7 DIY Tricks for Breathing New Life Into Old Items

While dragging unwanted items to the curb may be an easy way to get rid of them, it can be wasteful. With a bit of creativity, you can breathe some new life into those old things. Instead of a shopping trip, consider these seven tips for freshening up your space.

1. FLUFF UP AN OLD SOFA.

If your couch is suffering from saggy seats but is otherwise in good shape, there’s no need to run out and buy a replacement. Instead, buy some inexpensive polyester fill to insert into the cushions to make them look and feel as good as new. You can do the same for the back cushions if they have zippers; if not, throw pillows can provide new support while livening up the color scheme.

2. REPLACE DRAWERS WITH BASKETS.

Media stands and dressers can begin to look drab after a few years. To give them a facelift without paint, consider removing their drawers—including the rollers—and replacing them with baskets for an easy storage solution.

3. ELEVATE YOUR DÉCOR WITH AN OLD LADDER.

If you’ve got an old, heavy wooden ladder you don’t use much anymore, you’ve got the key ingredient of an attractive new set of shelves. After a quick coat of paint, it can be leaned against a wall to create an eye-catching bookshelf with a small footprint. Alternatively, you can open the ladder and place cut and painted lumber between the parallel rungs to craft a clever A-shaped shelving unit.

4. CREATE A COFFEEMAKER PLANTER.

Has your old glass coffee press been replaced by an automatic machine? Consider using it as a planter-slash-terrarium and adding sand, rocks, and succulents to create a see-through mini-ecosystem.

5. GIVE OLD BED SHEETS A NEW PURPOSE.

Many storage closets are stuffed with bed sets that may have gotten a little worn. Instead of letting them linger and take up space, consider putting them to use as picnic blankets, bedding for your pets, or emergency throws for your car trunk.

6. REPURPOSE YOUR YOGA MAT.

If you are on a new exercise kick or just upgraded from an old yoga mat, the foam from your yoga class can still be useful. If you’re a camper, old yoga mats make excellent, lightweight ground pads you can slip under your sleeping bag to stay dry and comfortable. You can also use your mat’s non-slip properties in clever ways. If you’ve got shelving in your garage or basement, you can trim an old mat into a handy shelf liner that will keep your belongings from slipping around.

7. TRANSFORM A BOOKCASE INTO A DRAWER.

Got an old bookcase that you’d rather lose sight of? Instead of hauling it away, consider putting it on its back, mounting four wheels on its corners, and adding two handles to the side. Provided you have enough clearance under your bed, it’s an easy way to get under-mattress storage without buying a whole new bed frame.

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