We all look to try and save money wherever we can in our adult life. Being an adult can be an expensive task, and it can seem like no matter what we do, we struggle to save up for a better lifestyle. There are many ways we like to save money and look after the environment in our lives such as using food, saving energy and walking to work; but there is another way to save some money and impact the environment in a healthy way: upcycling.
Upcycling is similar to recycling however instead of an item being crushed and made into something else, it is instead adapted to be used as something new. Upcycling furniture, in particular, can be a fun task, and today we are going to take a look at how you can upcycle old items to furnish your home. So before you draft in a rubbish removal contractor for your old items, see if you can create something new with them.
- Ladder Bookshelf
If you have an old wooden ladder hanging around in your garage, why not chop and change it into a shelving unit for the wall? You can easily create shelving with an old ladder by sawing 2-3 steps, varnishing it a new colour, and hanging it on the wall. It can create a lovely shelving spot for decorations or even the ideal place to store books and DVDs.
- Vintage Suitcase Ottoman
We all love a bit of vintage décor in our homes, and if you have access to a vintage suitcase there is a wonderful opportunity for you to create a cute ottoman or footstool for your living room. For this DIY all you really need to do is add a wooden base and wheels, and then lift the lid off and create a new buckle system for the suitcase storage. This will add some character to the home and will be a great accessory to play with.
- Wellington Boot Planter
We all have a random pair of wellies hanging around the house, and there is a super simple DIY you can do with these today to make your garden fun and bright. Simply dip the wellington boots in concrete and let it dry, then drill a small drainage hole in the bottom. Now, you can either leave the planter concrete coloured or paint it a bright color and then add some of your favourite flowers to brighten up your outdoor space!
- Old Books Into Shelves
Every now and again we all have a clear out in the home, and this is something which can be a mammoth task. Before you take your old books to the charity shop, you can try this next fun DIY to create a unique shelf for the home. For this, you’ll need to get your hands on some epoxy resin or mod podge. Lay down some plastic and create a border with wood which is the size you want your shelf to be. Pour a thin layer of clear resin or mod podge into the shape. Next, lay books inside the box until you like the arrangement. Pour resin or mod podge over the books and leave to dry. Remove the wooden border and sand the resin, and then hang up in your favourite location for a fun bookshelf!
