Stop Throwing These Items Away—Turn Them Into Stunning Home Decor

Your trash bin may be hiding your next beautiful centerpiece. Before you toss out those empty wine bottles or old wooden crates, take a second look. 

With a few simple tweaks, these everyday items can become gorgeous decor pieces that’ll have your guests asking where you bought them. 

Ultimately, you’ll save money while creating unique pieces that no one else has.

1. From Old Wine Bottles to Treasured Vases

Those empty wine bottles cluttering your recycling bin can become stunning vases and candleholders. 

Start by removing the labels: soak them in warm water and dish soap for 30 minutes, then peel off the paper. 

You can leave them clear for a modern look or paint them in any color that matches your decor. White, black, or metallic colors work great for most spaces.

Ways to Transform Wine Bottles:

• Spray-paint them in a solid color and add twine or rope around the neck for a rustic touch
• Use glass paint to create a frosted effect
• Fill them with string lights for a warm ambient glow
• Group different-sized bottles together as a table centerpiece

2. Wooden Crates and Pallets to Storage

Free wooden pallets from hardware stores or grocery shops can become beautiful shelving units. 

Sand them down thoroughly to remove splinters and rough spots. You can stain them in dark wood tones for a classic look or paint them white for a coastal vibe. 

Stack them horizontally or vertically to create unique storage spaces for books, plants, or decorative items.

Ideas For Wooden Crates:

• Mount them on walls as floating shelves
• Stack them to make a rustic bookshelf
• Create a coffee table by adding wheels to the bottom
• Use them as planters for your garden

3. Mason Jars to Food Storage

Mason jars are perfect for creating beautiful lighting and storage solutions. Clean them thoroughly and remove any sticky residue with rubbing alcohol. 

They make perfect containers for bathroom items, craft supplies, or kitchen ingredients. For lighting, drill a hole in the lid and thread string lights or a single bulb through it.

Ways to Use Mason Jars:

• Paint them with chalk paint for a vintage look
• Create hanging pendant lights for your kitchen
• Make candle holders with tea lights
• Use them as flower vases for small bouquets

4. Old Picture Frames to Art

Don’t throw out those outdated picture frames. Remove the glass and backing, sand down any rough spots, and paint them in colors that complement your space. 

Large frames can become serving trays by adding handles and a base, while smaller ones work great as unique wall art when grouped together.

Creative Frame Ideas:

• Paint them all one color and create a gallery wall
• Add chicken wire to make a jewelry organizer
• Turn them into serving trays with decorative paper
• Create a message board with cork or fabric backing

5. Tin Cans to budget-Friendly Decor

Those soup cans in your recycling bin can become charming planters or pencil holders. 

Clean them thoroughly and remove any sharp edges. Paint them with rust-resistant spray paint or wrap them in rope, fabric, or decorative paper. 

They’re perfect for organizing office supplies or creating an herb garden in your kitchen.

Transform Tin Cans Into:

• Desk organizers for pens and scissors
• Wall-mounted planters for small plants
• Luminaries for outdoor lighting
• Kitchen utensil holders

6. Glass Jars to Storage Solutions

From pasta sauce to pickles, glass jars come in all shapes and sizes. Remove labels and adhesives completely, then use them for stylish storage or decorative pieces. 

They’re perfect for bathroom organization, craft supplies, or as unique vases.

Glass Jar Transformation Ideas:

• Paint them with glass paint for colored storage
• Create bathroom organizers for cotton balls and swabs
• Make snow globes with waterproof trinkets
• Design terrarium gardens for small plants

7. Cardboard Boxes to Organizers

Strong cardboard boxes can become functional storage pieces. Cover them with fabric or decorative paper, add some trim or rope details, and no one will guess they started as shipping boxes. 

They’re perfect for organizing closets, storing seasonal items, or even as toy boxes.

Turn Boxes Into:

• Decorative storage bins with lids
• Magazine holders for your office
• Kids’ toy organizers
• Seasonal decor storage

8. Old Books to Literary Art Pieces

Those worn-out books you’ll never read again can become beautiful decor pieces. 

Remove the covers and use the pages for various projects, or keep them whole and paint them for a vintage look. Stack them with spines facing out for a classic vibe, or pages out for a neutral color scheme.

Book Transformation Ideas:

• Create book page wreaths
• Make sculptural pieces by folding pages
• Use them as unique bookends
• Stack them to create side table bases

9. Window Shutters to Rustic Wall Art

Old shutters can become statement pieces in any room. Sand them down, paint or stain them, and mount them on walls as unique decor. 

They work well in farmhouses or coastal-style homes and can serve both decorative and functional purposes.

Ways to Use Old Shutters:

• Create a headboard for your bed
• Make a mail organizer
• Design a photo display board
• Use as wall art in a dining room

10. Fabric Scraps to Cozy Home Accents

Old clothes, curtains, or bedding can become beautiful home accents. Sort them by color and texture to create coordinated pieces. 

Cotton and linen work best for most projects, while heavier fabrics like denim can add interesting texture to your space.

Transform Fabric Scraps Into:

• Patchwork throw pillow covers
• Wall hangings with embroidery hoops
• Basket liners for storage
• Braided rugs for high-traffic areas

11. Cork Collection to Textural Elements

Save those wine corks instead of tossing them. They add wonderful texture to decor projects and are easy to work with. 

You’ll need quite a few for larger projects, so ask friends to save theirs too. They’re perfect for creating unique wall art or practical items.

Cork Project Ideas:

• Bulletin boards for home offices
• Coasters for dining tables
• Bath mats for a spa-like feel
• Wall art with personalized patterns

12. Empty Spice Jars

Small spice jars are perfect for creating organized spaces. Plus, their small size works great for tiny spaces. Clean them thoroughly and remove labels. 

Ideas For Spice Jars:

• Matching bathroom organizers
• Craft supply storage
• Tea light holders for parties

From Trash to Treasure

From these suggestions, you can start small with one or two items you already have. Keep basic supplies like paint, glue, and sandpaper handy for when inspiration strikes.

Keep in mind that not every project needs to be perfect. Sometimes the slight imperfections make these pieces more charming. Soon you’ll start seeing the potential in items others throw away.