When you look up upcycling home interior items online, you will find tons of creative DIY projects that encourage you to turn something old into something useful. You will also see a lot of shabby chic home interiors furnished with salvaged and repurposed vintage pieces.
upcycleDZINE has a lot of respect for this craft. Taking on DIY restoration projects is essential in a circular economy. Here, we will show you eight aesthetic and unique upcycled pieces that will inspire you to start upcycling.
Take inspiration from these:
1. Bicycle chair
Reclaimed bike frames were used to create this pair of high-chairs. When you have welding skills and knowledge in furniture design, you can pull off a DIY project like this. The creation you see here is by Open Space Design.
2. Wheel wall clock
With a bit of tinkering, you can repurpose a bike wheel into a wall clock. Design one that you can hang on a wall or place on a floating shelf. A unique piece like this is a great conversation starter!
Don’t worry, you can purchase Quartz clock parts from various online shops. Opt for the complete set (clock mechanism + hour/minute/second hands + numbers + nuts + washers).
3. Bed headboard bench
You can build a bench from an old bed frame. Make use of the bed’s ornate legs, headboard, and footboard design. It is a simple DIY project when you are handy with a hammer and saw. If not, you can hire a local carpenter to help you out!
4. DIY lampshade
A new fabric gives an old, secondhand lamp a new look and a new life. With a basic knowledge of sewing, you can make your drum shade from old clothes!
A newbie in sewing? No worries! There are so many downloadable guides online and Youtube video tutorials that you can follow. Don’t forget to pick a fabric that will make your lampshade unique!
5. Bicycle console table
With basic knowledge of furniture design and welding, you can also create a stylish console table with bike legs! These unique pieces are perfect for industrial-style home interiors!
6. Sewing machine vanity
Similar to the bicycle console, you can also reuse an old mechanical sewing machine into your bathroom vanity. Install a lovely vessel sink that sits elegantly on top of the table.
An upcycling project like this is best done as part of a bathroom renovation. This way, you have building designers, builders, and plumbers who can help you out if you need to modify the sewing machine before installation.
7. Tiled outdoor table
Got extra tiles? Do you want to make your table water-resistant? With a little bit of adhesive and grout, you can turn a coffee table into a chic tiled table. This one is perfect for your outdoor lounge space where you often have wine and quick bites with friends.
8. Reclaimed timber walls and ceiling
Do you like the look of reclaimed timber for your home? Great! Many eco-conscious homeowners today opt to use reclaimed wood to make a statement. Use it on your wall or ceiling. With proper cleaning, installation, and maintenance, this can last for years!
On your next renovation, please speak with your draftsman and make sure that the details of the use of reclaimed timber are in the drawings. This way, the builders know the material that they should use.
Upcycle something today
We hope this collection of clever upcycling projects has inspired you to turn someone’s trash into treasure. Find more inspirational upcycling projects here in upcycleDZINE.