Upcycle & Decorate: 20 DIY Ideas with Waste Materials


Published: 21 Mar 2025


Want to decorate your home without spending a fortune? DIY home décor ideas with waste materials can help you create beautiful decorations while saving money. Recycling old items not only reduces waste but also adds a unique décor to your space. 

From plastic bottles to old newspapers, you can turn everyday waste into stylish décor pieces. These projects are easy, fun, and eco-friendly—perfect for anyone who loves creativity. Ready to give your home a fresh look with recycled materials? Let’s explore some simple DIY home décor ideas with waste materials.

Benefits of DIY Home Décor with Waste Materials

1. Budget-Friendly Decoration

Home décor can be expensive, but DIY home décor ideas with waste materials help save money. You can use old jars, fabric scraps, and cardboard instead of buying new items. For example, an empty tin can can become a pen holder with just some paint.

2. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

Recycling helps reduce waste and protects nature. Instead of throwing away plastic bottles or newspapers, turn them into decor pieces. A glass jar can become a beautiful vase. An old T-shirt can be transformed into a cushion cover. This way, you reduce waste and create something useful.

3. Boosts Creativity and Adds a Personal Touch

DIY projects let you design decor that matches your style. You can paint, cut, or reshape old items to make them look new. A glass bottle wrapped in rope makes a stylish candle holder. Every piece you create will be unique and personal.

4. Fun Activity for Families and Kids

DIY easy projects are great for family time. Kids can also learn about recycling and creativity. They can make paper flowers, bottle cap art, or cardboard organizers. Schools also promote recycling ideas for school projects to teach kids about eco-friendly living.

Top 20 DIY Home Décor Ideas with Waste Materials

Why throw away old items when you can turn them into beautiful home décor? With a little creativity, you can upcycle waste materials into unique and stylish decorations. These DIY home décor ideas are budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and fun.

1. Bottle Planters

Plastic bottles can turn into beautiful planters instead of ending up in the trash. They are perfect for small spaces like balconies or windowsills. With a few cuts and some paint, you can create hanging or tabletop planters to grow herbs or flowers.

Materials Needed:

  • Plastic bottles (any size)
  • Scissors or a cutter
  • Paint or decorative paper
  • Soil and plants
  • String (for hanging planters)

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Cut a plastic bottle in half or cut a rectangle from the side.
  2. Decorate the bottle with paint or paper.
  3. Poke small drainage holes at the bottom.
  4. Fill it with soil and plant seeds or small plants.
  5. If making a hanging planter, attach a string and hang it in a sunny spot.

2. Tin Can Lanterns

Empty tin cans can become decorative lanterns for your home or garden. You can punch small holes to create unique patterns and place LED candles inside. These DIY lanterns add a warm glow to any space.

Materials Needed:

  • Empty tin cans
  • Hammer and nail (for making holes)
  • Paint and brushes
  • LED candle or tea light

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Clean the tin can and remove the label.
  2. Use a hammer and nail to punch holes in a pattern or design.
  3. Paint the can in your favorite color.
  4. Place an LED candle inside and enjoy the soft glow.

3. Newspaper Wall Art

Old newspapers can be transformed into beautiful wall decorations. By folding, cutting, and gluing them, you can create 3D designs, abstract art, or floral patterns. This is a budget-friendly way to add character to your walls.

Materials Needed:

  • Old newspapers
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Canvas or cardboard for the base

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Cut newspapers into strips or different shapes.
  2. Roll or fold them into flowers, spirals, or abstract shapes.
  3. Arrange and glue them onto a canvas or cardboard.
  4. Let it dry and hang it on the wall.

4. CD Mosaic Wall Decor

Instead of throwing away old or broken CDs, use them to make a shiny mosaic wall hanging. Cut the CDs into small pieces and arrange them in patterns to create a unique and reflective decor piece.

Materials Needed:

  • Old CDs
  • Scissors (heavy-duty)
  • Glue
  • Cardboard or wooden board for base

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Cut the CDs into small pieces carefully.
  2. Arrange the pieces into a mosaic pattern.
  3. Glue them onto a base like cardboard or a wooden board.
  4. Let it dry completely before hanging.

5. Cardboard Shelves

Cardboard boxes can be turned into sturdy and stylish mini shelves. This DIY idea helps in organizing small items like books, plants, or accessories. A coat of paint or decorative with paper makes them look even better.

Materials Needed:

  • Sturdy cardboard boxes
  • Cutter or scissors
  • Glue or tape
  • Paint or decorative paper

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Cut the cardboard into the desired shelf shapes.
  2. Glue or tape the pieces together for extra strength.
  3. Paint or cover them with decorative paper.
  4. Attach them to the wall using adhesive hooks or nails..

