Upcycling has seen a big uptick in recent years. If you haven’t heard the word, you might be able to guess what it is from the context. Recycling means reusing something for the same purpose. Upcycling, on the other hand, means changing one object to serve a new purpose.
People are becoming more conscientious about the amount of waste they produce. Upcycling goes hand-in-hand with that. To avoid throwing things away, many people are finding new ways to reuse objects. And they’ve discovered some pretty creative ways to do it.
Exploring upcycling blogs is fascinating. There are so many ways to turn trash into something beautiful. These objects would normally end up in a dumpster. Instead, they’re remade into amazing things. People upcycle things into clothing, home objects, and even decor. It’s easier than you think.
Sure, we’ve all seen television shows where people spend lots of time and money on remaking and rebuilding things. But most upcycling projects don’t need to be complicated. Most of them don’t even take a lot of special materials or a significant amount of time to complete. You can do them right at home — starting with these 75 projects made from everyday items.
1. Pillows out of old T-shirts
When beloved T-shirts start to wear out, there’s no need to throw them away. Instead, you can make them into these lovely pillows. It’s especially a great way to create a keepsake of a shirt you particularly loved.
2. A crop top from an oversized shirt
Everyone has an oversized shirt that doesn’t get much use because, well — it’s too big. But you can easily change it into a stylish and stunning crop top.
3. A pouf out of old denim
Jeans get a lot of wear but over time, they begin to look ragged. But don’t toss them into the garbage can. Instead, use them to make a cute pouf or ottoman for your living room.
4. Turn old jeans into a pocket organizer
Those jeans have a perfect tool in the back: nice deep pockets. If you have a bunch of old pairs, save the pockets to make this handy organizer.
5. A beach bag out of a shirt
Do you have a shirt you never wear but still want to keep it? Try turning it into a gorgeous beach bag that’s truly one-of-a-kind. It’s a perfect way to upcycle.
6. A fun bag out of old jeans
Denim is amazing for upcycling because it’s hardy and wears extremely well. You can use some old jeans to make a beautiful bag like this one.
7. These adorable toys used to be socks
When one sock gets lost in the laundry, don’t despair. The remaining one can be used to make a cute toy like this one — it’s so much better than a regular sock puppet.
8. Letter pillows out of old fabric scraps
If you’re into crafting, you probably have a bunch of fabric scraps lying around. Grab some of them to put together these cute letter pillows. They’re great for gifts.
9. An old belt becomes a new bracelet
Whether your weight or style has changed, there comes a time when belts have to be retired. But you can always upcycle them into something new, like this bracelet.
10. Turn wooden pallets into a bed
Who said you need a real box spring to keep your bed comfortable? Instead, grab a couple of wooden pallets to lift your mattress off the floor.
11. Old jeans become a basket
Jeans are perfect for upcycling since they’re made to last. That means they’re tough and versatile. You can even weave the pieces into a storage basket like this one.
12. A wooden pallet transforms into a coffee table
With a little imagination, a plain wooden pallet can become almost anything. You can even make it into a gorgeous coffee table that’s unique.
13. Or use pallets to make lovely wall art
The process of upcycling wooden pallets isn’t something that has to be complicated. You can also hang them on the wall and put an inspirational message on them — or whatever else you prefer.
14. Turn buttons into beautiful decor
It’s nice to have a few extra buttons on hand, but it’s possible to have too many. When that happens, it’s time to make some eye-catching wall decor.
15. Make a tree branch into a chandelier
Did you know you can use something as commonplace as a tree branch to decorate your home? This one’s been used as part of a one-of-a-kind light fixture.
16. …or some fun wall art
There’s nothing simpler than going outside, grabbing some sticks, and putting together as an artistic display for your wall. After all, no one said art has to be expensive.
17. A wooden pallet can become an amazing swing
If you’re really handy and have some time to invest, you can make a beautiful swing from a simple wooden pallet. Placed inside, it’s a perfect place to sit and read a book.
18. Turn simple rope into a lovely doormat
Every home needs an attractive doormat, but there’s no reason to go out and buy one. You can make your own with a coil of rope.
19. Plastic utensils can become a gorgeous lamp
Do you feel guilty about throwing away plastic utensils? Don’t let them go to the landfill. Instead, make them into this beautiful pineapple lampshade.
20. Make a succulent “picture” with a frame
Upcycling is all about turning things into, well, other things. A prime example is this picture frame, which has become a planter for a succulent display.
21. Turn a picture frame into a serving tray
This picture frame has been reimagined into a serving tray. All you need to do is add some handles to complete the project.
