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ByErin Nutter Updated on
Giving an old piece of furniture a new life is what DIY dreams are made of. Be inspired with this of 39+ repurposed & upcycled furniture projects that you won’t find anywhere else.
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Not only do you create something unique and custom for you, but you are also helping the environment by upcycling something that already exists.
What is repurposed furniture?
Repurposed furniture is when you redo or makeover a current furniture item to either have a new purpose or just a new look. Dressers can become chairs or you can give a whole new look to a desk with new materials. Furniture makeovers are such a great way to make you love your home.
And that is why we are all here!
Hopefully, this post will make you rethink the next time you just want to throw something out. You may always look twice at that item at the end of the driveway or found at garage sales.
What is the difference between repurposing and upcycling furniture?
Repurposing furniture means turning old pieces into something new, like making a dresser into a chair. Upcycling is when you take discarded items and turn them into a better version of the same thing. Both processes involve reusing materials creatively to reduce waste and help the environment.
Where To Find Furniture For Repurposing
- Buy-Sell-Trade Groups on Facebook (We have a post to help you learn Facebook lingo and abbreviations…ppu anyone?)
- Craigslist
- Driving around on trash day (especially in more affluent neighborhoods)
- Taking those hand-me-downs from relatives even if you are not sure you have a purpose yet
- Thrift Stores
- Flea Markets
- Salvage Shops/Antique Stores: One of our local favorites has a “barn” room where things may be broken or need lots of love, but you can score them for cheap!
- ReStores: Not only are you helping Habitat for Humanity, but you can find some really great pieces of furniture
How do you make old furniture look new?
- Add a fresh coat of paint (chalk paint, spray paint, any paint)
- Change out the hardware
- Add wheels
- Give the furniture a new purpose
- Put two pieces together
- Contact paper can work wonders (See 12 Clever Contact Paper Projects)
- Create a different finish
- Don’t be scared to take apart and use different pieces and parts
- Reupholstering can be your best friend
- Add fun accessories to a piece of furniture
- Use rope or other craft supplies to repurpose an item
- Add circuit lettering and designs
- Handpaint or draw designs
Repurposed & Upcycled Furniture Ideas
Isn't it great when you can take something old and turn it into something modern for your home? Here are 37+ repurposed and upcycled DIY projects that will inspire you to turn trash into treasure.
DIY Repurposed Dressers
Turn a dresser into a chair to just refinish what you already have. We love these ideas of how to upcycle your old dresser into something new.
1
Redo An Old Entertainment Cabinet
Do you know what this dress-up storage was made from? Yes, this is a repurposed tv cabinet that was found for free at the end of a driveway. It is amazing how organized your children can be when they have the perfect place to put and hang things.
2
Turn A Dresser Into A Bathroom Vanity
Photo Credit:wildfireinteriors.com
These DIY"ers" searched for the perfect dresser to into their bathroom. Get step-by-step instructions on how you can repurpose a dresser for an amazing and unique bathroom cabinet.
3
DIY Dresser to Hamper Project
Photo Credit:abutterflyhouse.com
No one likes see that hamper overflowing in the corner of your room. This is a brilliant way to repurpose a dresser if you ask us. THough, be warned this DIY dresser project is not the easiest to make, but sometimes those are the most rewarding and custom projects.
4
Use DIY Chalk Paint
Here is that DIY chalk paint recipe using Plaster of Paris we keep talking about. It is such a great way to reuse old paint samples and easily repurpose furniture pieces.
5
Ombré Dresser
This ombre dresser was created using a DIY chalk paint recipe. We love this ombre dresser in this child's nursery. It was a great way to repurpose a mid-century modern dresser with a completely different feel.
6
Turn An Old Hutch Into A Dropzone
Photo Credit:www.worthingcourtblog.com
Use the top part of an old hutch to create this unique mudroom idea. People won't even realize that you reused this dining room furniture in your entryway.
Repurposed Table Ideas
Just like old dressers, there are so many different ways to upcycle an old table. We love the variety in these projects.
7
Simple Wine Bar
Photo Credit:www.craftandsparkle.com
Who doesn't love a fun wine display when hosting a party. This cute wine bar is perfect for that small corner or outdoor space. We love how this old tv tray was repurposed into something that will get a lot of use when entertaining.
8
Repurpose a Vintage Sewing Machine
Photo Credit:www.lovelyetc.com
You can't buy iron legs like this anymore. Being creative with an old sewing cabinet and adding a new top created this awesome repurposed table. Such a fun and creative way to get a new table out of an old sewing machine cabinet.