6. Old Jeans Cushion Covers

Do not throw away old jeans. Turn them into stylish cushion covers for your living room or bedroom. Denim fabric is durable and gives a modern, trendy look to home décor. Plus, adding zippers or buttons makes them even more unique.

Materials Needed:

  • Old denim jeans
  • Scissors
  • Needle and thread (or sewing machine)
  • Zipper or buttons

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Cut the jeans into two equal square pieces.
  2. Sew three sides together, leaving one open.
  3. Attach a zipper or buttons on the open side.
  4. Turn it inside out and insert a cushion.
  5. Your stylish denim cushion cover is ready!

7. Glass Jar Candle Holders

Used glass jars can become beautiful candle holders with a little creativity. By painting or decorating them with glitter, you can create elegant or festive designs for any occasion.

Materials Needed:

  • Empty glass jars
  • Paint or glitter
  • Glue
  • Tea light candles

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Clean the glass jar and remove any labels.
  2. Paint or coat it with glue and sprinkle glitter.
  3. Let it dry completely.
  4. Place a tea light candle inside.
  5. Light it up and enjoy the cozy ambiance.

8. Plastic Spoon Mirror Frame

Plastic spoons can be reused creatively to make a beautiful mirror frame. This unique idea adds a decorative touch to any room.

Materials Needed:

  • Plastic spoons
  • Mirror
  • Glue
  • Paint

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Cut the handles off the plastic spoons.
  2. Arrange and glue them around the mirror in layers.
  3. Paint the spoons in your favorite color.
  4. Let it dry completely before hanging.

9. Egg Carton Wall Flowers

Egg cartons can be turned into gorgeous wall flowers instead of being thrown away. These flowers can be painted and arranged in creative designs to beautify any space.

Materials Needed:

  • Empty egg cartons
  • Scissors
  • Paint and brush
  • Glue

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Cut the egg cartons into flower shapes.
  2. Paint them in different colors.
  3. Arrange and glue them onto a canvas or wall.
  4. Let them dry before displaying.

10. Rope-Wrapped Vase

Old glass bottles or jars can be upcycled into elegant vases using just a piece of rope or jute. These vases add a rustic and stylish look to home décor.

Materials Needed:

  • Glass bottles or jars
  • Rope or jute
  • Glue

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Apply glue to the bottle surface.
  2. Wrap the rope around the bottle tightly.
  3. Let it dry completely.
  4. Add flowers and place it on your table.

11. DIY Magazine Coasters

Instead of throwing away old magazines, turn them into colorful coasters. These eco-friendly coasters are easy to make and perfect for coffee tables.

Materials Needed:

  • Old magazines
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Clear tape or varnish

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Cut magazine pages into strips.
  2. Roll each strip tightly and glue the edges.
  3. Keep adding strips until you reach the desired size.
  4. Seal with clear tape or varnish for durability.

12. Waste Fabric Wall Hanging

Leftover fabric scraps can be used to create a stunning patchwork wall hanging. This DIY décor adds color and texture to any room.

Materials Needed:

  • Leftover fabric pieces
  • Needle and thread
  • Wooden stick for hanging

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Cut fabric pieces into desired shapes.
  2. Sew or glue them together in a pattern.
  3. Attach the fabric to a wooden stick.
  4. Hang it on the wall.

13. Paper Roll Pen Holders

Empty toilet paper rolls can be turned into cute desk organizers for pencils, pens, and markers. This simple project is perfect for kids’ study tables.

Materials Needed:

  • Empty toilet paper rolls
  • Decorative paper or paint
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Cover the rolls with decorative paper or paint them.
  2. Glue multiple rolls together for extra storage.
  3. Place them on a cardboard base for stability.
  4. Store your pens and pencils inside.

14. Light Bulb Mini Terrariums

Instead of throwing away old light bulbs, turn them into mini terrariums. These small glass containers make cute plant decorations for desks or shelves.

Materials Needed:

  • Old light bulbs
  • Small plants or moss
  • Sand or small stones
  • Tweezers

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Carefully remove the inside of the light bulb.
  2. Add sand, stones, and a small plant inside.
  3. Seal the opening and display your terrarium.

15. Wooden Pallet Wall Art

Scrap wood or pallets can be upcycled into rustic wall decor. Painting or stenciling on wooden pieces creates unique designs for home decoration.

