Repurposing

Declutter your home without adding more trash to landfills with these creative upcycling ideas.

These innovative projects will inspire you to dig through your discards and repurpose them into useful furnishings and interesting accents for your home.

While you may have no idea what polyvinyl chloride is, chances are you have some in your home, in the form of PVC pipes. PVC is an inexpensive, hard yet flexible, fire- and water-resistant plastic used for many plumbing projects. It’s also an excellent material for DIY crafters. Made from a combination of plastic and vinyl, PVC pipe is resistant to strong movement (like earthquakes) as well as bacteria, and it’s widely available at both big-box and local hardware stores. It comes in different diameters and can be used in its standard white or black shades or painted. Given its awesome properties, if you’re planning a weekend project or small home improvement, consider adapting it to incorporate PVC pipe. Need some inspiration? Here are 10 smart PVC creations to get you on the right track.

A new year is a great time to get rid all the junk that is cluttering your home. But some things are easier to dispose of than others. Many charitable organizations eagerly accept old clothes and shoes, for instance, but may balk at cumbersome mattresses. And while common clutter can easily be thrown out with the trash, certain things should never be disposed of in the garbage. This guide will help you learn how to properly discard many household items, so you can face the new year with a “squeaky clean” domicile while protecting the environment and keeping your family safe.

Where do mattresses go to die? The landfill, most often. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s still life under what looks like old junk, if you’re willing to uncover it. Old bedsprings offer an industrial aesthetic that can lay the foundation for a host of projects and decorative pieces. Even individual spring coils can be brilliantly utilized—the rustier the better. Sharpen your wire cutters, and get ready to repurpose, reuse, and recycle.

When used imaginatively, ordinary items can have practical magic. Here’s some inspiration for employing everyday household goods in unusual—and helpful—ways.

Before you drag those mismatched shelves, broken chairs, worn-out sofas, or just plain ugly eyesores to the curb, check out these creative examples of repurposed furniture that prove you can give outdated furnishings a second life as useful, even stylish items for your home.

You won’t always find the perfect antique side table or the china collection of your dreams on your flea market adventure. Even if you do, nearly every thrifted gem requires a little TLC. The best thrifters have a third eye that sees any piece for what it is, but also what it could be. Here, we’ll help you zero in on the most practical finds with the highest potential for storage and decoration. Watch for these 10 underrated staples on your next hunt.

Spring promises all things fresh: flowers, air, even perspectives. What better time to a dust off an old window or two for a different point of view? These glass panes are infinitely versatile and easy to pick up at flea markets, salvage yards, thrift shops—maybe even out of your own garage. Click through for seven ways to fashion an old window into a new home accessory.

Before you head out to buy a specialized tiny screwdriver for your smallest of screws, try crafting your own with these genius DIY instructions—all for free!