65 Useful and Easy Upcycling Ideas for Every Skill Level
From thrifted furniture to empty plastic containers, we're creating bold styles (and saving serious $$$).
With a bit of creativity, almost anything can be upcycled: worn shutters, wood pallets, cardboard packaging, tattered clothing — even your old toothpaste tubes. Turn unwanted items into chic home decor, modern furniture or a functional light fixture. To help inspire your next clever DIY project, we've rounded up the best upcycling ideas that will save you money and reduce your waste at home.
Turning your trash to treasure will help minimize the amount of discarded materials in landfills and reduce the need for additional production. From a sustainability standpoint, upcycling something you already own means reduced air and water pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions compared to buying a new product. "Any production, even from sustainable brands, has a negative impact on the environment," says Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping Institute's senior textiles analyst. "One of the best ways to reduce your environmental footprint is by not buying new items: the more sustainable choice would be to upcycle."
It's easier than you may expect to embrace sustainable changes, whether you're new to upcycling or an expert in DIY home crafts. Those old bricks that have been sitting in your backyard? Convert them into rustic planters for your garden. Your collection of wine corks can be turned into a decorative vase or adorable bottle stoppers. And, that dresser you found sitting at your neighbor's curb? A fresh coat of paint or some peel-and-stick wallpaper will give it new life. We've also sprinkled in fun, easy ideas that allow your little ones to dive into their creativity (hint: a princess castle made from cardboard boxes).
Before: Glass Vase
While a simple glass vase is a nice way to display flowers or greenery, it doesn't make much of a statement — and chances are you have more than one laying around collecting dust.
After: Nautical Vase
All you need is a roll or two of jute rope to turn a boring vase into a beautiful ocean-inspired vessel. Hot glue the jute rope around the vase row by row until you're content with the final result.
Before: Dated Cabinet
Tired of looking at your drab, dated cabinet? Turn it into a conversation piece in just a few simple steps. Get your furniture DIY ready by removing the hardware, lightly sanding the wood and wiping it clean.
After: Botanical Bookcase
Transform an old cabinet into a beautiful bookcase with peel-and-stick wallpaper — like this Spoonflower design full of dandelions, yarrows and tansy. To get started, measure and trim the wallpaper to fit the back of each shelf. Peel back the bottom left corner and set in place. Use a wallpaper smoother or credit card to remove any air bubbles.
Before: Jute Rope
If you craft regularly, you probably have a collection of jute rope at home. Use your jute rope to turn a slew of household items into chic decor.
SHOP JUTE ROPE
After: Rope Star Mirror
Upgrade a basic round mirror with a spool of jute rope and a bit of creativity. You'll have to hammer in a few nails then wrap the rope in a thoughtful pattern. The best part? We've estimated the entire project will cost less than $25.
RELATED: DIY Wall Decor Ideas to Instantly Upgrade Any Blank Space
Before: Oyster Shells
Sure, you've decorated with sea shells, but have you tried oyster shells? Save your oyster shells from a restaurant or seafood market, or purchase them on Amazon.
After: Trinket Dish
With printed designs and a bit of mod podge, these oyster shells make for gorgeous trinket dishes, paper clip holders, jewelry trays or just simple home decor.
Aside from storage, a rattan basket can be used for a ton of DIY projects (including a DIY light fixture). If you don't have a spare basket, you can buy it new or find one at a local thrift shop.
After: Pendant Light
Pendant lights can be pricey. That's why we suggest making your own. Use the base of a semi-flush mount light, use pliers to create a hole in the bottom of the basket and start fitting it to your mount.
Before: Plain White Window Shutters
If you finally replaced your shutters and are looking for a fun project to spruce up your home, your old shutters can be assembled into a statement piece.
After: Colorful Cabinet
For this project, you'll need your shutters, a measuring tape, four pieces of medium-density fiberboard, bun feet and knobs. Don't forget your preferred color coat to paint it once assembled.
Before: Cardboard Box
Between Amazon boxes, cardboard food packaging and paper towel holders, our recycling bin is constantly overflowing. Have you considered using a series of boxes to make a kid-friendly craft?
After: Princess Castle
After a fresh coat of pink paint, your child will completely forget this castle is made entirely of cardboard. A medium size box and cardboard canisters (like oat packaging) provide the foundation, while toilet paper rolls act as the balconies and turrets.
Before: Dark Dresser
Brighten up your space by giving your dark dresser a pastel makeover. Start by removing the drawers and hardware. Work one section at a time with a paint and epoxy remover, allowing it to set for 15 minutes before using a scraping brush.
After: Pastel Makeover
Simple chalk paint (we’re partial to sage) and finishing wax are all that’s needed to freshen up a worn dresser. Use two coats of Jolie Matte interior paint and allow it to dry fully (use a small roller for a smooth finish). Allow it to cure for a few hours before applying a second coat. Last, install new hardware like these oval cabinet knobs.
Before: Stack of Old Books
Whether you've got an overcrowded bookshelf or dusty novels in storage, a stack of old books is a great starting point for a home project.
After: Book Side Table
To recreate this elegant side table, you'll need to drill a hole the size of your dowel through each book’s center. Cut trim to form a box frame that fits snugly around one book, and nail it to the tabletop’s underside. Stack your books or encyclopedias, lining up the holes. Glue the dowel to the center of the table's underside and screw it through the holes to secure them to the tabletop.
Before: Bricks
Use bricks from a leftover home project or buy them at your hardware store for around 60 cents each.
After: Planter
Scoop dirt or potting soil into a hole and pop in a few small succulents for the ultimate low-maintenance garden.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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