We live in a throwaway society these days, but so much of what we discard has the potential to be upcycled. Whether it’s an item of clothing or an old sofa you’re throwing away, the chances are there is someone out there who could put your rubbish to good use.
Upcycling involves the reuse of discarded items in a way that adds value to them. So whether you’re throwing away your own stuff or trawling second-hand markets for other people’s rubbish, there are several ways to enhance your home with upcycled items.
1. Bin planters
If you ever come across a discarded metal bin, pick it up immediately — particularly if you’re a keen gardener. Metal bins can make very attractive and interesting planters, especially when a few are grouped together. Make them mobile by attaching second-hand casters to the bottom.
2. Antique furniture for the bathroom
Never write off an old item of furniture. Whether it needs a quick clean or a complete overhaul, there are dozens of possibilities for upcycling. One idea involves painting an old set of drawers and using it as a stylish vanity unit in a bathroom. Simply take the top of the drawers off, and you can add a sink unit and taps.
3. Shutters for a headboard
An old pair of window shutters may look pretty useless when it is lying on the scrapheap, but it could be just what you need to spruce up your bedroom. Give the shutters a lick of paint, and attach them to the wall behind your bed to create a very distinctive headboard. Feel free to experiment with different colour combinations and stencils.
4. Stair post desk
It’s always worth mooching around house renovations and large building projects, as you never know what hidden gems might come your way. Old stair posts, for instance, can easily be attached to a length of old plywood to make an interesting desk. Once, you’ve painted it a bright colour, it will look like a premium piece of furniture.
5. Tables for the bedside
While an old table might be too big to serve as a bedside table, sawing it in two solves this problem — for both sides of your bed. Simply drill each half of the table into the wall, and paint it a colour that suits the rest of your bedroom. Your two-legged bedside table will look like it’s melting into the wall by your bed.
6. Door knocker for knobs
A lot of people are getting rid of beautiful old doors in favour of composite and uPVC replacements. Not only does this mean you can vintage front doors for free, you can find old brass door knockers that look fantastic when used on cabinet doors as knobs.
7. Shutter tables
Old window shutters are often simply thrown in the skip during home renovations. However, they can make great table tops. You can also paint and decorate shutters and make unique wall art for your home.
8. Mix and match dining chairs
You can make a real feature of your dining table and chairs by finding different styles of chair and painting them all the same colour. A mix of styles, shapes and sizes can create an amazing focal point, so don’t dismiss that tatty old chair sitting on its own at the car boot sale — it might play a part in transforming your dining room.
9. Painted brass chandeliers
As nice as brass is, it is often regarded as old fashioned these days — and it rarely fits in with modern styles and materials. However, don’t discard your old brass chandelier just yet. Paint it white, and it could look fantastic in your living room, bathroom or kitchen.
10. Step ladder shelving
An old set of rickety step ladders might look like they’re ready for the tip, but paint them a vibrant colour, and they can be fixed onto a wall to make distinctive and unique shelves. The weathered look such an old item has could work in your favour if you’re trying to achieve a classic cottage look in your home.
The next time you go to throw something away, think to yourself: “Can I use this somewhere in my home?” You’ll be amazed at how many times the answer will be “yes”.
