The Best Repurposed and Upcycled Ideas for your Home

Written byMichelle Dickson Updated

Explore a variety of creative thrift flip and upcycled ideas, from DIY furniture projects to clever makeovers of everyday items to decorate your home.

Some of our favorite pastimes include thrifting, yard sales and flea markets, there’s definitely a thrill in the hunt for that one of a kind treasure, to take someone’s trash and turn it into a treasure is exhilarating!

Whether you’re looking for thrift store items to upcycle for your own home, or to flip and sell, clearly transforming a discarded piece is so rewarding!

Thrift stores are magical places where you can go back in time and reminisce.

And if your hunt is successful, your goodwill finds will be something you can definitely brag about.

So today, we’ll be doing a little bragging…

We are excited to share some of our favorite repurposed and upcycled ideas with you today.

Please share your favorite finds from flea markets, thrift stores, yard sales too!

We’d love to hear about it!

In this post . . .

Repurposed Furniture

Certainly one of the easiest ways to update a thrift store find and flip it into something extraordinary is with paint.

Not only will paint give you a lot of bang for you buck, but it can totally update just about anything.

Flea market flip ideas, old lateral filing cabinet is upcycled into a red tool chest dresser on casters with a diamond plate top. Wall is decorated with vintage car parts, a black and white checkered bunting and a wagon shelf.

With a little imagination a lateral filing cabinet is re-imagined as a Tool Chest Dresser.

I think it’s the perfect dresser idea for a car themed bedroom.

Clearly, upcycling is so rewarding!

Thrifted Lamp with a Faux Antique Brass Finish

Here’s another simple ideas with paint.

A thrifted lamp is given a make over with spray paint to give it an aged brass finish. Styled on a vintage dresser with scented pinecones, cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices on a vintage pedestal bowl.

If you don’t love the finish of a thrifted lamp of decor, it can easily be transformed with layering spray paint.

Click here for all the details on how to achieve this faux antique brass finish.

Upcycled Utensil Caddy

Thrifted wood vase is upcycled into a kitchen tool caddy. Imperfections were sanded out and fun navy blue stripe was painted on the wood vase.

Transforming a thrifted wood vase into a stylish kitchen utensil caddy is a creative and practical upcycling project.

This simple idea not only breathes new life into a forgotten piece, but also enhances the functionality of your kitchen space.

A light sanding removed scratches in the surface and then we painted a fun navy blue stripe.

Repurpose Vintage Lace into Fall Decor

Vintage lace is repurposed on a plastic trick or treat bucket into pretty fall home decor. Styled with eucalyptus pods and a DIY textured vase with fall stems.

Transform a plastic pumpkin bucket into elegant pumpkin decor with vintage lace for a budget-friendly fall craft that lasts from early fall through Thanksgiving.

Upcycled Built-in Storage

White build in drawer and book shelves with crown molding, navy blue accent wall, blue and pink floral roman shade at window

Next up, Facebook Market Place bookcase and dresser are used to create an amazing built in desk with tons of storage.

If the thought of building actual built-ins seems intimidating, then try this built-in idea with second hand furniture.

Decoupage a Vase with Napkins

An old concrete vase is given new life with decoupaging blue and white floral napkins. Styled on a mantle with a blue striped vase, grasses and a macrame orb.

This easy, no-cost update how an old Tuscan-style vase was transformed into a blue and white Chinoiserie-inspired piece using just two napkins.

Perfect for blue and white lovers, this decoupage project proves thrifted decor can get a high-end, coastal update.

Painted Pottery

Dated thrift store vases updated with navy blue spray paint and layered white, grey and brown paint.

Dated thrift store pottery is easily updated with paint and now looks amazing as a collection on Steph’s coffee table.

See this video transformation here.

Upcycled Ideas with Paint and Gold Leaf

I believe this yard sale dresser has good bones and just needed a little refresh.

Looking beyond its current condition and seeing its potential is all it takes.

Flea market flip ideas, vintage upright dresser is transformed ith white paint and gold leaf.

For a quick flea market flip, paint furniture the easy way with a Wagner sprayer.

Flea market flip ideas, vintage vanity and mirror are transformed with white paint and gold leaf. The vanity top was left the natural wood color.

The old worn faux finish on this vanity really needed an update.

And now isn’t she gorgeous!

Once again Refinished easily with the Wagner paint sprayer and sold for a nice profit.