9
Use Barn Board
Photo Credit:sustainmycrafthabit.com
We are a sucker for hairpin legs. They not only help you repurpose something into a functional piece of furniture, but they totally can go with any decor style. This console table is to die for with the rustic wooden plank top.
10
DIY Art Table
Photo Credit:dukesandduch*esses.com
This DIY art table was done by taking an old coffee table and adding fun art accessories, like a cute paper roll holder. We love that there is a place to store all of your children's art supplies and that the organization is made easier with chalkboard labels.
11
Chalkboard table top
Photo Credit:makethebestofeverything.com
Have an old table that really needs to be updated? This tabletop was easily repurposed using chalkboard paint and is such an eclectic way to add a fun home decor item to your space. If you want a more permanent design, consider using watered-down acrylic white paint or chalk markers.
12
DIY Outdoor Dining Table
Do you have old composite decking pieces laying around? Create an outdoor table or other outdoor furniture pieces from the leftover decking.
13
Upcycle Vintage Suitcase into a Nightstand
Photo Credit:thethriftyapartment.com
Add fun hairpin legs to an old vintage suitcase for an instant nightstand idea. This is a very easy DIY project. The hardest part may be finding the right-sized nails to affix the legs.
Repurposed DIY Home Decor Items
There are so many ways to completely transform tires, old trays and drawers to add to any home decor style.
14
Create DIY Wedding Anniversary Decorations
Use old wine bottles and repurpose them into a fun DIY photo holder. This is such an easy and inexpensive party decor idea.
15
Upcycled Chairs
These chairs in this homeschool room were taken from garage sale finds to fun and eclectic chalk-painted chairs. Using DIY chalk paint with plaster of Paris and reupholstering the seats, gave these old chairs a brand new look.
16
DIY Knockoff Pottery Barn Napkin Rings
Photo Credit:southernyankeediy.com
You won't believe how you can turn plastic shower rings into expensive-looking napkin rings. No need to spend a lot of money when you can DIY.
17
DIY Nursery Shelf
Repurpose spice racks for a fun nursery shelf idea. You can easily spray paint these to match the decor in your baby's room.
18
Make A Pallet Wood Art Display
This simple DIY project uses one piece of pallet wood, wire, and clothes pins for a unique art display idea.
19
Farmhouse Ladder
Photo Credit:blog.lovemysimplehome.com
You honestly won't believe how simple this farmhouse ladder idea is. This upcycled ladder created from an old serving TV tray. We just love how one person's junk can be redone to create a treasure.
20
Upcycle a Ladder into an Adorable Plant Stand
Photo Credit:rouseinthehouse.co
This DIY project is for you If you can find an old smaller ladder that needs some love. Using a stencil added a cute design element to this adorable plant stand.
21
Use Pipe Fittings For Shelving
Pipe flanges can make great brackets for DIY shelving. Use reclaimed wood for an even more eco-friendly option.
22
West Elm-inspired DIY Wall Clock
Photo Credit:www.lifesahmazing.com
Redo an outdated clock to match your current style and decor trends. We love when DIY can save us money by using an item we already have.
23
Vintage Suitcase Chair
Photo Credit:seekatesew.com
Don't throw away that old suitcase! You can repurpose it to make this funky chair. We can even see a set of these be fun in a kid's bedroom or playroom.
24
Unique Pipe Lamp
Photo Credit:hungaricanjourney.com
This industrial lamp is such a fun way to use pipes and other materials to create something that you can't even buy. It is awesome when DIY projects create such a special home decor item. P.S. We love all the tips provided in this tutorial Who would have to know that finishing paste is a way to not allow pipes to rust over time.
25
Repurposed Tire
Photo Credit:singlegirlsdiy.com
We have said it before, but we love when DIY projects are good for the environment. By using an old tire for this ottoman base, you are saving just one more from going to a landfill. A win, win in our book. Not to mention you get this amazing repurposed ottoman for a fraction of what you pay for a new one.
26
Repurpose A Tabletop
Photo Credit:westmagnoliacharm.com
Don't buy that expensive rustic clock when you can make you make one from an old tabletop. Paint and stain to match your decor style and add these inexpensive clock spades.
27
Use Old Pallets
You can't have a repurposed furniture post without involving some pallet wood. This crate was created out of old pallet wood and adding casters made it a great piece to help keep our family organized.
28
How to Make a Vase Look Old
Photo Credit:decorhint.com
Sometimes you want something new to look old. And this is the perfect repurposing project for you. Not to mention the spray paint used makes it a pretty simple DIY project. Love your new "old" vase!
29
DIY File Cabinet Makeover
The finished file cabinet redid this old compressed file cabinet using contact paper and spray paint. The finished repurposed file cabinet looks nothing like the original piece and we can't believe how inexpensive it was to complete.
