110 Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things
With a little creativity, many common household items can be transformed into something else that’s entirely different and amazing. Check out 110 extraordinary ways to reuse old items.
Mattress Spring Flower Wall
This clever DIYer used old mattress springs for a flower wall. The springs are hung on the side of the house near the patio.
Photo: Courtesy of Modern Shelter Blog
Cardboard Carton
Instead of tossing that cardboard milk or orange juice carton in the recycling bin, cut off the top, wrap it with fabric and use it as a planter for herbs or flowers. For more ideas, visit Cut Out + Keep.
Photo: Courtesy of Cut Out + Keep
Fabric and Electrical Conduit Divider
Here’s a clever way to use electrical conduit: Attach some fabric and you have a modern DIY room divider. For a how-to video of the process, visit here.
Photo: Courtesy of HomeMadeModern
Window Shutter
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is making a huge comeback in home design, as long as it’s unique and limited to an accent wall or two. There is no more unique statement than wallpapering with book pages. Once you figure out the basics of hanging wallpaper, you’ll have this unique feature wall complete in no time.
Image: Courtesy of Cassie Fairy
Pallet Wine Rack
Use Soft Socks to Clean Blinds
Flour Sifter Flower Pot
If you have an old flour sifter you no longer use, try turning into a planter. If you don’t have one, there’s a good chance you’ll find one at a thrift store or garage sale.
Photo: Courtesy of Daisys Vintage Market/Etsy
Knife Block
Who says practical storage can’t be pretty? This DIY Knife Block, made from old books, is a cinch to make. Simply pick some unique books in your favorite color scheme and tie them together tightly with twine to create the perfect home for all your kitchen knives. You can even create different color schemes based on the seasons and holidays, making this a versatile hack. Need more counter space to accommodate a knife holder? Need more counter space to accommodate a knife holder? Here’s how!
Photo: Courtesy of TheViewFromVintage
Magnetize a Screwdriver
Wine Cork Caulk Saver
Plus: Tips for Caulking
Pull-Tab Picture Frame Hook
– reader Carrie Tegeler
Use a Sneaker to Clean Sandpaper
Foam Ball Tool Storage
Beat The Dust out of Cushions With a Tennis Racket
Scour Off Grime with an Electric Toothbrush
Duct Tape Kayak
Photo: Courtesy of ineverfinishanyth/Instructables
Tennis Ball Bottle Opener
Use Tongs to Clean Blinds
Milk Jug Scoop
See what you can do with a milk jug in the garden as well.
Grass Seed Broadcaster
Bread Tabs for Labeling Cords
Plus, learn how to use a Surge Protector for Electronic Device and see why plugging your electronics into a surge protector is a smart way to save money.
Rubber Band and Paperclip Binder
Check out this Simple Idea for Extension Cord Storage.
Bobby Pin Nail Holder
Paper Towel Cord Storage
Be safe and learn How to Prevent Electrical Overloads!
Pie Plate Dustpan
Paper Towel Roll Bag Storage
Paper Towel Boot Shaper
Toilet Paper Roll Hair Band Organizer
Tin Can Water Bottle Holder
Egg Carton Painting Props
Grocery Bag Shoe Covers
Crack Nuts with Hand Tools
Greenhouses from the Salad Bar
Tape Containers for Furniture Glides
Garden Gloves to Dust Knickknacks
Pipe Insulation for Baby-Proofing
Wine Box Shoe Storage
Coffee Filters for Dusting
Quick Smartphone Speaker
Try it outside too, with a trash can amplifier.
Floor Swiffer for Walls
Bathroom Drawer Insert from the Kitchen
In a small bathroom, every square inch counts. Use these clever tips to wring extra bathroom storage from unexpected places.
Hanger Magazine Rack
Paint Stick to Clean Lint Buildup
Hot Glue Gun Uses: Fix Wobbly Furniture with a Penny
Write Notes on the Washer
Better safe than sorry! Learn which items should not be dried in the dryer. This way, whoever switches the load from the washer to the dryer won’t ruin any clothes!
