Recycled Décor Inspirations

Inspiration Library

Discover a curated collection of upcycled décor ideas, each with detailed information about difficulty, cost, materials, and sustainability impact.

Upcycled Glass Jars

Easy Low Cost High Impact

Materials Required:

• • Glass jars (various sizes)
• • Twine or rope
• • Paint or labels (optional)
• • Decorative elements

Sustainability Impact: Reduces waste by repurposing glass containers that would otherwise be discarded. Each jar saves approximately 0.5kg of glass from landfills.

What started as empty pasta sauce jars became a beautiful collection of storage containers. The natural light filtering through the glass creates a warm, inviting atmosphere in any room.

Reclaimed Wood Shelves

Medium Medium Cost Very High Impact

Materials Required:

• • Reclaimed wood planks
• • Wall brackets or supports
• • Sandpaper and finish
• • Screws and mounting hardware

Sustainability Impact: Prevents old wood from ending up in landfills. Reclaimed wood has character and history that new materials cannot replicate, reducing the need for new timber production.

These shelves came from an old barn that was being demolished. The weathered texture tells a story, and each knot and grain pattern adds unique character to the space.

Recycled Textile Rugs

Hard Low Cost High Impact

Materials Required:

• • Old clothing or fabric scraps
• • Rug backing or base
• • Needle and thread
• • Scissors and cutting tools

Sustainability Impact: Diverts textiles from landfills where they can take decades to decompose. Creates functional art while reducing textile waste significantly.

This colorful rug was woven from old t-shirts and jeans that were too worn to donate. The process was meditative, and the result is a one-of-a-kind piece that brings warmth and color to the room.

DIY Cardboard Wall Art

Easy Very Low Cost Medium Impact

Materials Required:

• • Cardboard boxes
• • Craft knife or scissors
• • Paint or markers
• • Adhesive or mounting tape

Sustainability Impact: Transforms packaging waste into art. Cardboard is biodegradable, but keeping it in use longer reduces the need for new materials and extends its lifecycle.

What began as moving boxes became a stunning geometric wall installation. The layered cardboard creates depth and texture, proving that beautiful design doesn't require expensive materials.

Metal Scrap Sculptures

Hard Low Cost Very High Impact

Materials Required:

• • Metal scraps or old hardware
• • Welding equipment or strong adhesive
• • Protective gear
• • Paint or rust treatment (optional)

Sustainability Impact: Prevents metal from entering landfills where it can take centuries to break down. Metal recycling is energy-intensive, so repurposing directly is even more sustainable.

These industrial elements were salvaged from a renovation project. The patina and rust tell a story of time and use, creating an authentic industrial aesthetic that connects the space to its history.

Pallet Furniture Collection

Medium Low Cost Very High Impact

Materials Required:

• • Wooden pallets
• • Sandpaper and wood finish
• • Screws and brackets
• • Cushions or padding (for seating)

Sustainability Impact: Pallets are often discarded after single use. Transforming them into furniture prevents waste and creates durable, functional pieces that can last for years.

This bed frame started as shipping pallets from a local warehouse. With some sanding and a natural finish, they became a rustic centerpiece that brings warmth and character to the bedroom.