Decorating your home can be an expensive affair, but what if we told you that you can create beautiful decor items for your home from waste materials? Yes, you heard it right! With a little creativity and some DIY skills, you can turn waste materials such as old bottles, newspapers, cardboard, and more into stunning home decor pieces. In this article, we will be sharing some of the best out of waste ideas that you can use to decorate your home while also doing your bit for the environment.
What is the best waste material for home decoration?
Creating useful and decorative items out of waste available at home, instead of throwing them is the best use for them. Lots of waste is generated at home daily such as coconut shells, old newspapers, glass jars, plastic bottles and cardboard boxes. All these can be used in a creative way to spruce up the interiors. Best out-of-waste simply means to make something innovative and attractive out of the material that is of no use otherwise. Creating something new from the old, recycling and upcycling, are the best ways to reduce one’s carbon footprint. With DIY items made from waste, one can decorate their home. These crafts are great for your children in their school projects. Moreover, you can use these best waste craft ideas to decorate your home and reuse materials.
See also about: Designs for pen stand
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Check out these DIY room decor ideas for your home
Waste material craft: Benefits
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See also: All about wall hanging craft ideas made of paper
Waste management should begin at home. Reduce, reuse and recycle waste at home to lessen the amount of waste that goes to the landfill. It is a great idea to reuse this waste to help the environment to prosper.
Out-of-waste products enhance the home appeal. When put to the right use, you can create useful things such as handicrafts and accessories.
Easy craft of out-of-waste projects are also an enjoyable and creative way to keep children occupied. Children would enjoy reusing old things to create something decorative. Making art from waste helps children learn new skills and help save the environment by creating best out of waste. It also helps children to learn the importance of recycling waste material. Innovative best out of waste ideas, develops the ability to create and inculcate waste management habits in children.
Housing.com gives you a list of 28 top best out of waste ideas to make attractive useful things and things for home decoration, which are also easy to do. Also, if your children have school projects on the best out of waste, the ideas here can help them to reuse and recycle waste in a creative way.
Know about: type of waste
Best out of waste ideas for home decor
Here are some amazing ideas for transforming waste into lovely home decor items.
Best out of waste ideas #1: Bottle craft art
Empty glass bottles are often thrown away. Instead, reuse them for simple decorations at home. Make a table lamp, showpiece, or flower vase out of used bottles. Decoupage (the art of decorating a surface with paper cut-outs and using varnish (or glue) to cover the surface) can brighten the glass bottles. Coloured papers or old magazines pages, good quality glue, and a flat brush are all that one needs to create a stunning bottle that can be used as a decor item.
Plain or coloured glass bottles can be filled with sand and tiny shells. Add coloured fairy lights for a scintillating effect.
Best out of waste ideas #2: Lamps and candle holders from bottles / jars
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Bottles of wine, perfumes, jams, coffee and pickles can be creatively reused. Jar table lamps are simple to design. Paste your desired pattern around a glass jar, or paint the bottle with, or wrap it with a fabric. If you are shutting the lid, make sure to leave a vent for air access. Filling a bottle with battery-operated fairy lights is an easy option. Decorating the bottles can be done in various ways like spray painting, stencilling designs onto dried flowers, or sticking embellishments like lace, satin ribbon, glitter, beads, coloured threads, and sequins.
Best out of waste ideas #3: Newspaper tea coasters
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Source: Pinterest
A stylish and sustainable, recycled newspaper coaster set is the ideal addition to any table. Cut open a newspaper halfway across. Then roll each piece on a stick and glue the end, creating tubes. Remove the stick. Flatten each paper tube and roll it to create circles, using glue to secure the ends. Roll more than one tube, one after another, securing ends each time, to create a bigger circle. Once it is the desired size, paint all over and leave to dry. Make coasters from old magazine papers by coating them with nail polish to make them semi-waterproof.
Best out of waste ideas #4: Creative bookmark ideas
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Source: Pinterest
To engage the child in some simple activity, reuse a wedding card or cardboard and teach them to make a bookmark. Encourage them to create beautiful bookmarks from waste at home such as old magazines, papers, envelopes, cartons, etc. Cut the card into any shape, such as rectangular or a banana or watermelon, etc. Decorate it by painting it or sticking coloured paper on it. You can also write an inspiring quote on it. If you are good at the art of origami, then, just fold it into a fancy shape and stick a small satin ribbon on top. Or make a folded triangle (decorate it like a bird or bunny), to be placed on any page of the book you are reading.
