We’ve all heard of DIY projects that repurpose old items laying around the house. Well, the reality is you can repurpose ANYTHING — including broken items. None of us likes breaking something. Whether the item was brand new and didn’t deserve it or very old and had it coming — it’s something you initially think you now have to throw out. Not necessarily. A man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Or in this situation: a man’s trash can become that man’s treasure.
Just below we’ve compiled various projects that can help you transform the broken household items you have laying around into something of use.
#1. Turn a broken piano into a hidden workbench.
#2. Turn broken pots into plant markers.
#3. Create a fish tank out of an old computer monitor.
Even if the monitor’s still working, you know nobody’s going to use it.
#4. Make wind chimes out of broken dishes and silverware.
#5. Turn an old dresser into a bench.
#6. Make a glove out of an old or ripped up stuffed animal.
#7. Turn chipped teacups into cute curtain tiebacks.
#8. Or make lighting out of them.
#9. Turn broken rackets into mirrors.
#10. Create a swing out of a broken chair.
#11. Get rid of the broken glass and turn your picture frame into an earring holder display.
#12. Turn old and/or torn books into shelves.
#13. Turn a broken door into a coat rack.
#14. Or use it to create a crafting table.
#15. Get rid of the strings and turn a broken guitar into a unique shelf.
#16. Turn parts of a broken desk into a nightstand.
#17. Create a multi-serving tray out of a broken chandelier.
#18. Melt your old crayons to make new ones.
#19. Turn a broken umbrella into one of those ginormous kid parachute things.
#20. Rip a piece out of your already ripped up jeans and turn them into napkins.
#21. Turn a broken ladder into bookshelves.
#22. Or use them as foundations to a birdhouse.
#23. Create two desks out of a broken table.
#24. Turn a broken screen door into a pot rack for your kitchen.
#25. Turn a worn-out mattress spring into a pinboard and/or desk organizer.
#26. Combine broken mini blinds together to create a picture frame.
#27. Turn broken jewelry into magnets.
#28. Turn a broken rake into a wineglass holder.
#29. Create a sofa out of a broken bathtub.
Use a cork bulletin board to pin your jewelry.
Transform old cassette cases into imaginative gift card boxes.
Have old CD spindle cases? Turn them into bagel containers!
Need more upcycling ideas for CD spindles? Use them to store wires and cables!
Don’t stain your shirts anymore by using muffin liners to prevent drips from popsicles.
Use empty ketchup bottles for pouring pancake batter.
Use LEGO bricks to securely hold and organize your keys.
Use Mason jars to store your salad for work. Put your dressing first in the bottom of the jar and your ingredients will stay crisp until ready to eat.
Recycle used tissue boxes to hold plastic bags instead.
Instead of throwing out a broken refrigerator, use it to store your games and as a TV stand.
Reuse old utensils as wall hooks.
Store food or other items from your pantry in an old door shoe rack.
Instead of throwing out expired credit cards, turn them into guitar picks.
Bend old wrenches into wall hooks.
Transform old bottles or cups into unique lighting fixtures.
Have holes in your fence? Use marbles to plug them up.
Recycle paper tubes and use them to organize your wires and cables.
Transform a wine box into a decorative shoe box.