Repurposing unused items into useful home decor is a great way to cut down on waste and spruce up an otherwise boring room. Want to try your hand at furniture “upcycling”? Here a a few design ideas that go beyond the conventional cinder block bookshelf.
Bicycle bathroom counter
Because you’ve given up on exercise, not engaging home design.
Colander pendant light
The resulting illumination will give off a whimsical disco ball effect.
Horn urinals and bathroom sinks
Do not attempt to play the instruments ever again.
Suitcase stool
Use unwanted clothing for cushion stuffing.
Piano bookshelf
Be honest, it was neglected and taking up much-needed space.
Seat belt lawn chair
Who cares about motor vehicle safety? It’s almost patio season!
Barrel baby cradle
Hey man, you got a family now. You don’t have time to bootleg whiskey anymore.
Motorcycle piston bookshelf
Now you have a place to store your many copies of “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.”
Coffee table and chairs made from old computer and electronic parts
Perfect for the nerdy gamer’s den.
Everything in this room at the Central Saint Martins arts college in London
All the furniture and fixtures in this room, including the door, were made from trash found throughout London. Nice work, Paulo Goldstein.
Paint bucket shelving
A quick and easy DIY project. For others like it, click here.
Adirondack ski chair
A little something for your alpine retreat.
Clawfoot bathtub couch
Now you have space in your bathroom to install that hammock tub you’ve always wanted.
Shopping cart study set
And you only need 25 cents to liberate the materials from the grocery store!
Umbrella coat rack
Do you live in the Pacific Northwest or Vancouver, BC? Then you have enough old umbrellas lying around to do this.
Bed spring note board
Okay, this is neat. But what will you sleep on? The answer coming up next…
Pallet bed frame
Rugged and sturdy.
Ladder bookshelf
Just don’t install it too high. You know, because you’ll have no way of reaching it.
Barrel bench
Build one at your summer cottage on the lake. It doubles as a flotation device.
Bar tank
What’s more badass than a bar in a military base? Said bar made out of an old tank. More photos of the project here.
Skateboard bench and stools
Come on, you haven’t actually rode on your board since you were 15.
Aluminium soda can chair
Once you tire of the chair, trade it in for many five-cent deposits.