Use a Pool Noodle Inside a Drawer
DIY Hand Scrub
Sofa Stops
Trash-Can Amplifier
Erase Marks on a Keyboard
Pool Noodle Wrist Rest
Coat Your Snow Shovel with Car Wax
Easy-on-the-Hands Handles
Anti-Skid Level
Rubber Band Clamps
Nonslip Tools
Paint Brush Drip Stopper
Spray-Clean Roller
Want your next painting project to look like it was done by a pro? This tutorial shows you the techniques you need to know. — reader Decie C. McKnight
Small-Parts Clamp
No More Rusty Garden Tools
On-the-Level Tool Bucket
Gutters need some TLC? Here’s how you can fix them yourself.
Better Bucket Storage
Here are 17 more nifty ways to store tools.
Easy-Mount Mini Bins
Mini Tools From Concrete Nails
Panpipe Tool Storage
Stay-Put PVC Pipe Cutter
For 33 ingenious ways to use PVC pipe, check out this collection of tips.
No-Rattle Ceiling Fan
Chisel Pockets
Handy Bench and Tool Bucket
DIY Dog Feeder
NOTE: Don’t build this dog feeder unless your pooch can exercise some self-control.
Check out our collection of clever and unusual ways to make your pet happier, healthier and more comfortable, using things you’ll find around the house. — reader Justin Moujoodi
Paper Tube Saw Guard
String Pipe Cutter
Need to splice PVC pipe? Here’s how!
Storage Pockets for Skinny Things
Foam Ball Hand Protector
Make a Mattress Sling
Here’s an easier way to carry a mattress: Make a simple rope sling that will give you and your helper a lot more control. Thread the rope through the mattress handles. Slip a 5-in. piece of 1-in. PVC pipe over the rope ends and then loop and tie each end to create a comfortable sling grip. Flip the mattress over so the sling is on the bottom and you’re on your way.
String-Dispensing CD Bins
PVC Knife Holders
Power Cord Coilers
Light-Duty Extension Cord Storage
Chain Saw Blade Guard
Protect a chain saw blade with 3/4-in. foam pipe insulation. Wrap the insulation around the blade and strap it tight with a couple of rubber bands. Chain saw need sharpening? Here’s how.
New Uses for Old Glove Fingers
Garage Storage Tubes
Easier Mulch Unloading
Fast, Inexpensive Table
Accessorize Your Mower
PVC Curling Iron Holsters
Mini Hardware Holders
Keep the Tape Rolling
Need some packing tape? Grab some now on Amazon.
Double-Lid Cord Reel
If your extension or power tool cord accidentally gets cut, here is the safe way to repair it.
No-Latch (or Hands-Free) Door Trick
Wrench Caddy
Behind the Door Storage: Closet Glove Rack
Better Tree Watering
Learn about successfully growing healthy shade trees in your yard here. — David Radtke
Vacuum Attachment Holder
Find out how to clean a clogged vacuum.
Portable Tool Kit
Fishing Rod Organizer
Drill 1-in. holes spaced every 4 in. in the PVC pipe. Use a utility knife to cut slits in the foam noodle, spacing them 4 in. apart. Line up the pool noodle on the wall so that at least two of the slits sit over studs. Pull those slits apart, slide in a fender washer, and screw the noodle to the wall with 2-in. screws. Then screw the PVC pipe to the wall beneath it at a comfortable height and insert your fishing rods. Look Ma, no more tangles!
Want some more DIY garage organization ideas? Check out 27 Easy Ways to Organize Your Garage
Battery-Powered Kite Retriever
Drill Bit Girdle
Roll It!
- Lift the front edge of the stone with a pry bar and slip two pipes underneath. Place one near the front and one about midway so the stone rests on the pipes.
- Position the third pipe a foot or two in front of the stone.
- Roll the stone forward onto the third pipe until the rear pipe comes free. Then move the rear pipe to the front and repeat.
This technique works best on relatively flat ground. On mild slopes, you’ll need a helper to shift pipes while you stabilize the load. Don’t use this method on steeper slopes.
Instant Tool Holder
Ironing Board Back Saver
Cord Control
Find out how to paint faster so you can enjoy those appliances the cords go to.
Safe Cord Storage
Find out other helpful uses for a three-ring binder to help declutter. — Tim Groff
Pipe Insulation Car Hack
Custom Cord Wraps
Save some space with a wine rack that goes underneath cabinets.