14 Creative Ideas for Repurposing Old Objects in Beautiful New Ways

One of the tenets of elevated décor is incorporating unique items that lend interest and originality to a space. Sure, you can buy a vase for daffodils—but why not make a statement by displaying them in a gleaming silver Champagne bucket instead? In fact, finding new uses for the things you already have is one of the easiest tricks for creating a home filled with personality. That this kind of repurposing is also sustainable and saves money is the icing on the cake. Here are some of the ways we’ve found new life for favorite objects over the years—let these ideas inspire you to rethink the items you have on hand.

Turn Plates Into Wall Art

Whether you have flea-market finds, chipped favorites, or pristine heirlooms, hanging pretty plates puts the beauty of your china on display. Create a gallery wall like the one here (featuring the beautiful ceramics of Paris-based atelier Astier de Villatte) or stagger a strategic few.

Hang a Favorite Quilt for a Headboard

Quilts were made to be used, so why do so many of us have a favorite one neatly stored in the linen closet, never to see the light of day? It’s often because we don’t want to add wear and tear to a handmade heirloom or modern masterpiece. The solution? Hang it as a headboard.

House Jewelry on a Spool Rack

If you happen to have a spool rack on hand (or if you see one at a flea market) and you have an unwieldy tangle of jewelry in a drawer—you know what to do.

Stack Books to Elevate Plants or Other Objects

Something I learned from former Martha Stewart creative director Gael Towey is that everything looks better elevated—using risers to stagger the heights in a collection of objects makes for a beautifully balanced display. We like cake stands and pedestals to do this, but even a stack of books can do wonders.

Use Vintage Ceramics for Counter Storage and Display

Vintage ceramics may be too precious—or too old—for food service, but that doesn’t mean they should be hidden away in a cupboard. A platter or a display stand can become a beautiful decorative moment; cake plates and bowls can be used for fresh fruit and frequently used items; a pitcher makes the perfect receptacle for attractive kitchen tools. 

Turn Serving Dishes Into Catchalls

If you have a collection of cake stands or compote dishes—DIY or otherwise—put them to use as a decorative way to make order of the random things that end up on your dresser.

Use a Stepladder for a Bedside Table

For a vintage stepladder you're no longer using, try it as a nightstand. All too often, the small surface area of a bedside table becomes a jumble of items. Here, the steps give order to the chaos and even allow for an orderly arrangement of books and a vase of flowers.

Put Silver Trays and Candy Jars to Use in the Bathroom

The bathroom may be the last place you think of for using glass candy jars and fine silver that may be languishing in a cabinet somewhere—but this functional space should not suffer from mundane design choices. Almost anything looks better on silver, including cotton balls and swabs.

Corral Sink Essentials With Dessert Dishes

Small dishes for serving sweet treats are perfect for containing kitchen sink essentials and protecting them from puddles of water that may accumulate in the area. Use them for hand soap, dish soap, scrubbers, and even as a designated spot to safeguard jewelry when washing up.

Use Teacups for Jewelry and Trinkets

Individual pieces from old tea sets make an exquisite way to store gems and baubles. You can create a secret tea party in a drawer, as we did here—but this idea is easily lovely enough for a more prominent display on a dresser or vanity.

Try a Tray as a Backdrop 

Arranging objects is all about grouping and layering—which is where a nice tray can do some heavy lifting. Use your prettiest server as a backdrop for items to create a cohesive and complete vignette.

Turn Extra Pots Into Planter Pedestals

Few houseplant lovers don’t have a stack of empty pots lurking somewhere. If you’re cleaning out the garden shed and come across old pots, put them into service! By using a pot for a planter pedestal, you get that all-important elevation—and you also get a new form that stands the traditional pot shape on its head.

Use a Glass Jar to Display Natural Souvenirs

Apothecary jars, candy jars, and even mason jars are brimming with decorative potential. Aside from storing the obvious, you can use them to house (and protect) natural specimens that you’ve collected on a walk or during vacation. Feathers, seashells, a bird’s nest, driftwood, and dried botanicals are all transformed into treasures. 

Use a Vintage Chair as a Nightstand

If you’re short a nightstand and have a vintage chair in need of a purpose, you’re in luck. Chairs are a good height and width to hold the things one might need bedside. This is especially cute for a guestroom as a way to welcome friends with sweet amenities.

These are just a few ideas to inspire you to look at old objects in a new light. The next time you need a specific item for organizing or décor, see what you have on hand. With a bit of creative thinking, it’s likely you already have a clever (and beautiful!) solution for what you need.