Revamp a Pitcher with a Stencil & Paint

Old pitcher is given new life with white paint and a stenciled blue motif, styled with babies breath and candles.

Steph thrifted this pitcher years ago, she didn’t love the color and was about to donate it.

But I encouraged her to give it a little makeover with a stencil and paint.

And now it’s one of her favorite pieces.

Update a Dresser with Hardware

Flea market flip ideas, vintage upright dresser is updated with navy blue paint and the drawers are left the natural wood finish. Top of the dresser is decoratied with 2 candlesticks and a galvanized tray.

While this dresser was already in excellent condition, a quick refresh with paint and new vintage inspired hardware was all it needed.

Upcycled Vintage Jewelry

Vintage costume jewelery is repurposed on a black and white bunting with lace and doilies.

Next up I took vintage brooches and scraps of lace that belonged to my grandma and made a simple bunting.

While this costume jewelry is not thrifted, it’s easy to find at your local thrift store.

Upcycle Packing Paper into Fall Decor

A Fall garland hung across a black painted china hutch. The garland is made from Amazon packing paper. Also styled with basket of fall leaves

Turn leftover Amazon packing paper into a gorgeous DIY fall leaf garland!

This cheap and easy project makes the perfect fall garland for the mantle or hutch.

Free decor never looked so good!

Paint a Pattern

Navy blue dresser painted with the British flag, decorated with a globe, wooden shoes and travel photos.

Along with a little creativity, and paint this vintage Bombay chest is now a fun conversation piece.

And it makes the perfect statement piece to anchor a Travel Collage Wall.

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Repurpose a Hutch Top

Upcycled Ideas: Thrifted hutch top is repurposed into a curio cabinet wih black and white paint and french inspired legs.

When I spotted this hutch top for $5 at the thrift store, I had to snatch it up.

I didn’t know what I’d use it for, for a while, but with a coat of paint, striped wallpaper and French style legs it’s the perfect little bookcase in the guest bedroom.

Trash to Treasure Vintage Inspired Bells

Peanut butter jars are repurposed into Christmas bells useing paint and rub and buff. Styled hanging from an evergreen wreath with a plaid bow.

These DIY Christmas bells may look like real vintage brass, but they’re made from simple recycled jars — a beautiful, budget-friendly holiday craft anyone can make.

Embellish with Vintage License Plates

Vintage dresser painted with black paint, lightly distressed and 3 licence plates from 3 different states mounted to the front of the dresser. A yellow headlight lamp sits on top of the dresser with an vintage oil can with tools in it and a stack of children's books

Another quick yard sale flip with paint, hardware and vintage license plates.

The perfect piece for this car themed bedroom.

Upcycled Color Block Vase

Thrift store glass vase is spray painted to look like a Pottery Barn vase.

This color block vase is inspired by a $160 Pottery Barn vase.

And this look is super easy and inexpensive to achieve with painters tape and spray paint.

Update with Salt Wash

Flea market flip ideas, thrifted console table is transformed with layers of paint with a salt wash finish, staged with monkey fist ball, lantern, clock and books

Certainly this console table was in great condition, but needed a little personality.

Now check out this aged and worn finish on this furniture flip with SaltWash and paint.

White Washed Pot

Thrift store terracotta pots are updated with a faux lime wash finish, styled on a faux moss table runner, faux chocolate Easter funning and spring flowers.

A set of terracotta pots with pretty embossed details are easily updated with a white wash.

Vintage Spool Windchime

Charming wind chime hung from a maple tree made with an inverted plant stand, vintage spools and door knob.

Add charm to your garden is easy with this DIY wind chime made from thrifted vintage finds.

Upcycle simple vintage spools into a unique and whimsical piece of outdoor garden decor.

Upcycle with Chalk Paint

Flea market flip, coffee table refinished with white chalk paint and wax.

At first this table looked like it should be headed to the trash!

But with a little elbow grease and chalk paint this piece is now transformed into a farmhouse style coffee table!

Upcycle a Stained Tablecloth

Upcycled ideas: a stained white tablecloth is repurposed into two throw pillows with paint.

So what do you do with a stained linen tablecloth?

Why of course, make toss pillows with a painted pattern!

Upcycled Bundt Pan Bird Bath

An old bundt pan and a table base are repurposed into a unique bird bath.

This budget-friendly upcycled bird bath made from thrifted and recycled materials is a charming way to add cottagecore style to your garden.

