In 2024, upcycling is more than just a creative hobby—it's a powerful way to contribute to sustainability. By transforming waste into unique, functional items, we can reduce our environmental footprint while adding charm and character to our lives. Whether you're new to upcycling or a seasoned pro, these 101 ideas will inspire you to turn everyday items into something extraordinary.
We'll cover the following:
Upcycled Fashion & Accessories
Upcycled Storage & Organisation
Upcycled Children's Toys & Play
Larger Projects for Family and Friends
How do you upcycle at home?
Upcycling at home is easier than you may think - you likely have lots of items around your house that can be reused and repurposed. Essentially, you take an existing item and use it for something else. For instance, you could turn old glass bottles into a vase or table light by adding fairy lights.
Home Décor
1. Turn Wine Corks into Coasters
Collect wine corks and glue them together to create rustic coasters that protect surfaces with style.
2. Convert Old Maps into Wall Art
Frame old maps or use them as wallpaper to give any room a vintage touch.
3. Create Candle Holders from Tin Cans
Decorate tin cans with paint, fabric and/or pierce holes and shapes in them and use them as charming candle holders.
4. Fashion a Pallet into a Coffee Table
Sand and stain a wooden pallet, add legs or wheels, and you’ve got a chic coffee table.
5. Repurpose Picture Frames into Chalkboards
Paint the glass of an old picture frame with chalkboard paint to create a handy message board.
6. Turn CDs into Mosaic Mirrors
Break old CDs into small pieces and use them to create a dazzling mosaic mirror frame.
7. Use Old Books as Shelving Brackets
Secure sturdy old books to the wall to create unique floating shelves.
8. Transform Light Bulbs into Oil Lamps
Clean out old light bulbs and fill them with lamp oil to create delicate, eco-friendly oil lamps.
9. Repurpose Old Windows into Picture Frames
Use the panes of an old window as a collage-style picture frame for a rustic décor piece.
10. Turn Old Suitcases into Side Tables
Stack vintage suitcases and add a glass top for a stylish, storage-friendly side table.
Fashion & Accessories
11. Turn T-Shirts into Tote Bags
Repurpose old t-shirts into eco-friendly tote bags—perfect for shopping trips.
12. Upcycle Scarves into Headbands
Transform unused scarves into chic headbands with minimal stitching or simply clever folding.
13. Fashion Old Belts into Bracelets
Cut leather belts into strips and add clasps to create rustic, fashionable bracelets.
14. Transform Jeans into a Denim Skirt
Rework an old pair of jeans into a stylish skirt with some simple sewing.
15. Turn Sweaters into Pillow Covers
Cut and sew old sweaters to create cosy pillow covers.
16. Repurpose Buttons into Earrings
Attach earring hooks to colourful buttons for unique, handmade accessories.
17. Use Silk Ties as Bag Straps
Sew vintage silk ties onto bags as decorative straps for a stylish update.
18. Transform Beads into New Jewellery
Break down old necklaces and bracelets to create new, customised jewellery pieces.
19. Turn Curtains into Dresses
Repurpose heavy drapery fabric into elegant, vintage-style dresses.
20. Fashion Leather Jackets into Wallets
Cut and sew old leather jackets into durable, stylish wallets.
Shop Sustainably with Paguro Upcycle
At Paguro Upcycle, we’re passionate about sustainability and creativity. Our products are crafted from upcycled materials, blending innovative design with environmental responsibility. Each item is unique, telling its own story of transformation from waste to wonder. Explore our collection of fashion, accessories, and home décor items that embody the upcycling spirit:
21. Inner Tube Accessories
Again, probably not your first thought when we say ‘stylish accessories’ but it’s amazing what you can do with a little creativity. Are you aware that most bike inner tubes are sent to landfills, where they will sit for an eternity? The bracelets, necklaces, and chokers created by Paguro Upcycle highlight the versatility of this material.
22. Reclaimed Wood Kitchenware
Explore our collection of home accessories made from reclaimed wood. Each piece is carefully crafted to highlight the natural beauty of the wood, making them perfect for adding a rustic touch to any space.
23. Recycled Army Tent Rucksack
These are the ideal practical yet stylish go to bags for being always on the go. They're made from recycled military canvas, which means they are durable enough to cope with any weather. They are perfect for family adventures, escapes into the countryside, or for the every day commute.
