Easy DIY Upcycled Home Decor Ideas - From Trash To Treasure

Victoria Gerrard La Crosse, WI, discusses what upcycled is and shares some simple upcycled ideas that transform ordinary items into extraordinary home decor.

This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you visit a link and buy something. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra, and I only recommend products and services I trust. I may have been sent some of the products in this post free of charge or paid to feature them here. Thank you for supporting this blog.

In a world where sustainability is key, upcycling has emerged as a great way to breathe new life into discarded items. Instead of sending old furniture or materials to the landfill, upcycling transforms them into stunning upcycled home decor. Whether it’s finding hidden treasures at your local thrift store, garage sales, or even roadside pickups, these upcycled projects give waste a second life in a beautiful home.

Upcycling isn’t just about saving money—though that's a great bonus. It's also a fun way to add a personal touch to your living space, creating unique pieces with character. Whether you want to spruce up your craft room, living room, or bedroom, these DIY decor ideas will help you turn trash into treasure. Let's dive into some creative ways to transform ordinary household items into extraordinary pieces.

1. Upcycled Old Ladder into a Chic Bookshelf

Got an old ladder taking up space in your garage? Don’t toss it! With a bit of sanding and a fresh coat of paint, you can transform it into a rustic bookshelf that adds both storage and aesthetic appeal to any room. This upcycled furniture piece is a great conversation starter and will add a unique touch to your own home.

2. Wine Rack from Wood Pallets

Upcycled items like wood pallets are incredibly versatile. With minimal tools, you can turn a pallet into a wine rack that’s both practical and stylish. After giving it a thorough cleaning, sand the edges to remove any sharp edges, and apply some spray paint or stain for a finished look. Hang it up in your kitchen or dining room, and you’ll have a charming spot for your wine collection.

3. Turn Empty Wine Bottles into Stunning Candle Holders

Empty wine bottles aren’t just for recycling bins—they can become beautiful candle holders or decor items. By cutting the bottles (carefully!), smoothing the edges, and inserting candles, you can create a soft, warm glow in any room. This simple DIY project is perfect for adding some ambiance to your living space.

4. Thrift Store Finds: Turn Old Dresser Drawers into Floating Shelves

Don’t overlook the potential of thrift shops or your local thrift store for old dressers. Removing the old drawers and turning them into wall-mounted shelves gives them a new lease of life. Paint or stain the drawers, and then mount them on the wall for a great way to showcase your favorite decorative items. These unique shelves will add both style and function to your space.

5. Mason Jar Lanterns for a Rustic Charm

Glass jars, especially mason jars, are another upcycling project staple. Create hanging lanterns by wrapping wire around the neck of each jar, forming handles for easy hanging. Add LED candles or fairy lights inside for a charming lantern effect that will elevate your outdoor or indoor spaces. This creative project is ideal for a cohesive design theme in your garden or patio.

6. Upcycled T-Shirt Rug

If you have an old t-shirt collection gathering dust, consider turning them into a cozy rug. Cut the shirts into strips and weave them into a rug using a bit of creativity. This DIY project not only repurposes old clothing but also adds a personal and unique way to create soft decor for your home. Plus, it’s a good idea for reducing fabric waste.

7. Cork Board from Wine Corks

If you enjoy wine, chances are you’ve accumulated a bunch of corks. Instead of tossing them, why not upcycle them into a practical and decorative cork board? All you need is a frame or a wooden board and some hot glue. Arrange the corks in rows, or get creative with patterns, to make a stylish bulletin board perfect for your office or craft room.

8. Cardboard Boxes Turned Storage Bins

Turn sturdy cardboard boxes into decorative storage bins by covering them in fabric or wrapping paper. This easy way to repurpose old boxes provides a stylish solution to clutter, keeping your items organized without sacrificing your personal style.

9. Old Furniture Turned into a Statement Piece

Before throwing out that old dresser or side table, consider giving it a second life with some chalk paint and creative juices. Sand down the furniture, apply a fresh coat of paint, and switch out the knobs or handles for a custom look that matches your home design. This is one of the best upcycling ideas for making a bold change to your living space.

10. Turn Empty Tin Cans into Organizers

Empty tin cans are easy to upcycle into handy organizers for your kitchen utensils, office supplies, or art supplies. Clean the cans, paint them in your favorite color, and attach them to a wooden board to create a chic wall-mounted organizer.

11. Vintage Teacups as Planters

Old vintage teacups found at flea markets, thrift shops, or yard sales can easily become charming planters. Simply add soil and small plants for a whimsical touch. It’s a fun way to incorporate vintage pieces into your decor without much effort.

12. Repurpose Old Tyres into Garden Planters

Give old tyres a new purpose by transforming them into quirky garden planters. With a bit of creativity and spray paint, you can create colorful garden decor that’s perfect for flowers or even vegetables. This project is one of the most eco-friendly and best upcycling ideas for outdoor spaces.

13. Turn a Wooden Board into a Gallery Wall

Create a gallery wall in your living room or hallway by mounting a large wooden board as the base for photos, art, or other mementos. You can attach small hooks, or simply use thumbtacks to arrange your display. It’s a great way to bring a cohesive design theme to your home and make a lasting impression.

14. Old Furniture to Bathroom Vanity

Repurposing old furniture like a dresser or desk into a bathroom vanity is another stylish way to reduce waste. With some modifications to the top and back for plumbing, you can create a unique bathroom fixture that combines both form and function.

Conclusion: Upcycling is the Future of Chic Home Decor

The possibilities for upcycling projects are endless. From repurposing empty wine bottles and glass jars to turning old ladders and cardboard boxes into stylish decor items, there’s no limit to how much upcycled furniture and decor can transform your own home. With a little creativity, you can breathe a new lease of life into unused items while contributing to a more sustainable world. So, next time you’re at a flea market, restore shop, or even driving by a roadside pickup, look for opportunities to turn trash into treasure.

For more upcycled home decor inspiration, check out the blogs of House of Hawthornes, Sadie Seasongoods, and Reinvented Delaware for some of the best upcycling ideas around. By supporting affiliate links, you can shop sustainably and add a fresh new look to your home while earning a small commission to help creators continue sharing their favorite ways to make your space uniquely yours.

If you liked these upcycled home decor ideas you might also like these posts...