Materials Needed:

  • Wooden pallets or scrap wood
  • Paint and brushes
  • Stencil (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Cut and arrange wooden pieces as needed.
  2. Paint or stencil designs onto the wood.
  3. Let it dry completely.
  4. Hang it on your wall.

16. Tin Can Planters

Empty tin cans can be transformed into stylish planters for indoor or outdoor gardening. With a little paint and creativity, you can create beautiful plant holders for herbs, succulents, or flowers.

Materials Needed:

  • Empty tin cans
  • Paint and brushes
  • Nail and hammer (for drainage holes)
  • Soil and small plants

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Wash and remove labels from tin cans.
  2. Use a nail to make small drainage holes at the bottom.
  3. Paint and decorate the cans as you like.
  4. Fill them with soil and plant your favorite flowers or herbs.
  5. Place them in a sunny spot and water regularly.

17. Bottle Cap Mosaic Art

Plastic or metal bottle caps can be used to create colorful mosaic art. This fun project is a great way to recycle waste while making unique wall decorations.

Materials Needed:

  • Bottle caps (various colors)
  • Glue
  • Canvas or cardboard
  • Paint (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Collect and clean bottle caps.
  2. Arrange them in a pattern on the canvas.
  3. Glue each cap in place.
  4. If desired, paint over the caps to enhance the design.
  5. Let it dry and hang your artwork.

18. DIY Newspaper Basket

Instead of throwing away old newspapers, weave them into a sturdy basket. These handmade baskets are perfect for storing magazines, toys, or even fruits.

Materials Needed:

  • Old newspapers
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Paint or varnish

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Roll newspapers into thin tubes.
  2. Weave the tubes together to form a basket shape.
  3. Secure the edges with glue.
  4. Paint or varnish for a polished look.
  5. Let it dry before using.

19. CD Wall Clock

Old or scratched CDs can be turned into a stylish wall clock with just a few materials. This DIY project is a cool way to upcycle e-waste while adding a creative touch to your home.

Materials Needed:

  • Old CD
  • Clock mechanism (with hands)
  • Paint or stickers for decoration

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Decorate the CD with paint or stickers.
  2. Attach the clock mechanism through the CD hole.
  3. Fix the clock hands in place.
  4. Insert a battery and set the time.
  5. Hang your new DIY clock on the wall.

20. Worn-Out Sweater Pillow Covers

Do not throw away old sweaters—turn them into cozy pillow covers! This project is perfect for creating soft and warm home decor using recycled fabrics.

Materials Needed:

  • Old sweater
  • Scissors
  • Needle and thread (or sewing machine)
  • Pillow insert

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Cut the sweater to match the size of your pillow insert.
  2. Sew three sides, leaving one open.
  3. Insert the pillow.
  4. Sew the open side or attach buttons for easy removal.
  5. Your soft, handmade pillow cover is ready.
Top 5 Pro Tips for DIY Home Décor with Waste Materials
  • Keep Safety in Mind: Use sharp tools carefully when cutting plastic, glass, or wood. Wear gloves and work in a well-lit area.
  • Use Eco-Friendly Materials: Choose non-toxic glue and paint to make your DIY crafts safe and long-lasting.
  • Experiment with Colors & Textures: Mix bright colors, patterns, and textures to give your decor a unique and stylish touch.
  • Plan Before You Start: Sketch your design and gather all materials in advance for a smooth crafting process.
  • Repurpose Creatively: Think outside the box! Combine different waste materials to create something wholly new and eye-catching.

Conclusion

So guys, in this article, we have covered DIY home décor with waste materials in detail. These creative ideas not only save money but also help the environment. I recommend starting with simple projects like bottle planters or newspaper wall art. Try out these fun DIYs and share your experience in the comments below.

How to decorate a home from waste things?

Old bottles, tin cans, fabric, and cardboard can be used to make beautiful décor. Try creating wall art, organizers, and DIY plant holders. These ideas help you save money while keeping your home stylish.

What can I make with waste material?

You can make planters, candle holders, wall hangings, and storage boxes. Simple materials like paper rolls, glass jars, and old clothes work great. Just add some paint, glue, and creativity.

How to make art out of waste?

Use cutting, folding, and painting techniques to transform waste into art. Try making newspaper wall décor, CD mosaics, or cardboard paintings. Small changes can turn trash into beautiful handmade pieces.

Is it waste out of best or best out of waste?

The correct phrase is “best out of waste.” It means creating functional or decorative things from discarded materials. This concept helps recycle and reduce waste creatively.




Muhammad Hasnain Mehdi Avatar
Muhammad Hasnain Mehdi

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