If you’re looking to decorate your home using waste materials, it’s a great way to add a unique touch while being eco-friendly.
Not only will you give new life to things you’d otherwise throw away, but you’ll also create one-of-a-kind pieces that bring personality and charm to your space.
1. Bottle cap art
Collect bottle caps and create colorful patterns or even entire pieces of art. You can glue them together to make coasters, frames, or wall art. Consider creating a mural or design on canvas, or even a wreath for your front door.
2. Cardboard crafts
Cardboard is versatile and can be transformed into decorative pieces. You can make storage boxes, sculptures, or wall decor by cutting and painting the cardboard. Try creating geometric wall art by cutting cardboard into different shapes and painting them in vibrant colors, or make unique photo frames.
3. Tin can planters
Clean and decorate tin cans to create stylish planters. You can paint them, add decorative paper, or use string or fabric to cover them. Hang multiple tin cans in a row to create a vertical garden, or use them as a centerpiece for small plants and flowers.
4. Plastic bottle lights
Cut and shape plastic bottles to create decorative light fixtures. You can cut the bottom of the bottle and attach LED string lights inside. Consider making a chandelier or a lantern effect with different colored bottles to add a warm ambiance to your home.
5. Old sweaters as throw pillows
Repurpose old sweaters by turning them into cozy throw pillow covers. Cut out the sweater material to match the size of your pillow, and sew or glue the edges together. Mix and match patterns and textures for a rustic, cozy look.
6. Wooden pallet furniture
Old wooden pallets are perfect for making furniture. You can make coffee tables, bookshelves, or even couches by stacking and securing the pallets together. Sand down the pallets for a smoother finish and paint them for a more polished look.
7. Newspaper and magazine wall art
Cut out images, words, or entire pages from newspapers or magazines to create a collage or framed art. Use pages with bold typography or pictures to create a modern art piece or a mixed-media collage for your living room or bedroom.
8. Recycled glass jars and bottles
Clean and repurpose glass jars or bottles to create decorative vases, candle holders, or storage containers. You can paint or decorate them with twine, lace, or fabric to match your home decor theme.
9. Old CDs or DVDs
Repurpose old CDs or DVDs into shiny wall art or hang them as decor. The reflective surfaces can catch the light and add a playful, modern touch to your home. Create a mosaic pattern or hang them from a string to form a mobile-like installation.
10. Recycled wood frames and mirrors
Use old pieces of wood to make unique picture frames or mirrors. Driftwood can give a rustic look, while scrap wood can be painted for a more vibrant effect. Create a gallery wall of old wooden frames or make a statement mirror with reclaimed wood.
11. Fabric scraps as wall hangings
Use fabric scraps to make a quilted wall hanging or tapestry. If you have old clothes, cut them into strips to weave or knot them into a wall hanging. Combine different textures, colors, and patterns to create a bohemian-style wall piece.
12. Upcycled furniture
Old, unwanted furniture can be repurposed by sanding down or repainting it. You can update the look by adding fabric for cushions or changing knobs and handles. Turn a coffee table into a storage table by adding baskets or crates, or update a chair by painting it and replacing the seat fabric with something more vibrant.
13. CD mosaic coasters
Cut old CDs into small pieces and glue them onto a coaster or a tray for a shiny, mosaic effect. These can be used as coasters to add a funky touch to your coffee table or dining area.
14. Recycled T-shirt rugs
Cut old T-shirts into strips and braid or crochet them together to create a colorful, cozy rug. Use different colored shirts to create a striped or patterned rug for the bathroom, entryway, or bedroom.
15. Newspaper wrapping paper or baskets
Use newspapers to make eco-friendly wrapping paper or small baskets by folding and weaving strips of paper. Make chic, vintage-style gift wrap or create rustic storage baskets.
Hope this feels a bit more straightforward!
