According to a study conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans had generated furniture waste totaling a staggering amount of 12.2 million tons in 2017, and 80.2% eventually went to the landfill. For this reason, people nowadays are encouraged to use recycled materials to decorate their homes instead of purchasing new ones.
Repurposing old materials into home decor is not only eco-friendly but often results in more unique and interesting pieces than buying new ones. Every year, tons of perfectly good materials are sent to landfills simply because they’re no longer needed. By recycling old materials into home decor, we can help to reduce this waste and give these materials a second life.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint and decorate your home with eco-friendly furnishings, here are ten materials you can recycle into stunning home decor.
1. Paper
By recycling paper instead of throwing it away, we can help to reduce deforestation and pollution. Furthermore, recycling paper can also be a great way to add some unique style to your home. From coasters and vases to lamps and frames, there are endless ways to incorporate recycled paper into your decor. And best of all, many of these projects are quite easy to make.
2. Glass
Most people don’t realize just how easy it is to recycle everyday household items into beautiful home decor. For example, glass can be recycled into many stunning pieces, from vases and bowls to candleholders and chandeliers. The process is relatively simple: first, the glass is cleaned and crushed into small pieces. Next, it is melted and formed into the desired shape. Finally, it is cooled and polished to create a smooth, flawless finish. The result is an eco-friendly and chic piece, perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any home.
3. Metal
Many think of recycling as simply throwing away their aluminum cans or plastic bottles. However, recycling can be a much more creative process than that. For example, recycled metal can be used to create stunning home decor. One popular way to do this is by using recycled steel drums to make planters. The steel drums are cut in half and then welded together to form a cylinder. A hole is cut in the top for planting, and the drum is then painted or coated with a rust-resistant sealant. These planters can add a touch of industrial chic to any home and are a great way to upcycle metal waste into something beautiful.
4. Plastic
Who would have thought those plastic bottles and takeaway containers could be recycled into something beautiful? There are many ways to recycle plastic into stunning home decor these days. From colorful vases to eye-catching sculptures, plastic can be transformed into just about anything. One popular way to recycle plastic is by melting it down and molding it into the desired shape. Once it has cooled and hardened, the plastic can be painted or decorated as you wish. This is a great way to add some personality to your home while also helping to reduce pollution.
5. Wood
Barnwood is a type of wood that is often reclaimed from old barns, fences, and other structures. This wood is generally weathered and worn, giving it a unique appearance. Barnwood can be recycled and reused in a number of ways, including as a shiplap for home decor. Shiplap is a type of wood paneling that consists of wide boards with a rabbeted edge. This edge allows the boards to fit snugly together, creating a seamless look. Shiplap made from barnwood can add character and charm to any room and be used in both traditional and contemporary settings.
6. Cloth
You might not think of cloth as a decorating material, but it can actually be recycled into some stunning home decor items. With a bit of creativity and effort, old clothes can be used to make curtains, tablecloths, or even throw pillows. Linens and other materials can be dyed or stenciled to create interesting patterns and textures. Fabric scraps can be pieced together to make quilts or wall hangings.
7. Cardboard
Did you know that cardboard can be recycled into some stunning home decor? For example, you can use cardboard to create wall art. Cut out shapes from cardboard, then paint or decoupage them onto a canvas or sheet of paper. You can also use cardboard to make 3D sculptures. Stack layers of cardboard to create bowls, vases, and other objects.
8. Ceramics
Ceramics are a type of pottery made from non-metallic, inorganic materials. While they are typically used for utilitarian purposes, such as dishware or vases, they can also be recycled into stunning home decor. For example, old ceramic tiles can be used to create unique mosaic designs. Broken pieces of pottery can be glued together to form colorful patterns. And unwanted sculptures can be repurposed into one-of-a-kind lamps or vases.
9. Leather
You might not think of it, but leather can actually be reused to create a number of different products. Old leather jackets can be cut up and made into cushions or rugs, for instance, and scraps of leather can be used to create beautiful wall hangings. Even worn-out belts can be given new life as they are repurposed into picture frames or keychains.
10. Rubber
Rubber is a fascinating material that can be recycled into different products. One of the most interesting ways to recycle rubber is by using it to create stunning home decor items. For example, rubber can be used to make coasters, trivets, or even placemats. It can also be used to create vases, jewelry boxes, or picture frames.
There are many materials that can be recycled and reused to create stunning home decor. From paper to metal, you are only limited by your own imagination. So let your creative juices flow and start recycling today!
