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Don’t rush to resign your old furniture to the scrap heap. All you need to turn tired, time-worn pieces into treasure are a few DIY skills and little creative thinking. Budget-friendly and good for the planet, we’ve brought together the best upcycling projects to inspire your next makeover. Click or scroll on and discover how to breathe new life into your old stuff…




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


If you’ve fallen out of love with an old coffee table, give it a spruce up with some decorative paintwork. Sketch on a design in pencil before you commit to the pattern or use a ready-made stencil that you can pick up from an art shop. Use oil-based paints for a durable finish that’ll stand the test of time.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


If you scour scrap yards and auction houses, chances are you’ll come across a few worse-for-wear ship bulkhead lights. For a quirky light fixture, fit a new bulb and light cord behind the cage. Mount onto a distressed piece of wood for the perfect vintage lighting solution.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


A fresh lick of paint can really be a gamechanger. This disused side table has been transformed into the perfect indoor-outdoor plant display, thanks to a sunny splash of yellow. To recreate this look at home, make sure you use waterproof garden furniture paint.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


If you have a few old wooden ladders gathering dust in your garage, this next upcycle is a nifty way to repurpose them into extra storage. Decide how many shelves you need and cut between the rungs of the ladder accordingly. For extra stability, frame the shelving with some old wood and attach a smaller length of rope or string at the top of the unit for hanging.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Weathered trucks are relatively cheap to pick up in scrapyards. With help from a blacksmith, the front of an old heavy goods vehicle can be transformed into a trendy bar – just add a wooden counter and embellish with metal spray paint for a vintage finish.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Fancy a stylish sunscreen without shelling out big bucks? Salvaged shutters are a great way to add privacy and texture to your outside space. Repurpose with a bright lick of paint for a warming Mediterranean-style scheme.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


If you want to add real retro vibes to your lounge, this creative project is just the ticket. The front of an old car has been upcycled into a statement sofa, with a seat created from recycled wood boarding. Scour your local salvaged yards for the right vintage vehicle then consult with a blacksmith to solder it into shape.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


If you’re short on space in your kitchen, transform an old chest of drawers to create a snug centre island. After a quick lick of paint, affix an off-cut piece of worktop, pop on some casters and screw some hooks to its side. It’ll be the perfect place to store all of your kitchen essentials, and you can wheel it around too.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Bet you didn’t think a bog-standard filing cabinet could look this stylish, did you? Those clever folk at Rust-Oleum have put together an easy guide to transforming a rusty piece of office furniture into a side table you’d proudly place in your living room. All you need is some spray paint and sticky-back plastic.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


You may require a little help from a professional for this one, but if you’re prepared to put in the effort you’ll end up with a piece of furniture to really be proud of. To start, you need to find yourself an old car bonnet (preferably a Jeep). Clean it up, affix some legs and see it transform into a practical and cool desk.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


No longer readily found in schools, the trusty yardstick is becoming a little redundant these days. Have a rummage in local antique markets and charity shops and you’ll find enough to create a totally unique coat rack like this. Take a piece of MDF and glue each ruler to it, screw in some elegant hooks, and then pop on the wall. It’ll be a talking point for all that come to visit.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


This one is a little more difficult to recreate because it’s not every day you find an old grand piano lying about… But, if you happen to have one at your disposal then you’re going to love this idea. With the top and internal sections removed and some shelves fitted inside, it becomes a striking display unit for books and ornaments.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Oversized empty cable reels used to carry electrical wiring lend themselves perfectly to a second life as a garden table. Simply tip the reel drum on its side and then decorate as you desire. You could spray paint it, add mosaic tiles or even découpage the top. Smaller reels placed in the same way with cushions on top are perfect as stools too.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


You don’t have to be a DIY whizz to whip up this cute shelf. All you need is a piece of old wood and some rope. Hanging shelves are a great storage hack for small spaces as you can tie them back when you don’t need them – just make sure you affix them securely to the ceiling.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


If you’re short on space in the garden, you can still create a place to show off your green fingers – just think about growing upwards instead of outwards. Place wooden planks onto the stairs of a stepladder and build up a garden of plants and bright flowers.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Easily available, wooden crates are ideal to use as shabby chic storage units. Simply add a lick of pain and securely affix a few together for a stylish set of shelves for your trinkets.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Bicycle lovers won’t be able to get enough of your bathroom with an old bike doubling as a washstand, towel rack and vase. Vintage bicycles are easy to pick up either online or in an antique shop, but you may need to remove any rust and respray your bike before it looks as charming as this one.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Rather than tossing your old plastic bottles into the recycle bin, why not reuse them in a rather different way? This clever upcycle sees bottles strapped to the base and back of a metal chair frame, transforming them into surprisingly comfortable outdoor seating. Rain-proof and long-lasting, they’re ideal for a quick and easy garden project.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


It’s no secret that wine and music go hand in hand, so where better to keep all your music books and papers than a piano stool crafted from a wine crate? Create a comfy seat with a cushioned lid and choose a quirky patterned fabric to finish the piece off.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


86/86 SLIDES

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