22. Or make a dry erase board
You can also turn a picture frame into a handy dry erase board. You don’t need anything special — just pop a piece of colored paper inside the glass and mount it on the wall.
23. A shoebox can become a jewelry organizer
Are you wondering what to do with those shoe boxes when you bring them home from the store? Just cover them in cloth and then mount them on the wall for a handy place to put your jewelry.
24. Adorable wall decorations
You can also reuse shoe boxes as wall decorations. They’re light and easy to mount. All you have to do is cover them in some pretty paper or cloth. You can also cut out cool designs like this one using the lid.
25. A fun bag out of an old T-shirt
It’s easier to turn a T-shirt into a bag than you might think. The sleeves become the handles of the bag — you don’t even have to break out your sewing kit.
26. Make a men’s button-down into a cute girl’s dress
If your little girl’s dad is tired of his dress shirts, you can certainly donate them. But you can also make them into this simple and adorable dress.
27. Turn old clothes into a new rug
It’s so easy to accumulate tons and tons of old clothes. If they’re not fit for donating, try cutting them up and weaving them into this beautiful area rug.
28. Turn old denim into an adorable cuddly toy
You might not think of denim as a cuddly type of fabric, but it’s perfect for this whale toy. It’s also sure to last through many years of play and snuggles.
29. Upcycle mugs into plant pots
Sometimes upcycling can be as simple as reusing an item as something else. If you have old mugs you no longer use, try putting your houseplants in them.
30. Weave a chair seat out of unused belts
Do you have a whole closet full of belts you no longer wear? They’ll make a great woven seat for a kitchen chair — and it’ll become a conversation piece.
31. Regular rope or twine becomes a gorgeous storage basket
Sometimes, all you need is some regular old rope to make something amazing. Here, it’s been used to create a beautiful storage basket.
32. Turn plastic utensils into eye-catching wall art
The next time you use plastic utensils, don’t toss them in the garbage. Instead, give them a rinse and use them to make beautiful wall decor.
33. Make books into invisible bookshelves
Did you know you can use books as bookshelves? Just grab a book you no longer read and put it onto a wall mount. Then place other books on top of it.
34. Turn an embroidery hoop into a sewing station
Embroidery hoops are cheap and easily accessible, making them ideal for a DIY sewing station. Simply sew some pockets into a piece of fabric and suspend them from the hoop.
35. Scrabble tiles can become cute coasters
Don’t let your guests leave rings on your coffee table. Instead, select some Scrabble tiles and glue them together. Of course, make sure you spell out appropriate words if you have little ones around.
36. Fill old bottles with colored sand
Often, upcycling is just a matter of taking a piece of trash and making it beautiful once again. Take these old bottles, which have been turned into a stunning rainbow display.
37. You can make an eye-catching nature display
Bottles are also a perfect place for plants. This terrarium looks gorgeous, but it’s made out of old drinks bottles. Putting it all together is incredibly simple.
38. Turn vinyl records into a fascinating end table
If you have old vinyl records but no turntable, you can use them in other ways. These have been turned into a lovely end table.
39. Or a super-cool cake stand
Or how about making vinyl records into an eye-catching cake stand? It’s fantastic for a music-loving friend on their next birthday.
40. You can even create a wine rack
You can even make vinyl records into a wine rack as well. One thing’s certain: the next time you have friends over for a drink, you won’t be at a loss for a conversation.
41. Turn floppy discs into notebooks
Floppy discs were once all-important, but they’re not used very much these days. Thankfully, it’s not hard to turn them into something else, like these notebooks.
42. Or perhaps fascinating planters
You can make planters out of almost anything these days. Floppy discs are a great choice since they’re ultra-durable and made to last a long time.
43. Turn CDs into coasters
Due to enhanced technology, CDs are obsolete. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use them for other things, like these lovely coasters.
44. Make a gorgeous window display
CDs are naturally reflective and prone to throwing rainbows, which makes them perfect for window art. It doesn’t even have to be any more complicated than hanging them on a string.
45. Turn plastic bottles into these cute cat planters
It’s always a good idea to keep plastic out of the landfill. These adorable cat planters are just painted soda bottles.
46. There’s also a creative jewelry stand
Do you have some plastic bottles to get rid of and need a good place for your jewelry? This DIY jewelry stand is made from soda bottles and it looks great.
47. Turn plastic bottles into a colorful bowling game
You can even reuse plastic bottles for toys. This bowling game uses a ball and some clean, painted soda bottles. You end up with a fun rainy-day activity.
48. Plastic bottles can also become zipper pencil cases
You can even reuse plastic bottles as pencil cases. These are super easy to make and don’t require any sewing — just some scissors and glue.
