Anyone can buy fancy supplies from the craft store when they want to tackle a home decoration project. However, it takes a truly creative spirit to make something out of upcycled DIY ideas from trash.

Upcycling is different from recycling because it isn’t just turning one thing into another. It’s giving the object an upgrade: a prettier design, a better function or a whole new purpose entirely.

34 Genius Upcycled DIY Ideas to Turn Trash to Treasure

Upcycled DIY Ideas from Trash

There are a lot of benefits when you start thinking about upcycled DIY ideas from trash. For one, you can get rid of clutter around the house; instead of holding on to that broken rocking chair with the distant hope of fixing it some day, you can turn it into a wall shelf right now.

Upcycling is also good for the environment. Instead of littering the ocean with your plastic bottles and soda can rings, you can incorporate them into craft projects that sit proudly on your mantle.

The very best thing about upcycling is the sense of accomplishment that you feel when you take a sad, broken object and transform it into something amazing. Your creativity will flourish with every stroke of your paintbrush, and you’ll start to see everything around you with an upcycling eye.

Are you ready to experiment with upcycling projects? Here are just a few upcycled DIY ideas from trash that might inspire you to a bigger and better home design. Some of these crafts are very basic, and others will take power tools and a bit of elbow grease to complete. All of them will look gorgeous when they’re finished. Have fun!

1. Creative Bathroom Basket from a Simple Box

Creative Bathroom Basket from a Simple Box

DIY Project Details: elizabethjoandesigns.com

2. Lovely Upcycled DIY Chair for Your Bathroom

Lovely Upcycled DIY Chair for Your Bathroom

DIY Project Details: prodigalpieces.com

3. Floral DIY Colander Planter

Floral DIY Colander Planter

DIY Project Details: kalynbrooke.com

4. From Tire to Cozy Furniture

From Tire to Cozy Furniture

DIY Project Details: inhabitat.com

5. Awesome Upcycled DIY PET Bottle Lamp

Awesome Upcycled DIY PET Bottle Lamp

DIY Project Details: ohohblog.com

6. Layered Baking Tin Storage

Layered Baking Tin Storage

DIY Project Details: grillo-designs.com

7. Phone Caddies Never Looked So Lotion’ed

Phone Caddies Never Looked So Lotion'ed

DIY Project Details: makeit-loveit.com

8. Don’t Throw Away Those Chipped Mugs

Don't Throw Away Those Chipped Mugs

DIY Project Details: homeroad.net

9. Upcycled Suitcase from Your Travels

Upcycled Suitcase from Your Travels

DIY Project Details: diynetwork.com

10. Homemade Centerpiece with Florals

Homemade Centerpiece with Florals

DIY Project Details: diy-enthusiasts.com

11. Repurposed Wooden Cable Spool

Repurposed Wooden Cable Spool

DIY Project Details: diyinspired.com

12. Turqoise Can Bottle Cutlery Storage

Turqoise Can Bottle Cutlery Storage

DIY Project Details: handimania.com

13. Cute White Florist Bucket Transformation

Cute White Florist Bucket Transformation

DIY Project Details: shabbyfufublog.com

14. Awesome Rusty Kitchen Grater Owl

Awesome Rusty Kitchen Grater Owl

DIY Project Details: myturnforus.com

15. Bycicle Rim Clock for Bike Fans

Bycicle Rim Clock for Bike Fans

DIY Project Details: ehow.com

17. No-Sew Zipper Cases from Plastic Bottles

No-Sew Zipper Cases from Plastic Bottles

DIY Project Details: makeit-loveit.com

18. Mini Bell Jar From Wine Glass

Mini Bell Jar From Wine Glass

DIY Project Details: bywilma.com

19. Repurposed Antique Mirror from the Thrift Store

Repurposed Antique Mirror from the Thrift Store

DIY Project Details: confessionsofaserialdiyer.com

20. Fluffy Updated Lampshade Using a Sweater

Fluffy Updated Lampshade Using a Sweater

DIY Project Details: unskinnyboppy.com

21. Gorgeously Hand-Painted Thrift Store Finds

Gorgeously Hand-Painted Thrift Store Finds

DIY Project Details: sincerelysarad.com

22. Sweet Craft Candy Jars for Sweet Treats

Sweet Craft Candy Jars for Sweet Treats

DIY Project Details: girlinthegarage.net

26. Farmhouse Style Light with Chicken Wire

Farmhouse Style Light with Chicken Wire

DIY Project Details: thewoodgraincottage.com

27. From Plastic to Rustic Trash Cans

From Plastic to Rustic Trash Cans

DIY Project Details: nelidesign.com

28. Simple But Decorative Storage Boxes

Simple But Decorative Storage Boxes

DIY Project Details: apieceofrainbow.com

30. Recycled Coffee Can into a Planter Bucket

Recycled Coffee Can into a Planter Bucket

DIY Project Details: thewickerhouse.blogspot.com

31. Upcycled Stylish Rustic Pallet Shelf

Upcycled Stylish Rustic Pallet Shelf

DIY Project Details: savvysavingcouple.net

32. Rustic Accessories for Old-Country Charm

Rustic Accessories for Old-Country Charm

DIY Project Details: lifesjoyphotography.com

33. Yet Another Use for Mason Jars

Yet Another Use for Mason Jars

DIY Project Details: diyprojects.com

34. Outside the Box Decoration with Mirror

Outside the Box Decoration with Mirror

DIY Project Details: goodhousekeeping.com