30
Upcycle Old Doors
Photo Credit:www.thehandymansdaughter.com
Man have we thrown out some old doors when we have updated our homes. Now I wish we had saved them to create a fun storage box idea that rolls.
31
Redo That Old Fishbowl
Photo Credit:dollarcrafter.com
Repurpose that old fishbowl or vase using nautical rope to achieve this modern vase for your home.
32
Upcycled Tray Project
Photo Credit:www.annsentitledlife.com
Give a tray a new life by upcycling with matte paint (we love this darker color from the Magnolia line) and adding new hardware. We think you could even pull this DIY tray off with an old dresser drawer if you are feeling adventurous.
33
Repurposed Planters
Photo Credit:www.theboondocksblog.com
Use those mismatched ceramic and household items to create one-of-kind planters.
34
Easy DIY Marbled Pots
Repurpose those old terra-cotta pots using this awesome spray paint technique. No one will believe how cheaply you were able to create this faux marble finish.
35
DIY Repurposed Cooler Planter
Photo Credit:sustainmycrafthabit.com
We are always looking for a fun way to display and grow our plants and never would have thought to use an old cooler as a planter. Just make sure you drill holes in the bottom to make sure your planter can drain properly.
Other Awesome Repurposed Furniture Ideas
These DIY projects are just more examples of how you can redo old things into awesomeness!
36
Repurposed Piano
Photo Credit:uniquecreationsbyanita.com
We didn't even realize this was a piano at first. This is such a genius way to repurpose a piano into a piece of furniture you will use! We are amazed at the restoring techniques used. Who would have thought to use a syringe to help get the wood veneer restored in this DIY bar? Cedar gel stain completed this awesome look. We think this repurposed furniture idea was well worth all the hard work.
37
Spray Paint Old Furniture
You can upcycle a variety of surfaces with spray paint. The most unique part of this DIY furniture update is the cloth and glass desktop to help cover up the old and beat-up desktop.
38
Create A Dollar Store Glass Backsplash
Photo Credit:www.girljustdiy.com
Use cheap Dollar Store glass beads to help makeover a shelf for your bathroom. This easy idea really added a fun element to an otherwise normal shelving unit.
39
DIY Playhouse Makeover
A little paint can go a long way to upcycle those plastic toys. You can add other small details to give those old toys a new lease of life.
40
Reuse A Shelf
Photo Credit:talesofatiredmom.com
If you don't want to build new garden boxes (like our cedar raised boxes that we love), then this garden hack is a great way to upcycle that old cube shelf you have. Easily create a one-of-kind raised garden box.
41
Upcycled Crib Garden Trellis For Climbing Plants
Photo Credit:reusegrowenjoy.com
Are your babies grown and you are wondering what to do with that old crib? Creating a garden trellis is the perfect addition for any gardener. Now your plants can easily climb and grow.
42
Superhero Toy Storage Mason Jar
Photo Credit:www.thecountrychiccottage.net
A little creativity can go a long way to repurposing old glass jars into unique toy storage. We just love this fun and simple decor idea.
FAQs
What are some benefits of repurposing furniture?
Repurposing furniture is an eco-friendly way to give new life to old and worn-out pieces. It reduces waste by keeping old furniture out of landfills. Additionally, repurposing furniture can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. You can create custom pieces of furniture that showcase your unique style.
What can I make out of old furniture?
You can make many things out of old pieces, like a bookshelf made from a dresser, a piano turned into a bar, a bench from a headboard, or a coffee table from an old door. With some creativity and a few DIY skills, the possibilities are endless!
How do I upcycle furniture for beginners?
When upcycling or repurposing furniture, beginners should look to start with a quality piece of furniture that doesn’t need a lot of repairs. As a beginner, it’s best to choose a small, simple project to start with. Clean and prepare it, use high-quality materials, and get creative with unique colors, patterns, or materials. This will help you get comfortable with the process and build your confidence.
Follow us on Pinterest, Youtube or Facebook for more DIY inspiration!
More DIY Ideas
- 16 Modern DIY Desk Ideas
- 9 Ceiling Ideas That Make A Huge Impact
- 9+ DIY Laundry Shelving Ideas To Help You Stay Organized
We hope these repurposed furniture projects will have you rethinking that “trash”! You can always repurpose or upcycle it into a brand-new home decor item.
Erin Nutter
Erin Nutter is the DIY enthusiast, write and photographer behind TheDIYNuts.com. She loves sharing her passion for do-it-yourself projects along with her husband, Eric. As an artist, mother, and lover of all things DIY she hopes to inspire you to be creative to make a life and home you love.