Paint a Grain Sack Stripe

Flea market flip ideas, oak pub table is transformed with white and black chalk paint with a grain sack pattern, staged with 2 black bar stools, white shiplap wall with aqua blue quadrafoil curtain around window.

No doubt that flipping a thrift store find can be profitable.

This pub table was quickly transformed with paint and sold for a good profit.

Upcycled Pedestal Tray

Upcycled ideas: hurricane vase an lazy Susan are repurposed into a pedestal serving tray.

If you love to entertain like I do, then you’ll love this upcycled pedestal tray idea.

For the base we used a thrifted metal stand that I believe came from an old hurricane and the top is a lazy susan.

Upcycled Dining Table to a Coffee Table

Flea market flip ideas, vintage dining table is made into a coffee table, with the natural oak table top and the apron and legs are painted with white chalk paint

My grandpa rescued this table from a house that was to be demolished over 80 years ago.

For years it was used as a workbench in the garage.

When I got my hands on it, I shortened the legs to use it as a coffee table and lightened it up with chalk paint.

Upcycled Sofa Table

Upcycled Ideas: a wood bench top and tressel kitchen table legs are repurposed into a long sofa table behind a sectional in this theater room.

Steph needed a super long sofa table for her sectional that would also function as a spot for the kids to eat their snacks.

Would you believe this was created with 2 old benches and the legs from an old table?

Check out the full tutorial here.

Glaze for a Coastal Look

Flea market flip, worn coffee table is transformed with white chalk paint and a gray glaze. Coffee table sits on a sisal rug, grey sofa with navy and white striped pillow, red starfish pillow and yellow and white nautical pillow. Red, white and blue lanterns are styled on top of the coffee table.

Scratched, worn and abused, this coffee table had seen better days.

But once again, paint and a glaze transform this coffee table into a show stopper.

If you’re new here, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.

Let us introduce ourselves, we’re Michelle and Steph, a mom and daughter team who love to DIY and decorate our homes.

Not only are we passionate about making our homes warm, comfortable and unique, but it’s our mission to help you create that same feeling in your own home.

You’ll find ideas for repurposing, creating, decorating and making your home truly yours, while always mindful of a tight budget.

Undoubtedly we love finding ways to make your home look high-end on a small budget.

Plus you’ll also find a recipe or two as we share our family favorites with you.

We’d love it if you’d join our community of doers so you won’t miss any inspiration for your home.

We love new friends.

Salt Wash Vase

Thrift store canister is transformed with paint and salt wash, creating a textured vase. Vase styled with pink tulips and a natural wood bead garland.

Try this quick and easy upcycle idea that looks like aged pottery.

Take thrifted canisters and layer on a textured finish with paint and Salt Wash additive.

What do you think of the results?

Upcycled Garden Planters

Affordable planters from thrift store finds, upcycling an iron magazine rack with a coir liner filled with trailing plants and pansies.

If you love adding charm and personality to your outdoor spaces, these creative planter container ideas are the perfect inspiration.

From thrifted treasures to discarded household finds, discover more than 40 unique ways to add cottage-style charm to your garden and patio.

Upcycle with Stain and Paint

Flea market flip ideas, thrift store desk is updated with a wood finish top and the base and legs with white chalk paint. Vintage aqua glue chair with a black leather seat.

Certainly, the beauty of yard sale and thrift store finds is that you can find good quality pieces that just need a little love.

For instance, take a look at this Thrift Store Desk Makeover.

Not only is it solid wood, which is hard to come by these days, but with a little work it can become a piece that you’ll treasure.

Repurposed Teapot Garden Decor

Upcycling an old teapot and cup and saucer into garden decor in a backyard garden. Styled with a black and white vintage metal chair and floral pillow.

Add a touch of cottagecore charm to your yard with this quick and easy garden teapot yard art using thrifted finds.

Upcycled Coffee Table

An old wood kitchen table is upcycled into a large round coffee table in this family room. Large tan sectional with a navy blue and white striped rug.

Steph needed a large round coffee table for her family room, but they all were so expensive.

So she found an old wood dining table with the dimensions she needed and repurposed it into the perfect coffee table.

Upcycled Garden Fountain

A styrofoam cooler is upcycled into a faux limestone garden fountain, stuled in a garden with ferns under the maple tree.