24. Recycled Wood Jewellery
Apart from being eye-catching, these sets are some of our most beautiful best sellers. Capturing nature, you can wear beauty while supporting sustainability.
25. Recycled Bicycle Chain Jewellery
Our recycled bicycle chain jewellery includes bracelets and necklaces that blend industrial design with a chic aesthetic. These pieces are perfect for those who appreciate unique, upcycled fashion.
26. Tyre Tube Phone Case
Protect your phone with our durable tyre tube case. This case are not only sturdy and water-resistant but also offer a unique texture that sets them apart from standard phone covers.
27. Upcycled Inner Tube Wallets and Purses
Our upcycled inner tube wallets and purses are crafted from repurposed leather-like tyre scraps, offering a timeless look with a sustainable twist. They’re designed to last, with plenty of room for all your cards and cash.
28. Recycled Skateboard Jewellery
Paguro’s recycled skateboard jewellery features vibrant pieces crafted from old skateboards. Each item carries the history of its previous life, making it a colourful and meaningful addition to your accessory collection.
29. Inner Tube Bags
Our bags, made from upcycled inner tubes, combine style with practicality. They’re spacious, weather-resistant, and perfect for everyday use, whether for work, school, or travel.
30. Electrical Wire Earrings
Potentially not your first thought when you’re thinking about upcycling but hear us out - this old electrical wiring is the perfect material to create a pair of statement earrings that are environmentally friendly and unique.
31. Recycled Rubber Coasters
Protect your surfaces with our recycled rubber coasters. These coasters are not only functional but also add a unique, rustic touch to your home décor. We also have a fantastic collection of recycled wood coasters available too.
32. Inner Tube Keychains
Our inner tube keychains are small but mighty. Made from recycled inner tubes, they’re durable and perfect for keeping your keys organised and stylish.
33. Zodiac Jewellery
If you embrace sustainability, fashion and all things constellations, these Zodiac Sign Necklaces are the ultimate buy. They are stylish and enable you to reveal your sign in a subtle star map.
34. Recycled Rubber Belts
Our belts, made from recycled rubber, are rugged and stylish. Perfect for adding a touch of eco-friendly fashion to any outfit, they’re a must-have for those who appreciate sustainable design.
35. Skateboard Bottle Opener Keyrings
With two different designs to choose from, the skateboard bottle opener keyring has its own unique colour design on the surface and layers of plywood colour on the side. Handcrafted by a keen skater who is also passionate about upcycling, he takes broken boards and uses his skills to give those skateboards a second life.
36. Plant Resin Earrings
Encapsulating zero waste, we even take the offcuts to create our Plant Resin Earrings. Made from reclaimed skateboard shaving and vegan-friendly plant resin, these earrings are a stylish testament to upcycled fashion.
37. Nova Waterproof Toiletry Bag
Handmade using a combination of recycled army tent canvas and reclaimed tyre inner tube, the elegant design of this foldable and lightweight overnight wash bag allows you to organise maximum toiletries. Available in two sizes.
38. Inner Tube Bike Bags
We’ve all heard about the rising popularity of cycling for pleasure and commuting, but it's hard to find the ideal accessory. Our upcycled inner tube bike bags are ideal for the daily commute as they offer a combination of durable and water resistant reclaimed materials.
39. Dotty Pencil/Pen Holder
Keep your workspace stylish and sustainable with the Dotty Multi Design Pencil/Pen Holder, crafted from upcycled inner tubes, combining unique design with eco-friendly functionality.
40. Eco-Friendly Resistance Band
Enhance your workouts with our Eco-Friendly Resistance Band, crafted from upcycled materials for a durable and sustainable fitness solution that’s gentle on the planet.
41. Eco Christmas Decorations
Celebrate a sustainable festive season with our Eco Christmas Decorations, crafted from upcycled inner tubes. Perfect for arts and crafts, you can paint them to add a splash of colour or keep their chic black finish. Plus, our stylish earrings double as unique Christmas ornaments, perfect for adding a creative twist to your tree!
42. Star Jewellery Collection
Our best-selling Star Range Jewellery, crafted from upcycled inner tubes and skateboards, offers unique, eco-friendly designs that shine in any collection.
43. Tyre Tube Dog Accessories
For the eco-conscious pet owner, our tyre tube dog collars and leashes are both stylish and sturdy. Made from upcycled materials, they’re perfect for daily walks and outdoor adventures.
