For first-time upcyclers, these projects take little effort but offer big results.
Big furniture overhauls and sewing projects can be intimidating. If a simple, 30-minute (or less) project is more your speed, try these easy upcycling ideas. Look for the vintage scores you’ll need the next time you’re perusing the aisles of a thrift store or flea market. They’ll get your feet wet to tackle bigger projects in the future and will get your creativity flowing. Let’s get started.
One for the Books
Just because an item is broken doesn’t mean that you can’t find a good use for it. Take this gutted 1970s Zenith portable TV, for instance. It’s now beautiful décor that acts as a small bookcase for a handful of good reads.
Fine Print
A vintage printer’s tray holds endless possibilities when hung on a wall for use as a display case for small trinkets. This one, in the home of Lize Fox, holds her collection of vintage bottles, dice and cigarette boxes—a tribute to Frank Sinatra.
Ready to Roll
Industrial-strength metal rolling carts are built to last—and are multipurpose for use indoors or outside. In a garden, use them to corral watering cans or potted plants. Here, the addition of dishware and glasses makes it the perfect entertaining companion. Metal toolboxes hold the napkins and silverware.
(Soda) Pop of Color
Vintage soda crates offer so many upcycling possibilities. Nail one to a wall for instant shelving, add legs to the base to make a side table or put one on a coffee table to corral remotes, magazines and more. This one is used to display cut ornamental cabbage, but you could also grow succulents inside.
Working Wonders
Get your desk in working order with this easy upcycle. Use a wood-backed wire bristle brush that lies flat to organize mail or a collection of photos. Next to this antique revolving stamp holder, this rusty piece blends right in. Take the look a step further by using a muffin tin to arrange paperclips, pins and magnets.
Junk in the Trunks
You’ve probably seen trunks and suitcases used as coffee tables, but this display offers practicality and vintage flair all-in-one—without taking up much room. If you’re in need of more covered storage, stack a collection of wooden trunks and antique chests from largest to smallest.
Surprises at Every Turn
This living room is teeming with vintage finds. Secondhand wool blankets were refashioned into bright curtains, which pair perfectly with the pillows made from an old Camaro’s upholstery. The yellow chair was rescued from a dumpster, while the vintage sofa was a Craigslist score. The old carpet samples on the coffee table were upcycled into coasters.
Java Jolt
What better place to drink your morning coffee than beside a café table decorated with vintage burlap coffee sacks? Collect a variety with designs and colors that speak to you and hang them on the wall as artwork. You could even use them to make placemats or pillow covers, too.
Dish the Dirt
Do you have beautiful dishes with a few chips or cracks? There’s no need to throw them away! Line the edge of a walkway using vintage dishware by simply tucking the plates into the soil. Their beautiful patterns will make your garden feel like a little slice of heaven.
At Your Service
Taking a buffet that she owned for almost 20 years and bringing it outside to her garden, this collector gave this piece a few coats of Annie Sloan chalk paint and a protective clear coat, and lined the drawers with plastic. It’s now a whimsical planter with storage for soil and potting supplies.
Garden Variety
Use a vintage flower frog to display photos, vintage postcards or bingo cards, as this collector did here. On a desk, you can also use one to organize business cards. Try changing out the look each holiday by showing off vintage cards representative of the season.
Cool Idea
When it’s not being used to store cold beverages on a hot day, this vintage cooler serves as a footstool. It’s even multipurpose as practical storage for supplies like sheets and towels. Two stacked crates filled with books next to this leather chair make it a comfy reading spot.
If you’re looking for more easy upcycling ideas, we’ve got you covered. Check out how to Upcycle Old Window Frames. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more updates and flea market inspiration.