Inspired by the peaceful sound of a nearby stream, Michelle wanted to recreate that same calming feeling in her backyard.

With a little creativity, we upcycled a styrofoam cooler into a stunning DIY outdoor garden fountain that looks high-end.

Update with Spray Paint

Flea market flip ideas, trundle bed is made over with paint, drawers are painted kelly green, white and navy blue, grey walls, ceiling painted white with wide kelly green stripes. Navy blue curtains with white polka dot border hang on either side of the window.

Of course scouring the online classifieds is another great way to find furniture.

For instance Steph found this locker bed for $40.

And the bed was in great shape too!

In fact, it only took a little spray paint to customize the bed for Gavin’s industrialbedroom.

Repurposed Chair Planter

A charming garden planter is created from a vintage farmhouse chair and styled in a garden with purple flowers.

Make a chair planter with this easy, budget-friendly DIY!

Repurpose an old yard sale chair into a charming garden accent.

Updated China Cabinet

Dated distressed china cabineted is updated with black chalk paint. Styled with white dishes.

Give new life to an old china cabinet with black chalk paint.

And don’t forget the hardware, it was also refreshed with Rub n’ Buff.

This quick and easy project was completed in only one day.

Repurposed Birdhouses

Two women hold their upcycled thrifted birdhouses. One is made from a red canister and the second one is made from a wine chiller, painted navy blue with white stripes.

Unexpected thrift store finds become charming, one-of-a-kind birdhouses for the garden.

Refurbish with Wallpaper

Flea market flip ideas, vintage dining hutch it repurposed into a bookcase with white chalk paint and gray and white wallpaper

Another online classified find, this old dining hutch was transformed with milk paint and wallpaper.

Painted Lamp Base

Dated thrift store lamp is updated with layers of matte paint, creating a vintage, Pottery Barn look.

As you know we are drawn to many Pottery Barn pieces, but just can’t swallow the price.

This lamp makeover was inspired by the Faris ceramic lamp.

A little paint and air dry clay is all that’s needed to recreate this painted lamp base.

Restore Rusty Furniture

Can you see the beauty in this rusty old piece?

Flea market flip ideas, vintage metal chair is transformed with white and black paint, tassel pillow on chair on back patio.

Would you believe this chair was one covered in rust?

Personally, I think this chair is now a show stopper!

Yes, rusty old furniture can be refinished with paint.

Upcycled Garden Path Solar Lights

Repurpose glass lamp shades into garden pathway solar lights with chandelier crystals, hung from a black shepherds hook.

Easily turn thrift store glass shades into inexpensive solar lights.

A charming, cottage-style accent lighting for your garden path or outdoor space.

Update a Desk with Cane

Free road side solid wood desk gets a makeover with ebony stain, cane webbing and oak screen moulding. Styled in an office with dark blue walls with picture frame moulding.

Ok, this desk is one of my favorites!

It was a free road side find and my husband only saw it as junk.

He didn’t want me bringing it home and thought it couldn’t be saved.

But I knew it was a solid wood desk, and I believe everything can be made useful once again.

It may be my favorite, just because I had to prove him wrong.

The oak trim and cane, along with the ebony stain really make this desk a show stopper now!

Upcyle with Spray Paint and Wax

Dated brass lamps are updated with black spray paint and white wax in thie family room with navy blue built-ins.

Take a pair of dated brass lamps and give them a simple update with black spray paint and white wax.

This easy project can be completed in no time.

Dated to Modern Floating Nightstand

Old traditional nightstand is repurposed into a floating nightstand with paint and screen moulding.

A floating nightstand was necessary for this locker style bed with drawers.

And with a tight $500 budget to makeover this bedroom for Aiden, that mean we’d need to upcycle or repurpose a piece.

I think it’s perfect for his bedroom and looks amazing!

Upcycle with Fabric

Flea market flip ideas, worn bar stools get a makeover with black and white fabric with a jute cording and the wood gets and update with white wax.

These fabric bar stools were once dirty and worn, but the actual frames were in great condition.

Now the bar stools look up to date and are so chic with new fabric, chalk paint and a little wax.

Flea market flip ideas, vintage french style chaire is updated with a natural wood finish and pink faux fur fabric

Certainly this chair has such beautiful lines, but definitely needs some loving!

You can see here how we reupholstered a chair with a French country, Boho flair.

Are you loving these upcycled Ideas?

