Upcycling the process of turning unwanted items into something useful, often giving them a new lease of life and helping to avoid landfill. Whether you're looking to save money, furnish your home on a budget or reduce waste, this guide explains how to get started, where to find items to upcycle and some simple projects to try.
“Upcycling is a brilliant way to make a house feel like your home without spending a fortune. A bit of paint, a few tools and some imagination can turn a tired piece into the star of the room. And if you’re planning bigger changes, such as insulation or solar panels, we’re always happy to talk through how a green mortgage could help.”
Rachel Geddes
Strategic Lender Relationship Director
What is upcycling?
Upcycling means giving unwanted items a new life and a new purpose. The finished piece is often worth more than what you started with.
Got a tired old chest of drawers or a pile of pallets in the shed? You’re sitting on a project. Upcycling for beginners is easier than you might think. All it takes is a few tools, a bit of paint and some imagination.
Why upcycling has grown in popularity
More of us are wanting to cut waste and save money. Upcycling does both. It also gives you something nobody else has, which is hard to beat when you’re decorating on a budget.
Upcycling and the circular economy
Upcycling is a key part of the circular economy. That means keeping materials in use for longer, cutting waste and reducing demand for new products. It’s one reason upcycling has grown so fast. It’s sustainable, budget-friendly and a great way to personalise your home.
The benefits of upcycling
Upcycling is popular for good reason. It’s good for your home, your pocket and the planet.
Reducing waste sent to landfill
Every chair or cupboard you rescue is one less item in landfill. That’s a win you can see in your living room.
Cutting your carbon footprint
Making new furniture uses wood, metal, water and energy. Reusing what you already have helps cut your carbon footprint.
Saving money on new furniture
A tin of paint costs far less than a new bookcase. Even with tools and materials, upcycling usually works out cheaper than buying new.
Creating unique, personalised pieces
You choose the colours, the finish and the hardware. The result feels more “you” than anything bought new. You’ll pick up DIY skills you can use again.
How to get started with upcycling
You don’t need a workshop, an art degree or a lot of experience. We all start somewhere, so start small and build up. You can also check out what others are doing in the space, and get some inspo, by starting a mood board on Pinterest, or following an upcycling influencer like Maisie Violet-Rees.
Choosing items you no longer use
Look around your home for things gathering dust: a side table, a chair, a mirror, a set of drawers. If it’s sturdy and has potential, it’s a candidate.
Checking whether an item is worth upcycling
Look for:
A solid structure
Minimal damage
Sound wood with no rot
Surfaces you can sand or paint.
If it’s falling apart or unsafe, it may be better suited to recycling.
Easy beginner projects to start with
Try one of these quick wins:
Painting a small bedside table
Turning jars into storage pots
Refreshing a mirror frame
Turning a wooden crate into a shelf.
Essential upcycling tools and materials
A small kit goes a long way. Here’s what to pick up.
Sandpaper and sanders
Sandpaper smooths rough surfaces and helps paint stick. A small electric sander saves time on larger pieces, but some basic sandpaper will do for the smaller projects.
Paints, primers and varnishes
Chalk paint is popular for chalk paint furniture because it needs very little prep. Low-VOC paints give off fewer fumes, which is kinder to you and your home. Primer helps paint last, and varnish or wax protects the finish.
Glue, screws and basic hand tools
Wood glue, a screwdriver, a hammer and some screws will handle most repairs. Add brushes, rollers and protective gear: gloves, a mask and goggles.
Fabric for reupholstering
Pick tough, hard-wearing fabric for seats, and grab a staple gun. Offcuts and remnants are cheap, and old curtains can work well too. Once you’ve done a few projects, you’ll naturally build up a toolkit.
Where to find items to upcycle
You can upcycle almost anything, and many of the best finds are cheap or free. Look for solid wood, metal frames, real leather and sturdy construction. Laminate furniture can be upcycled too, as long as you use the right primer.
You’ll likely find plenty of things around your own home, but here are some tips when heading out on a bargain hunt.
Charity shops
Second-hand furniture stores
Online marketplaces
Car boot sales,
Reclamation yards
Local reuse schemes.
Upcycling ideas for your home
Old doors into tables - Sand, paint and add legs for a rustic dining or coffee table. Top it with glass if you like a smooth surface.
Pallet shelves and coffee tables - Pallets are great for pallet furniture, and easy to work with. Sand them well, then stack and fix them for a coffee table or wall shelves.
Ladder bookshelves - Lean a wooden ladder against the wall and add shelves between the rungs. It’s perfect for plants, books or bathroom storage.
Window frame picture displays - Hang an old window frame on the wall and add photos or prints behind the panes.
Drawer planters - Line an old drawer and fill it with herbs or flowers. Old drawers make charming indoor planters.
Upcycling jars, tins and textiles - Turn jars into candle holders, tins into desk organisers and old clothes into cushion covers. They’re easy wins for sustainable home décor. These projects are low-cost and high-impact, ideal for beginners.
Upcycling ideas for your garden
Bathtub planters - An old bathtub makes a roomy, eye-catching planter. Drill drainage holes in the bottom before you fill it.
Wooden pallet gardens and raised beds - Pallets can become raised beds or vertical herb gardens. Choose untreated wood where you can, especially for growing food.
Tyre and bicycle wheel trellises - A bicycle wheel makes a fun climbing frame for your plants. Stack tyres, paint them and fill with soil for quick planters.
Teacup bird feeders - Glue a teacup to a saucer, hang it from a branch and fill it with seed. The birds will thank you.
Garden benches from old bed frames - Cut an old bed frame into a seat and back, add a lick of weatherproof paint and enjoy your new bench. It’s sturdy and full of character.
Upcycling when you’re furnishing your first home
Moving in is the perfect time to get creative.
That’s because buying a home takes up a lot of your savings. Upcycling helps you fill your rooms without spending much, and it makes budget home décor feel personal.
Plus, when you eventually come to selling, a fresh, well-kept home photographs better and feels warmer to buyers. A few smart upcycled touches can make your rooms stand out when you’re selling your home.
Here’s how to tell if a green mortgage could help you make your home more sustainable
Upcycling is just the start. If you’re thinking about bigger ways to make your home greener, such as insulation, solar panels or a heat pump, a mortgage adviser can help.
They can work out whether a green mortgage, remortgage or further advance is the right way to fund your plans. Request a callback or contact us today. You can also explore our Green Hub for more ideas on making your home more energy efficient.
Ready to chat? Our advisers are ready to call you back today. The first chat costs nothing and is totally free of obligation.
Something to bear in mind...
Frequently asked questions
It’s giving unwanted items a new use or a new look, so they’re worth more than before.
Recycling breaks items down into raw materials. Upcycling keeps the item and transforms it.
Side tables, picture frames, jars and wooden chairs are all great for beginners.
Chalk paint is easy for beginners. Low-VOC paints are a good choice for indoor projects.
Usually, yes. You pay for paint and a few tools instead of a whole new piece.
Yes. Lightly sand it, add a bonding primer and paint it as normal.
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