Best out of waste ideas #5: DIY pen or brush holder from old bangles
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Source: Pinterest
Old bangles (glass, plastic, metal, or thick kadas of lac) are often stacked at home. Your child can enjoy recycling them into a useful pen holder for the desk. Cut a cardboard into the size of a bangle, to make the base. Use an old plastic lid if it is of the same size as the bangle. Take six to eight bangles of the same size. Apply glue to all the bangles and stack them one above the other. Once it is dry, it is ready to be used.
Best out of waste ideas #6: DIY plastic bottle pen or comb holder
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Source: Pinterest
Cut out a plastic bottle, decorate it with lace or paint. Or simply cover it with coloured paper, quilled designs, or tiny beads for a fancy stationery holder. An easy way to keep small things neatly, one can also use it as a makeup brush or comb holder or knickknack holder.
Best out of waste ideas #7: Recycle saris to make table mats
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Attractive old sarees with embroidery and brocades can be used to make table mats and table covers. Just cut an old embroidered saree, give it a contrast border, and spread it over the table. Bright coloured table covers and runners with Zari borders can be perfect for festive table layouts.
Best out of waste ideas#8: Fragrant candle holder using old teacups
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Recycle teacups and coffee mugs to make scented teacup candles. Use your favourite fragrance, such as lemongrass, mint, or lemon, along with some wax. Carefully melt the wax and add the fragrance to the cups along with a wick at the centre. You can have multiple candles placed in pretty teacups and decorate centre tables or other corners of the house.
Best out of waste ideas #9: Decorative candle trays using old mirrors
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Source: Pinterest
Mirrors come in various shapes and sizes. But old mirrors can develop spots. Instead of throwing them, reuse them as sparkling trays for candles. Smoothen the edges of the mirror or fix a wooden frame around it. Place the mirror tray with candles and enjoy the soft reflected glow.
See also: All about mirror direction as per Vastu
Best out of waste ideas #10: Cupboard organiser from old jeans
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Old denim jeans are often found at home. Turn it into a hanging wardrobe organiser. Use the pockets to store knickknacks. If you require additional pockets, make them (or take the help of a local tailor) from additional cloth. Make two loops at the top to place a hanger. The organiser can also be used in the kitchen or kid’s bedroom.
Best out of waste ideas #11: Glass jar photo frames
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Take a coloured print of the photo you wish to use. Cut it to the approximate size of an old jar. Use glue to hold the photo in place inside the jar and use it as a photo frame. You can also fit multiple photos and make it a revolving photo frame.
Best out of waste ideas #12: Plastic bottle piggy bank
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Old water bottles or empty plastic bottles (of vinegar water, juice, etc.) can be reused to make a piggy bank for kids. On one side of the bottle, cut out a slit of about 2 inches long for the coins. The slit should be done along the length of the bottle. Paint the lid of the bottle pink and also paint two nostrils on the lid so the bottle resembles a pig. Stick eyes on the front of the bottle. Cut out two ear shapes from the pink paper and stick them on the bottle. Also, paste a pig’s tail made of paper. Use four waste pieces of bottle corks, or plastic water bottle lids, marbles, etc. and glue them on as the pig’s legs. This will help inculcate the habit of savings in kids, apart from learning to reuse old things creatively.
Best out of waste ideas #13: A vertical garden of plastic bottles
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Plastic bottles can be reused to grow plants at home. Cut the bottle, paint it and use it as a small planter. Create a small vertical garden, either on the balcony or the outside the kitchen window, with plastic bottles of different shapes. Choose plastic bottles that can bear the weight of soil, plants, and water. Make a few holes at the bottom for drainage. Pick a spot where there is sufficient sunlight. Make a few shelves or a wire mesh grid to hang the bottles on the wall.
Best out of waste ideas #14: DIY terrarium from recycled glass bowls or jars
If you have wide-mouthed jars with lids, recycle them to make a soothing green terrarium. Use a clean glass container and assemble layers in the order of pebbles and charcoal at the bottom, soil mix in the middle, and the plant on the top. Depending on the size and shape of the glass container, select plants that would fit and grow well. For a bowl-shaped terrarium, opt for plants like syngonium, peperomia, fittonia, button ferns or any miniature, indoor plant. Create a landscape design of an island or a fairy garden and decorate it with miniature ceramic animals, rocks, and coloured stones. Terrariums can be open or closed. Closed terrariums are low maintenance and some can go without water for long. Open terrarium gardens need to be watered, just like potted plants.
Also check out these terrace garden ideas for your home
Best out of waste ideas #15: Bird feeder
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Empty cartons (milk or juice) or old cardboard boxes that usually come with online shopping deliveries these days, can be recycled to make a bird feeder for the garden. Draw and cut out the door and windows of the box. Leave enough of a box at the bottom of the carton to hold the bird seed. Cut two small holes on either side of the top of the carton for the rope or wire to hang the bird feeder. Paint and decorate the feeder. Fill it with birdseed and hang it at a good height on the balcony or garden.