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Upcycled Coastal Tray

Thrifted wood tray is updated with cane and wood bead feet for a coastal look.

This beautiful tray is a quick and easy project that can be made in under 30 minutes.

And another amazing thrift store find, with leftover cane and wood beads, it now looks like a chic tray you may find and Serena and Lily.

Repair a Wobbly Chair

Flea market flip ideas, Vintage yardsale chair with it's original wood finish is updated with a faux fur cheetah fabric seat

Another great yard sale find, two vintage chairs for only $5!

However, they were a little wobbly.

Not only did these chairs get an update with fabric, but we also repaired it, so now it’s good and sturdy.

Upcycled Bed Frame

A dated old wood bed found on the classifieds is modernized and giving a faux rifted oak finish.

Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem while thrifting or on Facebook Marketplace?

That’s exactly what happened when we snagged a $50 solid wood bed frame from the Marketplace.

With determination and a vision in mind, we transformed this rustic bed frame into a modern masterpiece that’s perfect for Gavin’s room.

Updated Dresser with Cane

A vintage dresser is restored with black paint, cane and screen moulding.

Keeping with the modern vibe for Gavin’s room, this handcrafted dresser build by my grandpa has seen many makeovers with paint.

But we had another vision with the family heirloom and I think grandpa would be pleased with our dresser makeover with cane.

Modernize with Faux Fur

Flea market flip ideas, vintage ottoman makeover with a faux fur cheetah fabric with jute cording on a black and white tile floor.

Certainly the bones of this ottoman were in perfect condition, however the fabric really dated it.

But, with a fun faux fur fabric choice it’s now so chic!

Clock Update

Pretty French inspired clock upcycled with black paint and gold Rub n Buff, styled on a black cabinet with floral art and a floral bouquet.

I immediately fell in love with the lines of this pretty clock, but the finish was dirty and chipped.

This quick and easy makeover only requires black paint and Rub n’ Buff.

Upcycled Twin Beds

A pair of vintage French provincial twin beds are upcycled into a daybed.

While these beds originally were not upholstered, but we had another vision for them.

Flea market flip ideas, 2 French provential twin beds are upcycled into a French style daybed with blue and white ticking upholstery and the wood is a natural wood finish. Navy blue and white striped bedding, floral and blush fur pillows. White and gold polka dot form a canopy over the bed, navy blue accent wall, watercolor art on walls.

I mean just take a look at the transformation!

Don’t you think this French style daybed looks amazing?!

Upcycled Thrifted Bowls

Two thrifted wood bowls are used to create a black pedestal bowl, styled with a plant and apothecary jar filled with spheres.

While thrifting we recently spotted a set of seven wooden bowls.

It’s super easy and requires no special tools!

In fact, you can craft a footed bowl in less than an hour with a couple of wooden bowls, wood glue and paint, if desired.

Upholstered Headboard

Flea market flip ideas, yard sale 4 poster colonial style bed it refinished with an ebony finish and an upholstered headboard

This 4 poster bed frame was given a simple makeover with fabric.

And now this upholstered bed looks amazing!

Upcycled Table with Bleach and Paint

Flea market flip ideas, road side table gets a makeover with white chalk paint and a natural wood finish on the top. Light blue upholstered chairs with white farmhouse stile metal chairs. Table is set with straw placemats, navy and white dished and napkins. White floral centerpiece

Would you believe this table was a free road side find?

It had definitely seen better days, but we could see the potential.

This solid wood dining table looks absolutely gorgeous now!

With white farmhouse legs and apron and the beautiful natural finished top, clearly it’s a piece worth saving!

Upcycled Wood Bed with Vinegar and Steel Wool

Flea Market flip ideas, old pine bed is refinished with vinegar, steel wood and wax to get a beautiful Restoration Hardware look. White beddins with navy blue trim, white nightstands with gold geometric lamps with a white and navy border lampshade, navy blue board and batten wall

This bedroom set had been in the basement for years, just needing an updated finish.

And this furniture flip has been a favorite of our readers!

Steph had been eyeing a bed at Restoration Hardware, but with a price tag of nearly $3000, it clearly wasn’t in her budget.

While there are stains you can purchase to create this weathered finish, often they look fake.

Check out our method to Weather Wood with a Vinegar and Steel Wool Stain.

Repurposed Corbels

Upcycled Ideas: vintage corbels are restored and used on a new fireplace mantle and surround.

