Viral Now - 5 Ways to Upcycle for Unique Home Décor

Everyone wants their home to be stylish, but decorating can cost a fortune. But there are ways to get the look you want at a fraction of the price. Welcome to the world of upcycling. Upcycling involves taking an item that has seen better days and, with a little elbow grease, turning it into something new and uniquely you. So, before you hit the stores to redo your home, consider these upcycling projects.

1. Updating a Dresser

A solidly built dresser can provide a lot of function. However, the look can become unappealing in time. Before you donate the dresser to charity, consider giving it a makeover. The easiest way to give it a whole new look is with paint. Whether the surface is already painted, natural wood, or even laminate, there are paints that will work for you.

You can add designs to highlight your personal aesthetic. Use an ombre theme when choosing colors for the drawer fronts, or add some shine with a metallic finish. Not a fan of paint? Then try wallpaper! And, once you are finished, simply add some new hardware for a totally refinished piece.

2. Transforming Knickknacks

We all collect little oddities over time. We may even keep them when they don’t entirely fit our style. Luckily, your collection of vases, figurines, small storage boxes, and much more can be used to support a single style. You can take items with good form, such as a collection of bottles, and paint them the same color. That way, you can appreciate their look while maintaining a single color scheme. Many materials, including glass, wood, and metal make perfect decopatch projects. Select materials that you can use across multiple pieces to harmonize the look.

3. Revitalize a Mirror

A mirror can be an excellent base for a variety of looks. If you have a number of compact mirrors from old makeup, pull them out of the compact and start collecting them. Once you have a small supply, they can be combined into unique wall art. Simply arrange them in a pattern and secure them to a base. Then, hang it on your wall to create a point of interest.

Larger mirrors may just need a frame update. If you like the look of the frame, but not the color, painting may be the ideal option. You can also create your own custom frame with some pieces of wood. Add decorative mosaic tiles or glass pebbles to bring some sparkle, or wrap the frame in faux leather for instant sophistication. You can create a unique look at a fraction of the cost of buying a similar item in stores.

4. Damaged Clothing

Most people throw out clothes once they are damaged, even if the majority of the fabric is fine. If you have a piece that was made with quality materials, consider turning those articles into something new. Shirts and jeans can find new life as throw pillows, or take a piece of a great print and frame it for a unique art piece.

If you want the piece to stay in the world of fashion, consider reworking the fabric into an accessory. A small tote bag can be created from a range of starting pieces. You can also cover plastic bracelets with fabric, or create a new headband or scarf. While owning a sewing machine can make this projects easier, you don’t need a lot of fancy stitching to make it work. Smaller projects can even be sewn by hand.

5. Repurpose Glass Jars

Many food projects come in nice glass jars, but the labels can be challenging to remove. To help the process along, soak glass in hot water with a bit of dish soap and a tablespoon of OxiClean. After a good soak, use a glass or tile scraper to remove the majority of the labeled. Still have sticky residue? A mixture of solid coconut oil and baking soda can help loosen the gunk with ease. Once the labels are removed, clean them like normal dishes and reuse them for any project you have in mind.

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