Best out of waste ideas #16: Ice-cream stick photo frame
Glue the popsicle (ice cream) sticks in a square to create the frame. Use two popsicles for both sides and make a square or rectangle frame. Color the Popsicle sticks and decorate it with paper flowers made from old magazine papers. Tie a ribbon to it to hang on a wall, or you can make a stand to display it on a shelf. Kids will enjoy doing this eco-friendly best out of the waste material craft. This recycling activity develops the child’s motor and creative skills.
Best out of waste ideas #17: Eco-friendly rakhi
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With some creativity, a rakhi for the festival of Raksha Bandhan can be easily made from waste at home. Your child will love making rakhis, cutting and gluing with colourful papers.Reuse satin ribbons that come with gifts or colored threads or old wool lying at home. To make the center base of the circular shape of the rakhi, cut old cardboard from boxes of toothpaste or pencil. Paint the center and decorate it with colored pearls or paper quilling art, pom-poms and much more. Encourage children to use the best out of waste material for decoration.
Best out of waste ideas #18: Reuse tin box as a kitchen organiser
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From chocolates to cookies and sweets (rasgullas) many food items are packaged in tin cans these days. Reuse those tins as kitchen organisers, to keep the kitchen neat. After cleaning, decorate the tin with lace, wasabi tape, colored papers, fabric, coir, or simply spray paint it. Use the colourful tin box for storing scissors, knives, spoons, small masala packets, etc.
Best out of waste ideas #19: Wooden crate as a shelf
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Use discarded wooden crates as functional pieces of DIY furniture. These floating wall shelves can be used to keep small condiments, pickle jars, or potted herbs in the kitchen.
Best out of waste ideas #20: Upcycle an old tray to DIY wallboard or a decorative tray
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Source: Pinterest
Repurpose your old trays to make attractive boards for messages and a to-do list in the kitchen. Place fabric or a cork sheet on an old tray. Or hang a metal tray with paper sheets.
Instead of discarding old serving trays paint them with geometric or floral designs. You can also decorate the tray with ready-made stencil stickers. Stick mosaic tiles or printed fabrics to decorate the tray, add beads as embellishments and laminate the tray.
Best out of waste ideas #21: Waste cardboard boxes into storage boxes
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Source: Pinterest
These days, due to online shopping, one gets too many cardboard boxes at home. Decorate these boxes with coloured paper, cloth and laces and use them as drawer organisers for the kitchen. You can also stock kitchen napkins in them.
Best out of waste ideas #22: DIY dustbin with rope
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Source: Pinterest
Ropes are an affordable and easy way to add charm to any recycling project. Recycle an old plastic bucket, huge plastic box, or dustbin by simply wrapping it with a jute cord. Place a disposable garbage liner inside and it’s ready for use. Simple jute rope bins add a rustic and nautical feel to the bathroom.
Best out of waste ideas #23: Pebbles doormat
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Choose small rocks in colours that complement the bathroom tiles. Use an old doormat and good-quality adhesive to stack rocks on it. Place the rocks tightly beside one another without leaving any gaps. Choose flat rocks for maximum comfort.
Best out of waste ideas #24: Decorate plastic containers to make bathroom vanity
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Food takeaway containers or ice cream boxes can be easily converted into bathroom tissue boxes or storage boxes for lotions and creams. Paint them, cover them with attractive fancy wrappers and decorate them with shells. You can also use medium-sized seashells as tealight candle holders.
Best out of waste ideas #25: Decorate old mirror frame with shells
The frame of a bathroom mirror looks old and faded after a few years of use. Give it a new lease of life by covering it with delicate shells. Paste the shells randomly and make a perfect piece of art for your bathroom. If you have a small, round mirror, decorate it with pink scallops and place it at the corner of the wall.
Best out of waste ideas #26: Old sock puppets
In schools, kids are often asked to work on creative best-out waste projects. Puppet shows are a fun way to learn with stories. Instead of throwing old socks away, you can design cute puppets out of them. Stuff cotton in the socks and paste the eyes, nose and mouth on the sock. You can also add wool for the hair or old loose rubber bands. The kids will enjoy making it and later playing with such puppets.
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Best out of waste ideas #27: Recycle T-shirts as tote bags
To avoid using polythene bags, which are now banned in India, carry your eco-friendly bag for shopping made from an old T-shirt. Cut the sleeves off the T-shirt first. Then, cut off the neck collar of the T-shirt to make a large opening in the bag. With the shirt inside out, sew a straight line along the bottom cut of the T-shirt. If you do not have a sewing machine, get it stitched from a local tailor or hand stitch this line.