Do you find you’re drawn to old, chippy, vintage items?

Maybe you love the worn character and are drawn to the history of the piece?

For Steph and I, this is always the case!

When Steph first laid eyes on these old, broken corbels she knew they were coming home with her!

She didn’t have a specific need for them, or even have an idea of where she’d use them.

While in rough shape, she restored the corbels and repurposed them on her fireplace mantle.

Dresser Makeover with Bleach

Flea market flip ideas, French provential style dresser refinished with a natural wood finish. Modern round gold mirror above dresser with 2 wood candlesticks and a small floral arrangement in a gold tray.

Take a look at this yard sale find with beautiful French Provincial lines.

It had been painted, however it was done poorly.

So we knew we’d be stripping off the finish.

Once the paint was removed, we saw the beauty of the natural wood finish of this stunning dresser.

Thrifted Chandelier Makeover

Flea market flip ideas, vintage brass chandelier it transformed with paint and natural wood beads into a French country - Boho chandelier

Certainly dated shiny brass light fixtures can easily be found at any thrift store.

With a little creative painting and natural wood beads, it has a French country, Boho vibe.

Updated Thrifted Ottomans

Thrift store ottomans get a makeover with fabric and new wood legs.

New fabric and feet revived two dated thrift store ottomans.

We definitely wanted to keep this project quick and easy, so you’ll find that you won’t need expert sewing skills to complete these ottomans.

Chandelier Makeover with Vintage Crystals

Thrift store chandelier gets a makeover with champagne gold paint and vintage crytals. The chandelier hangs in the laundry room, blue and pink floral wallpaper, rustic wood open shelving.

Try updating a modern thrift store light fixture with vintage crystals.

Now this chandelier is so stylish and certainly unexpected in a laundry room!

Upcycled Accent Table

Upcycle Ideas: An accent table is made from an old thrifted floor lamp and tray.

This simple accent table is a chic addition to any room, costs practically nothing to make and is a fun little DIY project.

Can you guess what we used to create this table?!

Would you believe a floor lamp and wooden tray?!

I believe it’s the perfect side table in my modern cottage master bathroom.

Wire Spool and Utensil Caddy Light Fixture

Thrift store cutlery baskets are used to make this industrial style light fixture hanging from an old wood spool end. Ceiling painted kelly green and white stripes, gray walls.

Searching for a more industrial looking light fixture for Gavin’s room, thrifted Ikea utensil caddies are used to create this unique light fixture.

Clearly, it’s the perfect light fixture for this industrial teen bedroom.

Upcycled Chandelier with Rope

Off white wood orb chandelier with jute wrapped around the arms of the chandeliers.

Certainly, this Facebook Market Place orb chandelier was great as is.

However with a little jute, it now has the casual coastal style that fits perfectly in Steph’s coastal bedroom.

Repurposed Globe Light

Flea market flip ideas, thrift store lamp and globe and upcycled into a fun table lamp, setting on a vintage sewing table with stacked books and a birdhouse

Personally I think this lamp is such a fun conversation piece! 

While visiting my favorite thrift store I spotted the lamp and globe.

Now this lamp shade was super easy to make.

First the globe was cut in half with a saw, then a leather strip was adhered to the cut edge. 

Finally I placed the globe on the lamp base.

Super easy!

Embellish a Lampshade with Rhinestones

Flea market flip ideas, vintage metal floor lampshade is updated with rhinestone buttons

While this Vintage Lamp Makeover was not a flea market find, however it was my grandmother’s lamp, a wedding gift from her in-laws.

Certainly the lampshade needed a little refresh.

I love the transformation of this family heirloom.

Upcycled Picture Frames

Flea market flip ideas, thrift store frames are updated with paint and salt wash. vintage keys and and old oar are also hung on the gallery wall.

Frames of course are always a great find at your local thrift store.

Not only are they easy to transform with paint, but they are so economical to update.

Almost every frame on this gallery wall is thrifted and a few are given that aged worn look with SaltWash.

Repurposed Wagon

Flea market flip ideas, old wagon is upcycled into a wall shelf. toy card and books on the shelves.

Have you got an old red wagon lying around?

Then upcyle it into a fun wagon shelf, the perfect accessory for Aiden’s car themed bedroom.

Scrap wood and Croquet Mallet Blanket Ladder

Flea market flip ideas, old wood and croquet mallets are upcycled into a blanket ladder. At the base of the ladder is a bucket with yellow flowers.

So what do you do with some old croquet mallets and scrap wood?

Of course, you make a blanket ladder.

While only the handles were used for this project, we’re saving the mallets for another project.

Book Page Decor

Flea market flip ideas, vintage child book pages are matted and framed for art in the playroom.

Mat and frame pages from a beginner reading book for cute art in the toy room.

Repurposed Dresser Mirror

Flea market flip ideas, vintage mirror replaces the plate glass mirror in the bathroom update

You just can’t go wrong with a beautiful vintage mirror.

In fact, I love the pitted and imperfect finish of this mirror.

Removing the large plate glass mirror and adding a vintage mirror adds so much character to this Bathroom Remodel on a Budget.

Upcycled Thrift Store Vase

Thrift store glass vase is repurposed into a texture pot. Pot is setting on a black and white stripped marble tray with natural wood bead garland.

Glass vases are also easy to find at your favorite thrift store or flea market.

Plaster of Paris and paint give this old glass vase a whole new look!

It’s certainly cheap and easy DIY home decor.

Flea market flip ideas, thrift store vase are transformed with drywall mud

An old ceramic vase certainly gets a new look with drywall mud.

That worn aged textured pottery is a look that we both love and it’s so easy to do.

Repurposed Train Case

Flea market flip ideas, vintage train case is upcycled into a container for a sunflower floral arrangement

Vintage suitcases and train cases are a little more difficult to come by.

In fact, this one was purchased at a local antique store.

But isn’t it pretty as a container for a sunflower floral arrangement for fall?!

Repurposed Vintage Crate

Flea market flip ideas, vintage wood corn beef box is upcycled into a planter box

And a vintage canned goods box makes a great planter for summer flowers.

Upcycled Cutting Board

Flea market flip ideas, thrift store cutting board is upcycled into a footed tray with candle cups and split wood beads and white wax. Decorated with 2 grey candlesticks, potted fern, bead garland and 2 cement birds.

With a little creativity, just about any thrift store find can be transformed into beautiful home decor.

This footed tray was created from an old cutting board, candle cups and half wooden balls for fresh summer decor.

Repurposed Candlestick and Plates

Flea Market Flip ideas, 2 blue thrift plates and a painted candle stick are upcycled into a tiered tray

Tiered trays are all the rage right now, but to buy one can cost you a pretty penny.

Would you believe we were able to make this beautiful Tiered Tray for Only $5!

A wooden candlestick, and 2 thrift store plates, glue and paint is all it takes.

Upcycled Jeans to Fall Decor

Flea market flip ideas, thrift store pumpkin treat buckets are upcycled with old denim jeans into fall pumpkin decor

So, what do you do with an old trick or treat bucket and jeans?

Why of course you turn it unto fun fall pumpkin decor!

Certainly this is one of our favorite projects!

What do you think?!

Repurposed Window

Flea market flip ideas, vintage window with a white chippy finish is repurposed into patriotic holiday decor by painting the outline of the United States with red and white striped and blue and white stars, with lettering that spells out "land that I love"

Decorating with old windows certainly is popular.

Of course there are so many ways to use them.

A painted flag in the shape of the United States is the perfect patriotic decor. 

Upcycled Sofa Table to Bed Crown

Old sofa table is upcycled into a bed canopy for this girls bedroom makeover. French style daybed with navy blue and white striped bedding, floral bolster pillows and blush faux fur pillows, naby blue accent wall with art over the bed.

Would you have guessed that this bed crown was once old sofa table?!

It makes the perfect bed crown and canopy for a special princess.

Although Ellie will tell you that she feels like she’s camping in a tent now.

It’s all good! She still feels special!

Repurposed Dining Table

Flea market flip ideas, dining table top is upcycled into a fold table over the white washer and dryer. White shaker cabinets mounted on the wall with off white marble backsplash.

Giving new life to old wood dining table is nothing new, but maybe not so common in the laundry room.

However, an old wood table top makes the perfect laundry room fold table.

Upcycle a Vintage Door into a Barn Door

Next a $5 vintage door gets new life in the bathroom.

Flea market flip ideas, old vintage door is repurposed into a navy blue barn door in this Jack and Jill bathroom. White hexagon tile floor, natural wood vanity, navy blue shiplap wall.

With a little Bondo, paint and hardware this $5 vintage door becomes the perfect barn door in this Jack and Jill bathroom.

