13 Clever Upcycling Ideas For Your Home

Breathe new life into ignored items around your house. All 13 of these clever upcycling ideas are stunning! It’s so fun to watch them transform.

I love watching things go from forgotten and worn out to brilliantly like-new. This is Annie from Venture1105. Enjoy this list I created. All the ideas on it are so inspiring and just down-right brilliant.

Are you like me? Do you just adore browsing Pinterest and dreaming of projects you want to do someday?

That’s where the idea for this post came from. I found some really fun and clever ways people have upcycled things and decided I just had to share them with you.

What is Upcycling?

There seems to be a bit of confusion with the term upcycling. It’s not the same thing as repurposed or even recycling.

When you repurpose something, you actually create a new purpose or use for something. For example, turning a China teacup into a succulent planter.

Recycling is when you reuse something. It’s like when plants use machines to turn old newspapers into printer paper.

Upcycling is giving an item a second chance at a new life. This is usually accomplished with some paint, sandpaper, and maybe even fabric. Instead of making a new use for something, you are enhancing it so it can still be used the same way.

13 Clever upcycling ideas

Check out these amazingly clever ideas. I’m sure you’ll find one or two ideas to try out. Click the image or the links below the images to find the tutorials.

1. Cute Piggy Bank out of reused bottles

This craft idea borders more on the repurposed side of things. But it’s so cute I had to share it. You are still using the bottles to hold something, just no liquid anymore.

Find the tutorial on Sassy Townhouse Living.

2. DIY Upcycled clock

If you have a worn-out clock, upcycle it and give it a new life. This tutorial shows you how to get that lovely textured look.

Find the instructions on Ideas for the Home by Kenarry.

3. Repurposed entryway Bench

With a bit of paint and sandpaper, you can make a worn-out bench look completely brand new. This is a super easy project you can accomplish in one weekend.

Find the instructions on Upright and Caffeinated.

4. DIY Teacup birdfeeder

This is another idea that is more like repurposing than upcycling. But it’s so cute I just had to share it. When you hang it in your yard, it adds some chic charm to it.

Find the instructions on She Saved.

5. Upcycled leather purse

This is a brilliant idea. If you have a leather jacket that isn’t getting any use, turn it into a beautiful bag. All the details are included in this sewing tutorial.

Find the instructions on Swoodson Says.

6. Upcycled chest to coffee table

I love furniture that doubles as storage. This started out as a pretty ugly chest. But after a little DIY magic it became a stunning coffee table.

Find the instructions on Houseful of Handmade.

7. Beauty supplies container

This is a project anyone at any skill level can do. It’s even fun for young children. Use some chalkboard labels and you have a small storage container.

Created by Ever After in the Woods. The instructions are no longer available.

8. DIY Chalkboard Wreath

I love this because it’s just so cute! But here at Ideas for the Home by Kenarry, we love burlap ribbons, and I spy some burlap in this tutorial.

Find the instructions on Twelve on Main.

9. Upcycling with wallpaper

It’s amazing how just adding some wallpaper to a trash can makes it look completely different. And a brightly-decorated trash bin will brighten your kitchen too.

Find the tutorial on Pillar Box Blue.

10. Upcycled cupboard door into a coat rack

This is another idea that is more repurposing than it is upcycling. But it’s so easy and pretty clever, so I had to share it. It’s simple, and anyone can do it.

Find the instructions on Create and Babble.

11. Craft Paint Storage

Isn’t this just so pretty to look at? I love organization and this is just perfect. Finally, find a place to keep all your bottles of craft paint.

Find the tutorial on My Pinterventures.

12. Upcycled can burlap and lace vase

This is a super cute craft that you can also use as a DIY gift idea too. The burlap ribbon adds rustic charm to your desk.

Find the tutorial here on Ideas for the Home by Kenarry.

13. waterfall dresser upcycle

Isn’t this beautiful? It looks brand new, you’d never know it was a discarded dresser. This tutorial is packed with helpful tips if you want to upcycle a dresser too.

Find the tutorial on Shop at Blu.

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What’s Next? 

Are you ready to get out your paint and make something look new? While you’re here, you may also enjoy these upcycling projects on Ideas for the Home by Kenarry® –

• Mini DIY Paper Lampshade Idea
• Faux Cement Ball Vases
• Easy Upcycled Ottoman Tray

If you enjoyed these clever upcycling ideas for your home, please share this with your friends or pin it for later: