How To Make Something Old New Again



Sometimes we can transform the broken down into something new and surprising.

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Book spine bookmark – Some book lovers may have a big problem with this project, but oftentimes older books are simply beyond repair. Give them new life with this very cool reuse.

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Old book portable art studio – Again, books are for more than just reading. This project is perfect for those old textbooks no longer used to educate, but which have the required heft to make this idea a success.

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Decoupaged map chair – Mixing cartography with utility, this project gives maps new life by glueing them to existing furniture.

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Globe light fixture – If you have an old globe looking to be used, this light fixture will ensure the user gets a geography lesson each time he or she uses the light.

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Globe light spotlight fixture – Another globe fixture, this spotlight alternative is enough to complete any space in your house looking for some intellectual style and gravitas.

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Upcycled drink station – A wayward chest of draws can be transformed into this hip wall bar. It’s stealth is sure to surprise even your most aware guests.

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CD jewel case art – Whom alive over the past 30 years doesn’t have a ton of those jewel CD cases packed away in storage? Put them to good use with this adjustable art installation.

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Piano bar – Once your piano has outlived its usefulness, this reuse could extend its life another few decades.

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Nightstand kitchen – If you have kids, don’t throw out that old nightstand! It can outfit your child’s faux kitchen in the cutest possible way.

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Spice rack paint caddy – Once a spice rack starts to look dated, repurpose it in the art room! Just as it kept your spices separated, this paint caddy does a great job of separating and highlighting all the colors in the rainbow.

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Reading canopy – If that old papasan chair from the 80s is still gathering dust in your basement, flip the whole thing on its head to create this cozy reading canopy.

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Updating dressers – Is your dresser teetering on the verge of irrelevancy? Update it’s look quickly and easily. Simply replacing some paint and pulls can do the job!


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Lego table – Make a piece of old furniture your child’s favorite with this lego-inspired redo that mixes furniture with fun!

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Small Lego table – Smaller tables are good for the Lego treatment too. This project’s petite size makes it a great for pulling out when it’s time for that playdate.

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Refurbish old laptop – We don’t often think of our old technology as a medium to reuse, but considering how much of the stuff we all have laying around, upcycling a laptop to use for a specific purpose – for storing recipes in the kitchen, or to handle your security system – should be on the top of the recycle list.

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Nightstand desk – That old desk’s lifespan just got a whole lot longer with this cool idea to transform it into a nightstand.

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Coffee table ottoman – Coffee tables go out of style in a flash. When they do, upcycle it into this ottoman piece that will spruce up a slumping living room.

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Storage ottoman – If the dresser frame is beyond repair, you can still use the drawers. This approach gives you a place to store stuff in a room that often needs more storage space.

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Dye a faded sofa – Don’t buy a new sofa; dye the one you have to breathe life into it.

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Chair tree swing – This novel idea is perfect for nonscheduled events, like a family reunion that suddenly is at your place. All the kids get their own swing if you have enough space on a tree branch.

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Vintage crib bookshelf – When you baby grows too big for the crib, turn it into this cute bookshelf for your child’s room. This will provide a link to the first pieces of furniture in your child’s life.

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Crib toy chest – Speaking of cribs, here’s one converted into a cute toy box.

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Old shirt produce bag – Turn that old shirt into a fashionable produce back that will not only have you looking good in the grocery store aisles, but also will cute down on your use of all those plastic grocery bags.

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Old denim jeans rug – Jeans too tight or no longer en vogue? Turn them into these awesome rugs to extend its life beyond keeping you clothed.

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Rag rug – These genius rag rugs are soft and eye popping. They also are great because they can easily be replaced with another. You won’t lose a wink of sleep if you have to throw one out because the new puppy isn’t yet potty trained.


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Suitcase chair – Let’s finish strong with the kookiest item in the collection – a former suitcase converted into a chair. It’s easy to dismiss, but the more you think about it, the more it makes sense.



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