Not only is it affordable, but also so trendy!

Repurposed Postal Sorter

Flea market flip ideas, vintage orange postal sorter is upcycled into a desk with storage, computer moniter on desk top, postal cubbies are filled with crafting supplies, white metal farmhouse chair, white shiplap walls.

Take a look at this vintage postal  sorter that we picked up for $40.

It only required a little cleaning and attaching a piece of wood to make a simple desk.

Upcycled Industrial Bread Pan

Flea market flip ideas, vintage industrial bread pan is mounted to a light blue wall. It stores crafting ink pads and ribbon.

Have you ever thought of an old commercial bread pan as decor or storage?

I believe it does both in my craft room.

It not only keeps my ink pads organized, but it also looks great on my wall.

Repurposed Vintage Chair

Flea market flip ideas, yard sale old chippy chair is used in the yard as a plant stand with a large Boston fern, potted pink geranium and a white orb.

Certainly a chippy old wooden chair is the perfect addition on my back porch.

It makes a beautiful place to display plants.

No makeover necessary here, just enjoy the old worn finish as is.

Upcycled Christmas Ornaments

Vintage door handle plates and brooches are upcycled into pretty Christmas ornaments.

I wanted to incorporate my grandma’s vintage costume jewelry into my Christmas tree, but knew alone they’d get lost in the tree.

Then the inspiration hit me, use my vintage door plates along with the vintage jewelry

I think these vintage door plated ornaments look so pretty on my tree.

Check out the full tutorial here.

Final Thoughts

Repurposing and upcycling are some of the easiest ways to create a home that feels personal, welcoming, and full of character without spending a fortune.

Whether you’re transforming an old piece of furniture, giving vintage treasures a new purpose.

Or creating one-of-a-kind garden décor, every project is an opportunity to add charm while keeping perfectly good items out of the landfill.

We hope these 85+ repurposed and upcycled ideas have sparked your creativity and inspired you to look at everyday items in a whole new way.

The next time you’re at a thrift store, garage sale, or simply cleaning out your home, remember that a little imagination can turn yesterday’s castoffs into tomorrow’s favorite décor.

Did you find a little inspiration for your home today?

What’s your favorite upcycled ideas you’d like to add to your home?

Please share your ideas with us! We love hearing from you!

Please pin it and save it for later and share it with a friend.

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Say hi in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.

You can also learn more about us here.

Pinterest image of 8 repurposed and upcycled ideas for your home. Ideas include: garden fountain, recycled jeans fall decor, train case sunflower arrangements, restored vintage chair, lateral file cabinet repurposed into a tool chest dresser, bundt pan bird bath, thrifted bowls into a footed bowl and a repurposed dining table.

Thanks for stopping by Sunnyside Home. Empowering you to create a home you love!

Be sure to follow us on Pinterest for even more home decor and DIY ideas.

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You will also find our video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

I have always had a passion for transforming spaces and creating organized, functional homes. Even as a child, I loved rearranging furniture and decorating my childhood home. In fact my dad would comment he was afraid to come home from work and sit, for fear the furniture would be rearranged. I enjoy the challenge of turning ordinary items into extraordinary pieces, whether it’s a piece of furniture or an entire room. My creativity and attention to detail drive me to find unique ways to breathe new life into any space.

As a wife (to a supportive and patient husband, Steve), mother of three, and grandmother of five, I balance my love for home improvement with family life. I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, and exploring nature. I also frequent yard sales, thrift stores, and vintage markets, always on the lookout for my next project.

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4 Comments

  1. Just signed up for your emails and I am following you on Pinterest. Don’t you think that Flea Market savvy is almost the same as the “new” trend of Vintage Maximalism?
    That is basically my decor look. Lots of stuff, that I adore and oooh the hunt for those treasures too! Best of all, my hubby loves to hunt too.

    Reply
    1. Michelle Dickson says:

      Thanks for following along Suzan. We love thrifting, flea and vintage markets and yard sales. In a couple of weeks we are heading to our favorite Vintage market and we can’t wait to share what we find. Truly someone’s junk is another man’s treasure! You’re so lucky your hubby enjoys is with you. I really hate to bring my hubby with me he moans and groans about me bringing home another treasure. Enjoy the hunt!!

      Reply
    1. Michelle Dickson says:

      Thank you Harper, we are so happy you enjoy these ideas.

      Reply

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