56 Repurposing Ideas for Ordinary Household Objects

Clever Repurposing Ideas for Things You Already Have at Home

Simple ways to reuse everyday items and reduce waste

Before buying new organizers, décor, or craft supplies, take a look around your home. Many everyday items you already own can be repurposed in creative, functional ways—saving money, reducing waste, and adding a personal touch to your space. From kitchen staples to forgotten décor, these clever repurposing ideas prove that a little imagination goes a long way.

Dishes & Bowls: More Than Tableware

Extra bowls and mismatched dishes don’t have to live in the back of a cabinet.

• Use bowls to hold keys, mail, jewelry, or loose change.

• Place small dishes on nightstands for rings and watches.

• Repurpose shallow bowls as soap dishes, sponge holders, or plant saucers.

• Stack bowls on shelves to corral small items while adding visual interest.

They’re durable, washable, and often too pretty to hide.

Instead of sending unwanted dishes and bowls to Goodwill, consider upcycling them into these first.

• Upcycled Thrift Store DIY Dessert Stands
• DIY Thrift Store Pedestal Trays
• DIY Pedestal Bowl

Cups & Mugs: Everyday Organizers

That mug collection can work harder than just holding coffee.

• Store pens, scissors, paintbrushes, or makeup brushes.

• Use cups in drawers to organize utensils or craft supplies.

• Place mugs near sinks to hold toothbrushes or cleaning brushes.

• Turn decorative cups into small planters for herbs or succulents.

Mixing styles adds charm instead of clutter.

• Party Top Hat Headband DIY
• Teacup Bird Feeder Repurposing Idea
• Mini Plastic Cup DIY Easter Baskets
• Mini Winter Forest in Vintage Tea Cups
• Easy Upcycled Thrift Store Tea Cups
• Plastic Cup Garbage Can

Food Containers: Built-In Organization

Reusable food containers are storage gold.

• Sort snacks, baking supplies, or leftovers in the pantry.

• Use smaller containers for office supplies, sewing kits, or LEGO pieces.

• Stackable containers are perfect for organizing refrigerators and freezers.

• Label them to make everything easy to find.

Clear containers are especially helpful for visibility and reducing waste. Clean cardboard food containers are so useful in many different ways.

• Recycled Food Containers & Dyed Coffee Filter Flowers
• Gift Bags from Recycled Boxes
• Recycled Food Box Gift Bags 

Brown Paper Bags: Surprisingly Versatile

Don’t toss those paper grocery or lunch bags just yet.

• Use them as book covers or drawer liners.

• Cut and fold into gift wrap, tags, or envelopes.

• Shred them for packing material or compost.

• Decorate them and use as storage bags for pantry items.

They’re recyclable, compostable, and endlessly reusable.

• DIY Repurposed Gift Card Holder
• Brown Paper Bag with Neon Color Gift Wrapping

Cans: Simple Storage Solutions

Cleaned food cans are sturdy and functional.

• Store pens, utensils, paintbrushes, or tools.

• Wrap them in fabric, paper, or twine for a decorative touch.

• Use larger cans as planters or countertop organizers.

• Group several together for a cohesive storage station.

A little creativity turns “trash” into something useful.

• Recycled Can and Mason Jar Vases
• Recycled Gift Wrapping Idea: Pop Top Cans
• Repurposed Coffee Can Gift Set

Jars: The Ultimate Reuse Item

Glass jars are one of the easiest items to repurpose.

• Store dry goods, spices, snacks, or leftovers.

• Use them for bathroom storage—cotton balls, swabs, or hair ties.

• Turn jars into vases, candle holders, or night lights.

• Keep small items like screws, buttons, or beads neatly contained.

They’re timeless, durable, and endlessly reusable.

• Mason Jar Chandelier
• Mason Jar Gift Idea with Printable
• Gold and Glittered Mason Jar Centerpiece
• Metallic Mason Jar Centerpiece
• Mason Jar Craft Storage
• Colored Mason Jar 
• <Easy Mason Jar Centerpiece
• Burlap Mason Jar Vases
• Recycled Can and Mason Jar Vases
• Mason Jar Soap Dispenser
• Macramé Mason Jar Hanging Lantern
• Candy Mason Jar
• Frosted Mason Jars

Book Pages: Creative & Decorative

Old or damaged books can still tell a story—just in a new way.

• Frame pages for wall art.

• Use them for gift wrap, drawer liners, or craft projects.

• Create paper flowers, garlands, or bookmarks.

• Decoupage pages onto boxes, trays, or furniture accents.

It’s a beautiful way to give worn books a second life.

• Coffee Filter Flowers with Book Page Leaves
• Book Page Heart Garland
• DIY Recycled Craft Jars
• Book Page Napkin Rings and Name Cards
• Recycled Book Page Butterfly Wreath
• Phone Book Origami Flowers
• Paper Flower Magnets
• Book Page Gift Bow
• Water Colored Book Page Flowers
• Book Page Wreath
• How to Make a Secret Book Safe

Tic Tac Containers: Tiny but Mighty

These small plastic containers are perfect for organizing little things.

• Store bobby pins, hair ties, beads, or pills.

• Use them for travel-size spices or snacks.

• Keep one in your bag for earrings or emergency items.

• Label them for quick identification.

Their compact size makes them ideal for on-the-go organization.

Here are some clever Tic Tac container repurposing ideas.

• Tic Tac Packs Spice Container Printables
• Just Add Ice Cream Repurposed Tic Tac Packs Printable
• Repurposed Tic Tac Packs Craft Kits

Old Paintings: Fresh Décor Opportunities

Outdated artwork doesn’t need to be thrown away.

• Paint over canvases for DIY wall art or signs.

• Remove the canvas and reuse the frame for photos or mirrors.

• Layer new art over old pieces for a textured look.

• Use frames to create gallery walls or message boards.

Repurposing art lets you update your space without starting from scratch.

Bring some new life to old and unwanted paintings with these fun DIY’s.

• Upcycled Canvas Headboard Update
• Ribbon Organization Board
• DIY Craft Organization Board
• Stenciled Butterfly Wall Art

Repurposing Ideas – Odds and Ends:

Need more ideas? Here are some odds and ends.

Toilet Paper Roll: Toilet Paper Roll Gift Wrapping

Bottle Caps: Recycled Christmas Card Bottle Cap Magnets

Prescription Bottles: Clever Repurposing Ideas for Prescription Bottles

Soda Bottles: Recycled Plastic Bottle Plant Pots

Cabinet Door: Repurposed Cabinet Turned Jewelry Organizer

Coin Wrappers: Recycled Coin Wrapper Gift Embellishment

Ruler: Upcycled Ruler Patriotic Wreath DIY

Rubber Bands: Rubber Band Inspiration Board DIY

Repurposing isn’t about perfection—it’s about possibility. By reimagining items you already have, you can create practical solutions, reduce waste, and add personality to your home. The next time you’re tempted to throw something away or buy something new, pause and ask: What else could this be?

Chances are, the answer is simpler—and more creative—than you think.

Bonus DIY Video

Turn some old damaged books into an electronics hider.

 

 

Updated: Original post is from March 20, 2015 and since updated and improved.