drill a hole through the center, and thread a lamp kit through for a one-of-a-kind, whimsical lamp for bedside or living room. You don’t have to buy an expensive tea set — if you don’t have one at home and don’t want to buy one new, you can find them online or in your local thrift store for cheap. This fun DIY project is sure to spark a conversation.

9. Upcycle Worn-Out Jeans into a Hanging Organizer

Those iffy jeans sitting in your closet shouldn’t wait any longer. Instead, recycle them into a hanging organizer for your closet or bedroom. You then cut the pockets off the jeans and sew them onto a piece of fabric or canvas. Hang it on a wall or behind a door, and use the pockets to hold small items, like keys, sunglasses or mail. It’s a simple way to remain organized, while giving your old jeans a new life.

10. Make Concrete Garden Orbs with Glass Containers

Have you ever been curious to make concrete decor? This is a fun, easy way to make use of old glass containers. Just fill the containers with a concrete mix, allow to set and then break the glass to reveal smooth modern orbs that look great in your garden or outdoor area. You can play around with sizes and shapes, using jars, bowls or wine glasses as molds.

11. Give Glass Vases a Gold Leaf Makeover

If you have a few plain glass vases sitting in storage, now is the time to bring them out and give them a glamorous upgrade. You can easily turn them into a statement piece by simply applying gold leaf or some gold paint to the outside. This easy DIY project brings some elegance to your home and makes those flowers in everyday vases look like premium decor. Stuff them full of fresh flowers, or use them to hold centerpieces for an upscale, polished look.

12. Turn a Broken Chair into a Towel Rack

Have a dusty old chair with a busted leg? Ditching it, why not repurpose it as a towel rack for your bathroom or pool? Get rid of the seat and use the chair back to drape towels. It’s an unexpected but useful way to put a piece of furniture, that could otherwise be trash, to work. Paint it to coordinate with your decor and it provides a sweet, rustic accent in your space.

13. Repurpose Old Tires into Planters

A few old tires kicking around don’t get thrown away! You can readily transform them into fabulous planters for your garden. Stack the tires, paint them with bright colors, and fill them with soil and plants. This fun, eco-friendly idea is ideal for giving your backyard or patio a splash of color. Also, it’s a great way to recycle something that is hard to throw away!

14. Turn a Wine Rack into a Towel Holder

If you have a wine rack that has now found itself without a purpose, use it as a towel holder in your bathroom! Just roll up your towels and set them where the wine bottles would have gone. It’s an stylish, space-saving answer that brings a fashionable accoutrement to your bathroom. You can even use it to hang on the wall, giving it a slightly more polished look.

15. Use an Old Window Frame as a Photo Display

Have an old window frame lying around — don’t waste it! Make a photo display out of it by taking the glass out and replacing it with wire or string stretched across the frame. Using mini clothespins, you can hang some of your favorite pictures, postcards, or art. Ideal in any room for extra character and is made upcycling an old window.

Final Thoughts

Actually upcycling, you are just getting the most use out of what you own and it’s a creative outlet that you can do around the house. Instead of throwing away random things gathering dust, try out one of these DIY ideas. Not only will you reduce waste in this way, you will also create something that will add value to your home. And who knows? You may start looking at clutter in an entirely different way!