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Best out of waste ideas #28: Fancy desk organiser from old tins and cardboard boxes
Proper organisation of the desk is important, to ensure that kids can do their homework efficiently. Create a beautiful desk organiser, using old cardboard boxes, tins, colourful paper and ribbons, to neatly stock pens, pencils, scissors, etc. For the base, you will need thick cardboard, or a jute mat, to place and stick small old tins or cardboard boxes or cylindrical cardboard. Reuse what you have – paper scraps in fun colors and patterns, plus paint. Now take the tin container, apply glue and stick the printed sheet of paper to cover it. Take cardboards of different shapes and sizes to make the partitions of the desk organiser. Use a glue gun and paste the cardboard pieces, to build the partition as required.
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Best out of waste ideas #29: Tyre mirror frame
Turn an old tyre into an elegant mirror frame. You will require an old tyre, a circular wooden frame and mirror for this DIY craft.
Source: Pinterest
Best out of waste ideas #30: Egg Carton mirror frame
Create a wonderful frame from used egg cartons and decorate them in the colours of your choice. The items you will require include egg carton, glue, a mirror frame, scissors, etc.
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Best out of waste ideas #31: Metallic Vase
Pick old metallic jars and decorate them. These make perfect flower vase for decorating your living room or other areas of your house like bathroom. The items you will need include old metallic jars, spray paint and artificial plants.
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Best out of waste ideas #32: Tyre and rope ottoman
Recycling old tires can be a challenge, but with a few simple steps, you can repurpose them into a comfortable and durable ottoman for your home. Not only is this a great DIY project, but it’s also a safe option for households with children. So instead of tossing out those old tires, try this creative and practical solution for a unique piece of furniture. All you need are a few supplies and enough rope to cover the tyre entirely. The end result will not only be useful but also attractive enough to add to your home aesthetics.
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Best out of waste ideas #33: Tyre umbrella stand
Are you tired of dealing with dripping umbrellas? Here’s a clever solution using an old tire to create a unique umbrella stand. Simply place it in a corner of your house to add a rustic touch to your living room. All you need is an old tire, a sharp knife, and a wooden dowel.
Source: Pinterest
Best out of waste ideas #34: Jewellery organiser made from an old frame
Say goodbye to the hassle of organising your earrings and necklaces with this lovely vintage-style jewellery organiser. The best part? You can easily make it yourself! Transform an old frame into a stunning wall decoration with a built-in section for storing your precious jewellery. Gather an old, beautiful frame, some lace, and paint, and you’re ready to create your own masterpiece.
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Best out of waste ideas #35: Bottle cap wind chime
Explore your creativity by repurposing bottle caps into a charming wind chime. Simply create holes in the bottle caps and string them together to craft a rustic and vintage-style chime perfect for your balcony. Gather plenty of bottle caps, decorative beads, metallic divine twine, a glue gun, and an old can lid to complete this delightful DIY project.
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Creating home decor items from waste: Tips to remember
- Choose the right materials: Look for materials that are sturdy, easy to work with, and won’t degrade quickly.
- Clean the materials: Before using any waste material, clean it thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or odours.
- Plan ahead: Sketch out your ideas and plan how you will use the waste material to create your decor item.
- Be creative: Don’t limit yourself to traditional decor item ideas. Think outside the box and come up with unique and innovative ways to use waste material.
- Consider the overall aesthetic: Keep in mind the colour scheme, style, and overall look you want to achieve with your home decor items.
- Use safe and non-toxic materials: Make sure any additional materials, such as adhesives or paints, are safe and non-toxic.
- Pay attention to details: The little details can make a big difference. Take the time to add finishing touches and ensure everything is securely attached.
FAQs
How can one make the best waste material decoration for the main entrance?
Make toran from old wool (pompom) or wrap colourful threads around bangles. You can also use old Rakhi’s (which have motifs of Ganesha and Om), mirror pieces, and silk threads. Leftover wooden pieces or sturdy cardboard can be used to make fancy nameplates.
What waste can be used for Diwali decorations?
Reuse old earthen diya by painting and decorating them. Recycle glass bottles with mirchi lights. In old glasses add some coloured water flower petals, along with floating candles. Stick six or eight multi-coloured metal bangles together, place them on a coaster and place diya inside it. Decorate old chopping boards or cardboard wedding cards boxes with golden zari, pearls, and mirrors to create a diya platter.
How can one repurpose coconut shells for home decoration?
Clean out the shell and let it dry. Paint the coconut shell and use it to keep rubber bands, keys, pens, erasers, and hair clips. You can also grow a small plant in the coconut shell. While half a coconut shell can work, ideally cutting three-quarters of its height works best for a coconut shell plant holder.
