25 Ingenious Ways to Repurpose Old Junk
Here are some fun ways to turn your trash into treasure.
You can give your worn-out items a second life and have fun doing it. These projects just require a few basic tools and a little imagination.
Before: Shutters
Even if your home doesn't have shutters, there's probably an antique shop nearby that does.
After: Multipurpose Rack
Stripped, sanded, and repainted, a single shutter can be a great rack for mail, keys, and photos.
Source: HomeEdit.com
Before: Lightbulb
If you can find one with clear—rather than frosted—glass, that's best.
After: Candles
Find something to mount it on, remove the filament, insert wicking oil and a wick, and you've got yourself a candle.
Source: TwistedSifter.com
Before: Books
You know you've got 'em, and plenty of 'em you'll never read.
Before: Ladder
When that ladder gets just old enough that you don't want to trust it with your life anymore...
After: Shelving Unit
...trust it with your stuff instead. Open it up and get some boards to lay across the legs.
Source: BoredPanda.com
Before: Used Tire Rims
Landfills are full of steel rims available for cheap.
After: Fire Pit
Place the rim on its side and you've got an instant fire pit. Surround it with bricks to protect hands and feet from hot steel.
Before: Orphaned Keys
Old keys can pile up quickly in drawers and lead to confusion.
After: Wall Hooks
Add a bend to your old keys in a U shape and you've got the perfect wall hook.
Before: Random Pipe Fittings
An old pile of rusted pipe ends and fittings destined for the junk pile.
After: Steampunk Chess Set
With a bit of rust remover to make them shine, you can transform your old fittings into a steampunk chess set.
Before: Glass Bowls
These vintage glass bowls are pretty, but always hidden away in cabinets.
After: Succulent Planters
Bring your beautiful bowls into the open by using them to plant succulents, which look great in any kitchen windowsill.
Before: Filing Cabinet
Steel office filing cabinets often last longer than the businesses they support.
After: Rolling Kitchen Cart
Add some fresh paint, casters, a butcher-block top, and some hardware, and you've got the perfect kitchen cart or island.
Source: Curbly
Before: Old Door
Doors are a dime a dozen on Craigslist. Look for wood doors with great character and panels.
After: Sliding Pantry Door
Convert your door into a sliding screen that reveals a hidden pantry.
Source: Design*Sponge
Timothy is a lifelong DIY enthusiast who is fixated on smart home tech, beautiful tools, and wrenching on his FJ62 Land Cruiser. He’s the DIY editor at Popular Mechanics and also the founder of the home improvement site, Charles & Hudson, the Webby-nominated family site, Built by Kids, and Tool Crave. When not working, you’ll find him on his board or bike enjoying the LA weather with his family and friends. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
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