Do you have a bunch of random household items lying around the house that you don’t know what to do with? Instead of throwing them away, why not try upcycling? Upcycling is the process of transforming old or unused items into something new and useful. Not only is upcycling eco-friendly, but it’s also a fun way to get creative and make unique home decor. In this blog, we’ll be sharing 5 DIY projects for upcycling household items.

1. Repurposed Mason Jar Lanterns 🕯️

Mason jars are a versatile household item that can be transformed into many different things, including lanterns. To make a Mason jar lantern, you will need:

  • Mason jars
  • Wire
  • Pliers
  • Tealight candles
  • Decorative stones (optional)

First, wrap the wire around the neck of the Mason jar several times to create a handle. Use the pliers to twist the wire and make sure it’s secure. Then, place a tealight candle in the jar, and add decorative stones if you want. Finally, light the candle and enjoy the cozy ambience.

A picture of a Mason jar lantern with a lit candle inside

2. Upcycled Denim Coasters 🍺

Got a bunch of old jeans lying around? Turn them into coasters! To make upcycled denim coasters, you will need:

  • Old jeans
  • Scissors
  • Mod Podge
  • Paintbrush
  • Cork board
  • Hot glue gun

First, use the scissors to cut circles out of the denim. Then, coat the circles with Mod Podge using the paintbrush. Place the denim circles onto the cork board and trim the cork board around the circles. Finally, use the hot glue gun to attach the cork to the bottom of the denim circles.

A picture of a set of upcycled denim coasters

3. Upright Magazine Holder 📚

If you have a stack of magazines taking up space on your coffee table, consider turning them into an upright magazine holder. To make an upright magazine holder, you will need:

  • Cardboard box
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Decorative paper (optional)
  • Glue

First, cut off the top flaps of the cardboard box. Then, measure and mark where you want the magazines to stand upright. Cut the cardboard in a diagonal shape starting from the bottom of the cardboard to the mark you made. Repeat on the other side. Finally, cover the cardboard box with decorative paper and glue in place.

A picture of an upright magazine holder made out of a cardboard box

4. Pallet Headboard 🛏️

If you’re looking to spruce up your bedroom, consider making a pallet headboard. To make a pallet headboard, you will need:

  • Wooden pallets
  • Sandpaper
  • Primer
  • Paint
  • Paintbrush

First, sand down the pallets to remove any rough edges. Then, apply primer and paint to the pallets. Once the paint has dried, lean the pallets up against the wall behind your bed to create a rustic-chic headboard.

A picture of a pallet headboard in a bedroom

5. Vinyl Record Wall Art 🎶

Got a bunch of old vinyl records lying around? Turn them into wall art! To make vinyl record wall art, you will need:

  • Vinyl records
  • Heat gun or oven
  • Oven-safe bowl
  • Molding
  • Picture hangers

First, heat the vinyl record in an oven-safe bowl or with a heat gun until it becomes pliable. Next, mold the record into a unique shape, such as a bowl or a wave. Finally, attach picture hangers to the back of the record and hang it on the wall.

A picture of a vinyl record wall art installation

Upcycling household items is a great way to exercise your creativity while also reducing waste. Give these DIY projects a try and see what unique items you can create from things you already have lying around the house.

A picture of all of the DIY upcycling projects mentioned in the blog