11 Household Items You Didn't Know You Could Repurpose

Chipped Dishes

Cracked or chipped dishware isn’t ideal for the dinner table, but it can still serve a pretty purpose. For example, “You can turn old chipped plates into really pretty garden stepping stones,” suggests Christine Burrows, DIY guru and founder of Christine's Crafts.

"Place your plates into a bag and hit them with a hammer to make them into small pieces for a mosaic," she instructs. "Design the stepping stone you want, making sure it is the same size as your mold. I used a foil pie case for mine.” 

Mix up some concrete and pour it into your chosen mold. Then, gently press your pieces into the concrete and leave them to dry. You can also use this approach to create a mosaic tabletop or display your favorites on a plate gallery wall.

Wallpaper Remnants

You’ve hung your wallpaper and it’s something to marvel at—but what do you do with all those scraps you needed to cut away? “Leftover wallpaper is a treasure,” according to interior designer Rachel Blindauer. “For instance, I line the inside of drawers or bookshelves for a subtle dash of personality.”

You can also use it for wrapping gifts, creating coasters, giving furniture a fresh or customized look, or framing it as art.

Used Candles

A spent candle has already brought your hours of soothing fragrance, but no need to discard its vessel so quickly. These glass jars can easily be repurposed into containers for toiletries (like cotton balls, makeup wipes, and cotton swaps), as well as a place to store trinkets, makeup brushes, and more.

Simply bring water to a boil and pour it into the used candle. The leftover wax will melt and float to the top, forming an easy-to-remove disk of wax and leaving the vessel clean.

Old Doors

Whether you’re installing new doors during a home renovation or need to replace yours for insulation or aesthetic reasons, the old door has to go somewhere. “If you have a high-quality wooden door that can’t really be used for its purpose anymore, you can keep it and transform it,” says Rick Berres, contractor and owner of Honey-Doers. ”Clean it, sand it, paint it, and secure it against the wall horizontally. It makes for a great headboard."

Alternatively, you can use it on top of a coffee table base or install it as sliding farmhouse door in another area of the home (like a pantry or entryway).

Well-Loved Bed Sheets

Bed sheets last for a good long while. However, there will come a day when it’s time to replace them with new linens. If you’re feeling reluctant about tossing sheets in the bin, consider new ways to utilize them. For example, you can transform them into reusable grocery bags (way more eco-friendly than plastic), use them to protect plants during an unexpected freeze, or bring them to the beach to use as blankets.

Boutique Bags

If you have a thick stack of boutique shopping bags taking up space in the back of a cabinet or closet, consider how you can reuse them before recycling. Interior designer Melissa Schneider saves just her favorites for special occasions. "I reuse them as gift bags," she shares.

"Sometimes I embellish the bag by adding feathers, ribbon, or a pretty sticker, or I'll even hot-glue-gun on some rhinestones and make it extra special,” she says.

Old Socks

That sock that can no longer find its mate—or the pair that’s now become a bit threadbare—can easily be repurposed throughout your home. After cleaning them well, consider turning them into a microwavable heat compress, sock puppets, whiteboard eraser, boot shaper, or for polishing and cleaning throughout your home.

Vintage Serving Trays and Stands

Serving trays are one of those household items with untold uses—even if they're not being utilized in the kitchen. To that end, Blindauer says she often scouts thrift stores and vintage shops for silver-plated or rattan trays. “A bit of polish or matte spray paint instantly updates them. On a vanity, they corral perfumes, jewelry, and small cosmetics into a deliberate, styled moment,” she explains. “Or on a bedside table, they lend some elegance while keeping things tidy.” 

Repurposed Ladders

Ladders are genius DIY décor pieces for bedrooms, living rooms, and even bathrooms. A ladder with rungs can be repurposed as a rack for blankets or towels (just make sure to secure them to the wall), and a step-ladder with surface space is perfect as a night stand, end table, or plant stand. 

Egg Cartons

These cardboard cartons can be just as precious as the eggs inside. After whipping up breakfasts and desserts, save the egg carton to house seedlings before transferring them to your garden. This is a great way to get some plants started ahead of the final frost before spring.

Old Toothbrushes

Proper dental hygiene includes regularly replacing your toothbrush. There's no need to chuck it in the bathroom wastebasket, though. Old toothbrushes can be the ultimate universal cleaning tool, able to tackle detailed tasks like removing grout or hard water stains. They can also be used for crafting projects, cleaning jewelry or keyboards, and are the ultimate tool for hair-dying root touch-ups at home!