Maybe it’s the hipster in us. Is a possible environmental sustainability at its heart? Or perhaps the current economic climate and state of confusion over our country’s collective capital makes it a necessity. But whatever the reason, ‘upcycling’ has taken the design world by storm in recent years.
Upcycling – repurposing old bits from around the house and casting them in new, exciting roles – provides an opportunity for homeowners to show off their creativity, and to make a lasting impression on guests with thoughtful reinventions of old items. And we think that the bedroom is the ideal domain for an upcycling enthusiast, as it offers the most opportunities for creative home decor. So if you’re looking to give the unloved a new lease of life, then read on; our 10 great upcycling ideas for your bedroom.
Storage Ladders
If you have an old ladder taking up unnecessary amounts of space in your attic, then consider redeploying it as a charming and rustic storage item instead. The beauty of ladder upcycling lies in its versatility – wooden ones bring warmth and character, while metal varieties can add an industrial edge to your space.
Start by giving your ladder a thorough clean and safety check. Any loose rungs should be secured, and sharp edges sanded down. Then, depending on your style preferences, you might want to give it a fresh coat of paint – chalk paints work particularly well for that fashionable farmhouse look, while metal paint in matte black can create a more contemporary aesthetic.
The real creative fun begins with how you use it. The ladder rungs can store rolled-up towels and blankets, creating an attractive display of different textures and colours. For book lovers, wider rungs make perfect impromptu shelving – just be sure to arrange your books thoughtfully, perhaps colour-coding them for extra visual impact. Plant enthusiasts might hang trailing varieties like pothos or string of pearls, transforming their ladder into a vertical garden. You could even add some battery-operated fairy lights for a cosy evening ambiance.
Pro tip: If you’re working with a particularly tall ladder, consider cutting it down to size or using it horizontally above a desk or bed for an unexpected storage solution.
Transitioning Your Children’s Furniture Into Teen-Friendly Bits
Time flies fast, and before you know it, your child steps into the teenage years. While your kid’s furniture for bedrooms might have served them well through childhood – with its cheerful colours and whimsical designs – teenagers need something that reflects their evolving tastes and growing independence.
Fear not! There’s no need for a major shopping spree. Those cherished pieces of children’s furniture can be transformed into sophisticated items that your teen will love. Take that colourful kiddie study table and give it a mature spin with neutralising hues like cool greys or muted blues. Add some stencilled patterns or geometric designs for a more personalised touch. Even themed kid’s furniture for bedrooms can be reimagined – that princess castle bookshelf could become an industrial-style display unit with some chalk paint and new hardware.
This approach not only fits your adolescent’s evolving tastes but also preserves memories of yesteryear, all while being kind to both the environment and your wallet. The key is to look at each piece with fresh eyes – that bright yellow desk chair might just need a sleek charcoal cover to become the perfect gaming seat.
Create Lamps From Old Junk
Almost anything can be made into a lamp, you just need to bring the bulb. You can use old wine or spirit bottles for an edgy, hipster lighting effect, but bear in mind that upcycling is most effective when you pair your items appropriately; an upcycled bottle lamp on top of a cheap, plastic bedside table won’t look good, for instance.
For a neat upcycled lamp aesthetic, you’ll want it standing on something that’s preferably wooden and looks approximately rustic – a piece of old tree trunk (sustainably sourced and checked for mites, of course!) is perfect here.
Turn Trash Into Tables
Speaking of which…
The classic upcycling rule goes; if it’s box-shaped, it’s a coffee table. One of the most popular upcycling ideas recently has involved using old cages, particularly crab catching cages, and turning them into tables for a raw, industrial look. Crabs, sadly, don’t come included. Crates are also popular options, with an inventive repurposing of wine crates being particularly in vogue.
