Upcycling Ideas: Pallet Projects, Furniture Makeovers and Repurposed Items

Before you throw something away, look at it again: an old chair, a pallet, a window frame or a pair of jeans can become something new. This guide gathers our favourite upcycling ideas, from pallet furniture and furniture makeovers to clever ways to repurpose everyday items and old clothes.

Pallet projects

• Trendy DIY pallet furniture ideas: an accent wall, a light fixture, a kitchen table and a garden display
• Cheap and easy DIY pallet furniture: an outdoor lounge, a toddler bed and a shoe storage bench
• DIY projects to repurpose a wooden pallet: a kids bench, a pallet wall, a pallet ceiling and a coffee table
• Old wooden pallets turned into useful furniture: an Adirondack chair, a dining table, a sofa and a bed swing
• Ways to transform pallets into furniture: a work bench, retro coffee table and breakfast in bed tray
• Pallet projects anyone can make: a mirror frame, shelves, a key and mail holder and a towel holder
• DIY pallet projects for your living room: side tables and a small pallet coffee table
• An end table made of 2 old pallets
• From pallets to a wood floor: step by step
• A dad’s unique pallet furniture
• A pallet emergency home built in one day

Old furniture makeovers

• Ideas for reusing old furniture: a dry erase dresser, a TV stand bar cart and an upholstered coffee table
• DIY furniture makeover ideas: a crib magazine rack, old beds into benches and a mudroom bench
• Clever ideas to give old furniture a second chance: an upholstered ottoman, a headboard bench and a dresser revival
• Repurpose old furniture into something new: drawers to side tables, a door headboard and a crib toddler bed
• Furniture makeover ideas: gold-dipped bar stools, a nightstand and a mid-century credenza
• Upcycled DIY furniture projects: a potting bench, a dresser TV console and a corner bench from 4 chairs
• Ideas to repurpose old furniture
• DIY ideas to recycle old chairs: a bench, a dog bed, a hall tree and a kids swing
• Ways to repurpose old chairs: a French style bench, a chalkboard and a coat rack
• How to repurpose baby cribs: a play station, clothes dryer, bed swing and headboard
• Ways to reuse broken household items: two desks from a broken table and hangers from broken chairs
• A dining table replaced with built-in benches

Repurpose everyday items

• Creative ways to repurpose old stuff: bottle caps into tea lights and wrenches into wall hooks
• Old useless items turned into something new: a bike bathroom counter, Lego key holder and suitcase side tables
• Thrift store upcycled crafts: shutter wall art, a towel rack and a coffee table
• DIY ideas for recycling old windows: a window ledge, wall decor and a rustic window headboard
• DIY ways to use old picture frames: a key holder, a coffee table tray and a hanging basket stand
• DIY things made from old glass: a jar terrarium, a stained glass bottle wall and an oil lamp
• Glass bottle decoration ideas
• Repurpose old beer bottles: a bottle wall, bottle top candles and a beer bottle clock
• Recycled lamps: a clothespin lamp, a paper cup lamp and a plate light
• Ways to upcycle old tires: a tire ottoman, seats, a table and a sandbox
• DIY projects from upcycled plastic bags: crochet placemats, sandals and a fused plastic bag hat
• Shampoo bottle craft ideas: a sink caddy, little bags and storage bins
• Ways to reuse crates: a pin leg table, locker cubbies and toy storage
• Uses for old hangers: a wire hanger shelf and boot organizers
• Things you can do with old newspapers
• DIY car parts home decor: a license plate step ladder and steering wheel curtain holders
• Ways to repurpose car parts in your home
• Ways to repurpose ski gear: a ski bench, jacket hanger and shelves
• How to repurpose canoes: a sofa, table, flower box and bookcase
• Ways to repurpose fishbowls: centerpieces, a vase and a snow globe

Old clothes made new

• DIY ideas to renew old jeans: distressed, studded, ripped and tie dye jeans
• DIY ways to transform old jeans: pom pom jeans, polka dot denim and lace ripped jeans
• Repurpose old clothes into new wearables: a tie-dye t-shirt, painted sneakers and denim handbags
• Simple tips to restyle old clothes
• Repurpose old sweaters into home items: a wine wrap, candle holders, a patchwork blanket and a lampshade
• How to transform flip flops: fabric, pearls, eyelet lace and a knotted scarf

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest thing to upcycle for a beginner?

Start with a small piece of furniture such as a chair, side table or picture frame: a clean, a light sand, a coat of paint and new handles or fabric can transform it in a weekend.

More ideas: see our DIY home decor and DIY gift ideas.