44. Lucky Charm Jewellery
Shop our collection of good luck symbols from all around the world. A perfect purchase to wishing yourself some good luck and bringing joy. Shop lucky charm bracelets, earrings, necklaces and keyrings.
45. Bum Bags
Stay hands-free and stylish with our eco-friendly bum bags, made from upcycled inner tubes and army tent for a unique and durable accessory that’s perfect for any adventure.
Kitchen & Dining
46. Use Wine Bottles as Water Carafes
Clean and remove labels from wine bottles to repurpose them as elegant water carafes.
47. Turn Mason Jars into Drinking Glasses
Mason jars make sturdy, vintage-inspired drinking glasses for any occasion.
48. Repurpose Tea Tins as Herb Planters
Use old tea tins to grow small herbs, adding a charming touch to your kitchen windowsill.
49. Transform Plates into Wall Décor
Hang mismatched plates on the wall as an eclectic, colourful decoration.
50. Use Old Utensils as Kitchen Hooks
Bend old forks and spoons into hooks for hanging tea towels or utensils.
51. Convert Wooden Crates into Shelving
Stack and mount wooden crates on the wall to create rustic kitchen shelving.
52. Turn Rolling Pins into Towel Rails
Repurpose spare rolling pins by attaching them to the wall as towel rails.
53. Transform Wine Corks into Trivets
Glue wine corks together to create heat-resistant trivets for hot dishes.
54. Repurpose Jars as Spice Containers
Use small glass jars for storing spices, with labelled lids for easy identification.
55. Turn Baking Trays into Magnetic Boards
Paint an old baking tray with a magnetic primer and hang it in the kitchen for notes and recipes.
Garden & Outdoor
56. Use Old Tires as Garden Planters
Paint and stack tyres to create colourful planters or garden sculptures.
57. Transform Pallets into Vertical Gardens
Stand pallets upright and fill the gaps with soil and plants for a vertical garden.
58. Turn Mason Jars into Hanging Lanterns
Fill mason jars with fairy lights or candles and hang them from trees or your porch.
59. Repurpose Broken Pots into Garden Labels
Write plant names on pieces of broken pots and place them in the soil as decorative labels.
60. Convert a Bathtub into a Garden Pond
Seal and fill an old bathtub to create a garden pond or water feature.
61. Turn Old Tools into Garden Art
Weld or assemble old tools into whimsical garden sculptures.
62. Fashion a Bird Feeder from a Teapot
Attach a teapot to a wooden post or hang it from a tree to create a charming bird feeder.
63. Use a Bicycle Wheel as a Trellis
Mount an old bicycle wheel in the garden to support climbing plants.
64. Repurpose Wine Barrels as Rainwater Collectors
Modify wine barrels to collect and store rainwater for garden use.
65. Turn an Old Chair into a Plant Stand
Remove the seat from an old chair and replace it with a planter for a quirky plant stand.
Storage & Organisation
66. Convert Wine Crates into Storage Bins
Stack and secure wine crates to create rustic storage bins for household items.
67. Use Old Ladders as Towel Racks
Lean a wooden ladder against the wall to use as a stylish towel rack.
68. Repurpose Shoe Boxes as Drawer Organisers
Use decorated shoe boxes inside drawers to organise smaller items.
69. Turn Cereal Boxes into Magazine Holders
Cut and cover cereal boxes to create custom magazine holders.
70. Transform Tin Cans into Desk Organisers
Decorate and use tin cans to store pens, pencils, and other desk essentials.
71. Use Mason Jars for Craft Supplies
Organise buttons, ribbons, and other craft supplies in clear mason jars for easy access.
72. Convert an Old Wardrobe into a Pantry
Repurpose a wardrobe with shelves to create a spacious pantry.
73. Fashion Suitcases into Under-Bed Storage
Use vintage suitcases to store out-of-season clothing or linens under the bed.
74. Turn a Bed Frame into a Bookshelf
Dismantle an old bed frame and reassemble it into a bookshelf.
75. Repurpose Curtain Rods as Jewellery Organisers
Hang necklaces and bracelets from a mounted curtain rod to keep them tangle-free.
Furniture
76. Transform Doors into Headboards
Sand and paint an old door to create a rustic or chic headboard for your bed.
77. Convert Dressers into Bathroom Vanities
Cut a hole for the sink and plumbing, then repurpose an old dresser into a stylish vanity.