Worn Out Can Be Warmth
You can also simply upcycle old furniture, sprucing it up with minimal effort, to maximum effect. If you have a beaten-up chest of drawers that could do with replacing, opt instead for simply repainting a small section of it with a bold colour, preferably in pastel or matte. Just re-paint one or two of the drawers, and leave the rest untouched. This makes your tired old furniture look like a conscious and deliberate design choice – one that guests won’t forget. After all, worn out, in the right hands, can be turned to warmth.
Upcycled Art
Rather than splashing out on vintage posters or paintings, creating your own upcycled art can add a deeply personal touch to your bedroom walls. The beauty of this approach is that literally anything can become art when thoughtfully presented – it’s all about context and creative vision.
Framing old wallpaper is particularly on-trend right now, especially if you can get your hands on vintage designs with bold patterns or interesting textures. Try creating a triptych effect by framing three complementary sections in identical frames. For book lovers, carefully chosen pages can create stunning wall art – consider framing a particularly beautiful passage from your favourite novel, or creating a collage of meaningful quotes.
If you’re working with fabric pieces like old rugs or tapestries, consider creating a hanging system that shows off their texture. A simple wooden dowel with some elegant cord can transform even the most humble piece into a striking wall hanging. Remember, the frame itself can be part of your upcycling project – old picture frames can be refreshed with paint or decorative papers, creating a cohesive look that ties your room together.
Storage Crates As Bedside Tables
If the thought of throwing away sturdy storage crates irks you, simply upcycle them into practical bedside tables. All it needs is a whisk of paint and varnish, amalgamating with your existing decorating style. This can also serve as a mini bookshelf!
The beauty of using crates lies in their versatility. Stack two or three together to create different configurations – horizontally for a wider surface area, or vertically for a taller unit with multiple cubby holes. You might even consider adding castors to the bottom for easy mobility, particularly useful if you like to rearrange your bedroom layout seasonally.
For a more polished look, line the inside of the crates with wallpaper offcuts or fabric remnants, instantly transforming that rustic storage solution into something altogether more sophisticated. Remember that different crates bring different characters – wine crates often come with interesting typography that can add personality, while plain wooden fruit crates provide a perfect blank canvas for your creative vision.
Containers Turned Plant Holders
Resurrect your old ceramic containers, tin cans or colourful old water jugs by turning them into interesting plant holders. Not only do they add a dash of life to your bedroom corners but also serve as surprising décor elements. Your indoor plants might be a little confused by their new homes at first, but hey, they’ll get used to it!
Upcycle Vinyl Records Into Unique Wall Clocks
Have any old vinyl records gathering dust in the store room? Bring them back to life with a quartz clock movement, instantly transforming them into eye-catching wall clocks. You’ll be punking up your wall with a timepiece that’s thoroughly unique and a genuine talking point when visitors spy your room.
Transform Old Doors Into Statement Headboards
If you’re hunting for a show-stopping headboard that tells a story, look no further than that old door languishing in your garden shed. Old doors, with their weathered patina and characterful imperfections, make for spectacular headboard transformations that bring instant personality to your bedroom. The beauty of this upcycling project lies in its versatility – whether you’re working with a simple panelled door or an ornate Victorian number with original brass fittings, each will create its own unique statement.
For a rustic look, simply clean up your door and let its natural wear shine through. If you’re after something more polished, a coat of chalk paint and some gentle distressing can work wonders. The door’s original fixtures and handles can be left in place to add interest, or removed for a sleeker finish. And here’s a clever trick – if your door comes with a letterbox, it makes an ideal shelf for your morning cup of tea or current bedtime read!
Remember, though – always check old paint for lead before sanding, and ensure your chosen door is properly secured to the wall. After all, the best upcycling projects marry style with safety.
Clothes Hanger Rack From A Broken Chair
Turn an unneeded chair into a wall-mounted clothes hanger rack. Start by removing the back of the chair, smoothen the surface, paint it in a vibrant colour and simply fix it to the wall. Here’s a hat rack for the coats, hats or simply for draping clothes.
Don’t limit your upcycling endeavours to the ideas we’ve mentioned. Let your imagination run wild, and you really can make your room a haven of creativity. Go on, get transforming!