49. Make a fun children’s game
It turns out that there’s more than one way to turn old soda bottles into kids’ toys. That’s good news not just for your wallet, but also for the earth.
50. Turn wine corks into a trivet
Have you accumulated a bunch of wine corks in your junk drawer? Instead of throwing them away, turn them into a handy trivet to protect your countertop.
51. Bottle caps make a perfect pair of dangly earrings
If you’re a fan of statement earrings, you’ll love these made from old bottle caps. They might be from something destined for the garbage, but they don’t look like it.
52. Turn wine corks into beautiful vases
You might not think that wine corks are a good choice to make vases, but they actually look great. Even better, they’re durable — and they won’t shatter if you knock them over.
53. Maybe some cool keyrings
Every set of keys needs a good keyring. If you want to keep an eye on your keys, all you need is a simple cork and they’ll always be easy to find.
54. Turn an old can into a pincushion holder
If you enjoy sewing, you probably have a million pins lying around. Don’t risk losing them — or worse, stepping on one. Simply turn an old can into a place for your pins and needles.
55. Turn a belt into a blanket carrier
The next time you go on a picnic, don’t just carry your blanket under your arm. Instead, upcycle a belt into this stylish blanket carrier.
56. Store pasta in old Pringles cans
Are you tired of sorting through bags of pasta in your pantry? You can store pasta in Pringles cans. The pasta will stay neat and organized — plus, they hold approximately one serving size.
57. Turn a bulb into a terrarium
Light bulbs are made to last many years, but they all burn out eventually. When yours does, don’t throw it away. Instead, turn it into a fascinating terrarium.
You can also turn a light bulb into a delicate vase. It’s creative and eye-catching — but be careful, because it’s fragile.
59. Turn wrenches into handy wall hooks
If your tool case is getting a little full, there’s a way to reuse some of your old tools. Wrenches make excellent wall hooks for you to store keys, hats, purses, and coats.
60. Old locks are a great place to store keys
Garages often accumulate an odd assortment of things, like old door locks. By mounting them on the wall, they serve as a perfect place to store your keys.
61. Suitcases make great pet beds
Do you have an old suitcase that’s gathering dust? Most of them are the perfect size for your cat or dog. If you want to keep it super simple, just add a pillow.
62. Turn one into a dollhouse
If you want to make an amazing dollhouse for the kids, all you need is an old suitcase. When turned on its side, it’s the ideal place for a doll family.
63. Old tires can become gorgeous patio furniture
You might not think old tires can become anything beautiful. But with a little paint, you can make them into durable waterproof patio furniture.
Tires can even be upcycled into indoor furniture. It’s not just an end table, but also a conversation piece.
65. Make an old globe into a hanging light
If you’re fascinated by old globes but don’t know what to do with them, don’t give them away. Just turn them into these beautifully creative light fixtures.
66. Turn a bicycle wheel into a fun chalkboard
Every home needs a chalkboard to leave notes. You can use a bicycle wheel — yes, a bicycle wheel — to make a beautiful frame for your one-of-a-kind chalkboard.
67. Use coins as beautiful earrings
They say pennies aren’t useful anymore. But just because you don’t usually spend them doesn’t mean you can’t use them. These penny earrings are super creative.
68. Glass bottles help organize bracelets
You don’t even have to do anything to these glass bottles to turn them into bracelet organizers. Just clean them and slip your bracelets over the top.
69. Transform an old whiskey bottle into a soap dispenser
Talk about a statement piece for the bathroom: this soap dispenser is made from an old bottle of Jack Daniels. Just make sure to clean it first.
70. Turn a box of skewers into a knife block
Wooden skewers are one of those items that often accumulate in junk drawers. You can put them to good use by gluing them to a block for storing your sharp knives.
71. Use a door frame as a coffee table
Believe it or not, you can upcycle almost anything — even something as big as a door frame. With the right touches, it makes an amazing coffee table.
72. Turn Legos into key holders
Are you looking for some handy key holders? All you need to do is grab some Legos and start building. It’s not often you get to customize something so much.
73. Make bottles into colorful light fixtures
If you have colorful bottles on hand, you can use them to make beautiful light fixtures. Ditch the store-bought covers, putting these over your bulbs instead.
74. Make tennis rackets into mirrors
Most of us don’t have old tennis rackets lying around, but as it turns out, they make great mirror frames. It’s easy to upcycle all sorts of items into frames like these.
75. Use a cardboard six-pack to store condiments
When you get a six-pack of beer, you can always throw the cardboard container away. Or you can paint or cover it to use for storing table condiments.
