20 Repurposed Decorating Ideas for a Unique and Sustainable Home

Last updated on January 26, 2024

Transform your home decor with these 20 creative and budget-friendly repurposed decorating ideas, as we show you how to turn old items into stunning pieces that will add charm and character to any room.

Not only is this an eco-friendly approach, but it’s also a great way to save money while adding personality and character to your space.

The possibilities are endless, from old books turned into shelves, vintage suitcases transformed into side tables, and even repurposed wine bottles as vases!

So sit back and prepare for some creative inspiration as I share 20 repurposed decorating ideas that will transform your home without breaking the bank.

Let’s dive in!

Mason Jar Organizers

Mason jars are a versatile and affordable item that can be used in many ways to decorate your home. One of the most popular uses for mason jars is as organizers.

You can use them to store anything from makeup brushes and cotton balls in the bathroom, to pens and pencils on your desk, or even spices in the kitchen.

To create a mason jar organizer, start by cleaning out any labels or residue from the jar. Then you can paint it with spray paint or chalkboard paint if desired.

Next, attach some hooks onto a piece of wood that will fit inside your cabinet door (or directly onto the wall). Screw on some hose clamps around each jar so they hang securely from their lids.

Not only do these mason jar organizers look great but they also help keep clutter at bay while adding an element of charm to any room!

Pallet Shelves

Pallet shelves are a great way to add rustic charm and storage space to any room in your home. These shelves can be made from old wooden pallets that you may have lying around or can easily find at a local hardware store.

To create pallet shelves, start by cleaning the pallets thoroughly and sanding them down if necessary. Then, cut the pallet into smaller pieces using a saw or jigsaw, depending on how many shelves you want to make.

Next, attach brackets onto each piece of wood so that they can be hung on the wall securely. You may also choose to paint or stain the wood for added color and protection.

Once your shelf is complete, use it as an open display for books, plants or other decorative items in your living room; as extra storage space in your kitchen; or even as a unique headboard in your bedroom! The possibilities are endless with this repurposed decorating idea!

Wine Bottle Vases

Wine bottle vases are a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. Instead of throwing away empty wine bottles, repurpose them into beautiful vases that can be used for fresh flowers or dried arrangements.

To create your own wine bottle vase, simply clean the bottle thoroughly and remove any labels or stickers. You can then paint the outside with spray paint in your desired color or leave it as is for a more rustic look.

Add some twine around the neck of the bottle for an extra decorative touch, and voila! You have yourself a stunning centerpiece that didn’t cost you anything but some time and creativity. Wine bottle vases also make great gifts for friends who appreciate unique home decor items on their budget too!

Suitcase Side Tables

Have you ever thought about using an old suitcase as a side table? It may sound strange, but it can actually add a unique and vintage touch to your decor. All you need is an old suitcase that still has its structure intact and four legs (you can use wooden or metal ones).

First, clean the suitcase thoroughly inside and out. Then, attach the legs to each corner of the bottom of the case using screws or brackets.

You can also add some adhesive felt pads on each leg to protect your floors from scratches.

Now comes the fun part: decorating! You can leave it as is for a rustic look or paint it in any color that matches your decor style. Add some decorative items on top like books, plants, lamps or even another smaller vintage item like an antique clock.

Not only does this repurposed piece save money compared to buying new furniture but also adds character and charm into any room in your home!

Ladder Towel Rack

Have you ever thought about using a ladder as a towel rack? It may sound unconventional, but it can add an interesting and unique touch to your bathroom decor. Simply find an old wooden ladder, clean it up and sand any rough edges.

Then, lean the ladder against the wall at an angle and use its rungs to hang towels of different sizes. You can even paint or stain the ladder to match your bathroom’s color scheme or leave it in its natural state for a rustic look.

This repurposed decorating idea not only adds functionality but also creates visual interest in your space without breaking the bank!

Old Door Headboard

Have you ever thought about using an old door as a headboard? It may sound unconventional, but it can add a unique and rustic touch to your bedroom decor.

To create this repurposed headboard, start by finding an old wooden door that fits the size of your bed. Sand down any rough edges or chipped paint and give it a fresh coat of paint or stain if desired.

Then attach the door securely to the wall behind your bed using brackets or screws.

Not only is this DIY project budget-friendly, but it also adds character and charm to any bedroom space. Plus, you can feel good knowing that you gave new life to something that would have otherwise been discarded!

Bicycle Wheel Clock

Have you ever thought about turning an old bicycle wheel into a clock? It may sound strange, but it can actually make for a unique and eye-catching piece of decor.

To create this repurposed decoration, start by finding an old bicycle wheel that is no longer in use. Clean it up and remove any rust or dirt using sandpaper or steel wool.

