Repurposing is a fun way to recycle your stuff instead of sticking it in the landfill. Not only is it environmentally friendly, it’s also a great way to fill your rental with unique and interesting items for free (or really cheap). Once you learn all these repurposing ideas, you’re bound to come up with some of your own.
1. Turn a claw-foot tub into a couch
Cut one long side out of a claw-foot tub (be sure to file down the cut edges) and fit it with a brightly colored cushion for an unusual yet comfortable couch. Since it will likely be smaller than an ordinary couch (more the size of a love seat), it fits nicely in small rooms and apartments.
2. Turn an old ladder into a bookshelf
An old ladder hung on the wall on its side makes an excellent bookshelf. You can paint it if you like; however, a worn one with plenty of paint spatters has a lot of character without any embellishments.
3. Turn a suitcase into a seat
A vintage suitcase with four wooden legs added and stuffed with cushions makes an adorable seat for a small corner in a room or hallway.
4. Turn folding chairs into hanging closets
Wooden folding chairs are most attractive for this purpose. Hang the chairs on the wall and use the seat of the chair for stacking containers and boxes. Hang clothes on the horizontal slat between the front legs.
5. Turn hats into lampshades
Most any old hat, such as a bowler or fedora, makes an eccentric and adorable lampshade. They make for great conversation pieces. Use the lampshades for lights in your kitchen, guest room, or hallways.
6. Turn plastic bottles into brooms
If you take an empty plastic bottle and shred it up to the neck with a pair of sharp shears, it makes a convenient hand broom for the utility room or garage. Bottle brooms are ideal for sweeping up almost anything, and you may even like them better than your regular broom.
7. Turn credit cards into guitar picks
For just a few bucks, you can get a tool to cut your own guitar picks. This is a neat way to use expired credit cards that need secure disposal. The variety of colors and prints will make each pick unique.
8. Turn bottle caps into tea lights
Metal caps from wine bottles and other liquids are the ideal size and shape for holding tea lights. If you’re a frequent wine drinker, it won’t take long to have a good variety of colors to make an interesting display for the kitchen table, dining area, living room, or bathroom.
Once you get used to spotting ways to repurpose items, it becomes addictive. You’ll find new and interesting ways to use lots of things you’d ordinarily toss in the trash can. It’s good for the imagination, and great for the environment.
What are some of your favorite DIY projects? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