78. Turn Coffee Tables into Ottomans
Add padding and fabric to the top of a coffee table to convert it into a comfortable ottoman.
79. Use Wooden Spools as Tables
Large wooden cable spools make perfect rustic tables, ideal for outdoor or indoor use.
80. Repurpose Benches into Coat Racks
Mount a bench to the wall and add hooks underneath to create a coat rack with storage.
81. Turn Cribs into Desks
Remove one side of a baby crib and add a desk surface to create a child’s study area.
82. Transform Bedside Tables into Pet Beds
Hollow out a bedside table and add cushioning to create a cosy pet bed.
83. Convert a Bookshelf into a Bar
Add wine glass holders and a mini-fridge to a bookshelf to create a chic home bar.
84. Repurpose Filing Cabinets as Kitchen Islands
Attach a wooden top to filing cabinets to create a mobile kitchen island with ample storage.
85. Turn Chairs into Storage Chests
Add hinges to the seat of a chair to create a hidden storage compartment.
Children's Toys & Play
86. Convert a Dresser into a Dollhouse
Paint and decorate an old dresser, using the drawers as individual rooms for a dollhouse.
87. Turn Old Jeans into a Play Tent
Sew old jeans into a durable, rustic play tent for outdoor adventures.
88. Use Plastic Bottles for Bowling Pins
Fill plastic bottles with sand and paint them to create a DIY bowling set.
89. Repurpose Cardboard Boxes into Play Kitchens
Transform large cardboard boxes into a play kitchen, complete with painted-on appliances.
90. Turn an Old Table into a Train Set
Paint and add tracks to an old table to create a play area for train sets.
Larger Projects for Family and Friends
Larger Projects for Family and Friends
91. DIY Garden Bench
If you’re desperate for some outdoor seating on a budget, you may want to try this DIY idea that sees an old bed frame transformed into a garden bench.
92. DIY Outdoor Pallet Sofa
Pallets are fairly easy to come by and are another inexpensive option for creating unique outdoor furniture. You can create tables, seats, and even a sofa on casters.
93. DIY Solar Fountain
Easily transform your outdoor space regardless of its size with this Easy DIY Solar Fountain (with pond water plants). You can attract wildlife including birds and frogs while brightening your outdoor space.
94. Give Old Stained Glass A New Lease Of Life
Have you ever been to a car boot sale and seen random old panels of stained glass windows and wished you could have them in your house? Well, with this innovative idea, you can! You can brighten your space without removing your existing windows or buying expensive stained glass.
95. Make Reusable Sandwich Wraps And Snack Envelopes
Single-use plastic is so bad for the environment! But it's hard to think of everyday alternatives. This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions to create reusable sandwich wraps that can be used daily and prevent the need for plastic sandwich bags.
96. Unique Garden Path with Memorable Finds
Whether you’re a beachcomber or a mudlarker, the chances are you come across interesting finds while you’re out. But have you thought about using them for something else? This Unique Garden Path made from Upcycled Finds can add a splash of colour to any garden path.
97. DIY Statement Chandelier
Chandeliers have grown in popularity as a centrepiece for many dining rooms, but the price tag makes it a big financial investment. The cost-effective alternative is to create a DIY chandelier from existing items around the house that can be upcycled and recycled. We love this Musical Chandelier idea, what’s your favourite?
98. DIY Oak Barrel Bar
Whether you want to create a unique storage space for your liquor or just love the design idea, this guide will help you transform an unused oak barrel into a practical and usable storage space.
99. DIY Framed Tapestry Art
This easy art project reuses and refreshes existing frames with new paint for tapestries. You could order one online or reuse a piece of fabric or material you already own - this is a great idea if you have old clothing you no longer wear but can’t bear to throw out.
100. Mattress Spring Bulletin Board
Transform an old bed frame or mattress spring frame into a unique bulletin board. It is the ideal noticeboard for home offices, or it can be used in family spaces to highlight updates and school achievements.
101. Easy and Inventive Garden Markers
This is an easy and fun project the whole family can enjoy! Using whatever items you have around the house, be it pegs, wooden spoons, corks, twigs, or anything else to label your plants and veggies!
On a final note...
Upcycling is more than just a way to reduce waste—it's a path to creativity, sustainability, and self-expression. With these 101 ideas, you can find new ways to transform everyday items into something extraordinary. And with Paguro Upcycle, you can take your commitment to sustainability further by incorporating our unique, eco-friendly products into your life.
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