Then, paint the rim of the wheel with your desired color to match your home’s decor.

Next, attach clock hands to the center of the wheel using a clock kit that can be found at most craft stores or online retailers. You can also add numbers around the edge if you prefer.

Hang your new bicycle wheel clock on a wall as a statement piece in any room – from living rooms to bedrooms and even offices! This DIY project not only adds character to your space but also helps reduce waste by giving new life to something that would have otherwise been discarded.

Vintage Suitcase Pet Bed

As a home decorator, I always look for unique and budget-friendly ways to decorate homes. One of my favorite repurposed decorating ideas is turning vintage suitcases into pet beds.

Not only does it add a touch of nostalgia to your decor, but it also provides your furry friend with a cozy place to rest.

To create this DIY project, all you need is an old suitcase that’s big enough for your pet to comfortably fit in. You can find these at thrift stores or flea markets for just a few dollars.

Then remove any lining or padding inside the suitcase and replace it with soft bedding material like foam or blankets.

You can get creative by adding decorative touches such as painting the outside of the suitcase in fun colors or patterns that match your decor style. Your furry friend will love their new bed and you’ll have another unique piece added to your home’s decor!

Window Frame Mirror

One of the most creative ways to repurpose an old window frame is by turning it into a stunning mirror. This DIY project not only adds character and charm to your space but also saves you money on buying a new mirror.

To create this unique piece, start by cleaning the window frame thoroughly and removing any loose paint or debris. Then, measure the size of your desired mirror and have it cut at a local glass shop or hardware store.

Next, attach the mirror onto the backside of the window frame using strong adhesive glue or small screws. You can also add decorative elements such as painted designs on each pane for added flair.

Hang your newly created window frame mirror in any room that needs some extra light reflection or visual interest – from living rooms to bathrooms! It’s an easy way to elevate any space while staying within budget constraints.

Teacup Candle Holders

Teacup candle holders are a charming and unique way to add some vintage flair to your home decor. Not only do they look beautiful, but they’re also incredibly easy and affordable to make.

All you need is a teacup (or several), some candle wax, wicks, and essential oils or scents of your choice.

To start, melt the candle wax in a double boiler or microwave-safe container until it’s completely liquid. Then dip the wick into the melted wax and place it in the center of your teacup.

Hold onto the end of the wick as you pour more melted wax into the cup until it reaches about 1/4 inch from top.

Once you’ve filled up all your cups with hot liquid wax let them cool down for at least an hour before trimming off any excess wick that may be sticking out above each tea cup holder.

You can customize these adorable little candles by adding different scents like lavender or vanilla extract for relaxation purposes; peppermint oil if you want something refreshing; cinnamon sticks if autumn is coming around soon – possibilities are endless! These repurposed tea cups will not only save money on buying expensive candles but also give new life to old items that might have otherwise been thrown away!

Tin Can Planters

Tin cans are a versatile and inexpensive material that can be repurposed into beautiful planters. Not only do they add a rustic touch to your decor, but they also help reduce waste by giving new life to something that would otherwise end up in the trash.

To create tin can planters, start by cleaning out any remaining food or labels from the cans. Then, use a hammer and nail to poke drainage holes in the bottom of each can.

Next, paint or decorate the outside of the cans with your desired design using spray paint or acrylic paints.

Once dry, fill each tin with soil and add your favorite plants such as herbs or succulents. These charming little planters look great on windowsills or grouped together on shelves for an eye-catching display.

Not only is this DIY project budget-friendly but it’s also eco-friendly! So next time you’re about to toss out those empty soup cans think twice – they could make for some stunning home decor!

Shutter Room Divider

If you’re looking for a unique way to divide a room, consider repurposing old shutters. Not only do they add character and charm to your space, but they also provide privacy without completely closing off the area.

To create a shutter room divider, start by finding several matching shutters of the same size and shape. You can often find them at flea markets or salvage yards for an affordable price.

Next, attach hinges between each shutter so that they can be folded in either direction. This will allow you to adjust the width of your divider as needed.

Stand up your newly created shutter wall where desired in the room and enjoy! The natural texture of wood adds warmth while providing visual interest that is sure to impress guests.

This DIY project is not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly since it gives new life to something that may have otherwise been discarded or forgotten about.

Wooden Crate Storage

Wooden crates are a versatile and affordable option for storage that can also add a rustic touch to your decor. You can find them at flea markets, garage sales, or even ask local stores if they have any extras lying around.

Once you have your wooden crates, the possibilities are endless! Stack them up to create shelves or use them as individual storage units in different areas of your home. You could also attach wheels to the bottom of each crate for easy mobility and use it as an under-bed storage solution.

To make it more visually appealing, paint or stain the crates in colors that match with your existing decor theme. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can turn these simple wooden boxes into functional pieces of art!

Pipe Curtain Rods

When it comes to decorating on a budget, repurposing items is key. One item that can be easily repurposed for home decor are pipes.

Yes, you read that right – pipes! Specifically, pipe curtain rods.

Pipe curtain rods add an industrial and rustic touch to any room and can be made for a fraction of the cost of store-bought curtain rods. Simply purchase some galvanized or black iron pipes from your local hardware store in the desired length and thickness needed for your window size.

Next, spray paint them with a color of your choice or leave them as is for an even more rustic look. Attach brackets to either end of the pipe using screws and hang up your curtains!

Not only do these DIY pipe curtain rods save money but they also add character to any room they’re in. So next time you’re looking at expensive curtains rod options online or in-store consider making one yourself out of repurposed materials like pipes!

Light Bulb Terrarium

One of the most creative ways to repurpose old light bulbs is by turning them into mini terrariums. This DIY project not only adds a touch of greenery to your home decor but also gives new life to something that would have otherwise been thrown away.

To create a light bulb terrarium, start by carefully removing the metal cap and filament from the bulb using pliers. Then, use tweezers or needle-nose pliers to remove any remaining glass shards inside the bulb.

Next, fill the bottom of the bulb with small rocks or pebbles for drainage and add a layer of activated charcoal on top for filtration. Add soil and your choice of plants such as succulents or air plants.

Once you’ve finished planting your mini garden in each lightbulb terrarium, attach string or wire around its neck so it can be hung up anywhere in your home – from windowsills to bookshelves! Not only will these unique decorations brighten up any room they’re placed in but they’ll also serve as conversation starters when guests come over!

Guitar Planter

If you’re a music lover, why not incorporate your passion into your home decor? One unique way to do this is by repurposing an old guitar as a planter. Simply remove the strings and carefully cut out the back of the guitar to create space for soil and plants.

You can then add succulents or small flowers for a pop of color. Hang it on the wall or display it on a shelf for an eye-catching conversation piece that’s sure to impress guests.

This DIY project is not only budget-friendly but also adds personality and character to any room in your home!

Skateboard Shelf

Have you ever thought about using a skateboard as a shelf? It may sound unconventional, but it can make for an eye-catching and unique piece of decor. Simply attach brackets to the bottom of the skateboard deck and mount it on your wall.

You can use it to display small plants, books or other decorative items. This repurposed decorating idea not only adds character to your space but also gives new life to an old item that might have otherwise been thrown away.

Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even paint or decorate the skateboard deck before turning it into a shelf!

Hat Box Ottoman

Have you ever thought about turning a hat box into an ottoman? It may sound unusual, but it’s actually a great way to repurpose an old item and create something unique for your home.

To make a hat box ottoman, you’ll need a sturdy hat box with a lid, foam padding or cushioning material, fabric of your choice (enough to cover the top and sides of the lid), batting or quilt batting (to wrap around the foam padding), hot glue gun or staple gun.

Firstly, measure and cut out enough foam padding to fit on top of the lid. Then wrap it in batting before covering it with fabric using either hot glue or staples.

Once that is done place this padded piece onto the top of your closed hatbox.

Next step is wrapping another layer around all four sides so that they are covered in matching fabric as well – again use either hot glue gun/staple gun depending on what works best for you! And voila! You have yourself an elegant yet functional piece which can be used as extra seating space when needed!

This DIY project not only saves money but also adds character to any room while being environmentally friendly by reusing items instead of throwing them away. So why not give this idea try today?

Radiator Cover Bench

One of the most overlooked pieces of furniture in a home is the radiator cover. Often seen as an eyesore, it’s usually hidden away or ignored altogether.

But with a little creativity and some DIY skills, you can transform this functional piece into something beautiful and useful.

One idea is to turn your radiator cover into a bench. By adding legs or sturdy supports underneath, you can create a comfortable seating area that also serves as storage space for books or blankets.

You can even add cushions on top for extra comfort.

To make this repurposed decorating project work, measure your radiator cover carefully and choose materials that match your decor style – whether it’s rustic wood planks or sleek metal accents. With just a few tools and some imagination, you’ll have created an eye-catching piece that adds both function and beauty to any room in your home!

License Plate Wall Art

One unique and budget-friendly way to add some personality to your walls is by creating license plate wall art. Not only does this repurpose old license plates, but it also adds a touch of vintage charm to any room.

You can use plates from different states or even countries for an eclectic look, or stick with a specific theme such as sports teams or favorite destinations. Arrange them in a pattern on the wall using nails or adhesive strips for easy removal and rearranging.

This DIY project is not only affordable but also allows you to showcase your creativity while adding character to your home decor.

Recap: