One of the best things about being a creative DIYer is taking something old and making it into something new. Perhaps it is no surprise then that some of my favorite pieces of furniture started out as something else. Over the years, I have seen quite a few cool DIY projects where other people converted unexpected things into furniture. Some of them are so cool and unbelievable that I just had to share them with you.

From improvised shelving and seating to lamps and outdoor benches, these DIY furniture hacks are indeed impressive. Check out the before and after photos to see what I mean. You may already have some of these pieces laying around, but if not, they can be picked up cheap at garage sales or thrift stores. Repurpose and upcycle things like this and make some awesome do it yourself home decor today!

Cool DIY Furniture Makeover Ideas

1. DIY Kitchen Stand From Old Cabinet

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DIY Kitchen Stand From Old Cabinet, a furniture hack, a smart upgrade for a plain piece of furniture

Can you believe this old cabinet could be made to look so amazing as a DIY kitchen island? The creative DIY project should be one of the more rewarding things to try. Be sure to take your own before and after pictures when you try this DIY hack with a piece of old office furniture I picked up both of these cabinets at a garage sale for $5.00! They weren’t in perfect shape, but they were made of decent wood, and I knew I would have definitely spent more to make them from scratch. It really was a no-brainer for me. This was a play-it-by-ear sort of project. I dove in with reckless abandon. I just started ripping that sucker apart. I built little cubbies and put a marble top on it. You would not believe the compliments I get on it.

2. DIY Headboard From Door

infarrantlycreative

DIY Headboard From Door, an easy weekend project with a big visual payoff and a favorite worth repeating

Old doors are some of the best things to upcycle since you can do so many different things with them. I have seen DIY coffee tables, desks, and now found this awesome do it yourself headboard. Looks like it came from a designer furniture store, doesn’t it? t was crazy how it happened but, a few weeks back, on our date night, we spotted an old wooden door curbside. The supportive husband that Tim is, he stopped to feed my Roadkill Rescue addiction curiosity. The door was solid wood and luckily my man was with me to heave it into our van. I had immediately had visions of turning the old door into a headboard for our bedroom.

Home Decor Hacks Make For Inexpensive DIY Decor!

4. Foot Rest from Old Drawers

beyondthepicketfence

Foot Rest from Old Drawers, budget friendly and simple to pull off and better than a store bought version
How about a cute little ottoman or stool to rest your tired feet on? They really are quick and easy to make. Pick up a sturdy, lonely drawer at a thrift store or Habitat Re-store and add some legs–4×4’s are sturdy and work well. I always glue them in place first with wood glue and wait for that to dry. I then flip it over and use three screws for each leg to attach them, screwing from the inside. This is one of the easiest most practical and useful DIY upcycled projects I’ve ever made. Try it!

7. Trash to Treasure Curb Side TV Transformation

homehinges

Trash to Treasure Curb Side TV Transformation, a furniture hack, a clever fix for furniture that needs new life

I saw an old TV in my neighbor’s yard the other day and my first impression was that someone had left their garbage in the front yard with the hope someone would take it. The box sat there for several days because who in their right mind would want THAT. It was an OLD TV. Like the kind I remember from when I was five. The kind you actually had to walk up to in order to turn the dial to change the channels. If you don’t have similar memories then you probably don’t have any wrinkles and you definitely don’t know how to rewind a record by picking up the needle and guesstimating the right ring on the record for the song you want. But I digress.

This TV was made back when you only needed 13 or 14 channels. Half of those channels didn’t even have a signal. I want to say that I wasn’t inspired by this old TV on the side of the road at first. I drove past it for several days without a second thought. But then I saw a TV transformation DIY project on Pinterest. It got my creative juices flowing. If she could do it, why couldn’t I?

9. Ladder Towel Rack

funkyjunkinteriors

Ladder Towel Rack, an easy way to give old furniture a second life and better than a store bought version

This old rustic ladder was in the garage when we bought the house and it somehow ended up in the bathroom. We started hanging our towels from it because it was there, in the way, so I thought. Then one day I realized there are no accidents and it stayed, making the best and the easiest DIY upcycled project I’ve ever made!

10. Old Unused Vase into an Adorable Table Lamp

used

Old Unused Vase into an Adorable Table Lamp, great for updating a thrift store find and worth trying soon

These beautiful faceted lamps come in a rainbow of candy-colored lacquer finishes, and its lines are very on trend. Its geometric shape isn’t alone on the marketplace, either. So when I found this angular vase that echoed the gemlike shape of the Delta lamp (and I saw the $10 price tag) I was inspired! I could take this yucky burnt orange iridescent vase and transform it into an oh-so-trendy jewel of a lamp.

I’d seen lamp kits at hardware stores and have since been scouring my local thrift stores for the perfect vase to transform into a lamp… this was my chance! I followed the simple instructions in this simple tutorial and the results were amazing! Everyone I know wants one.

11. Wooden Stool into a Tool and Crafts Organizer

2littlehooligans

Wooden Stool into a Tool and Crafts Organizer, a furniture hack, simple enough for a first time DIYer

Do you love diy furniture hacks? This wooden stool into a tool and crafts organizer idea is exactly the kind of thing I go looking for. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the tool crafts organizer. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. 2littlehooligans has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

Love DIY Crafts? Follow me on Pinterest for more cool ideas!

12. Rustic Cooler Box from Pallets

diyjoy

Rustic Cooler Box from Pallets, a quick upgrade using basic tools and better than a store bought version

I am a big fan of fun crafts, and this rustic cooler box from pallets idea is one of my favorites. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Our full tutorial walks you through every step.

13. Bed Turned Into Bench

jillsabode

Bed Turned Into Bench, a low cost fix that changes the whole piece and better than a store bought version

This bed turned into bench idea is simple, quick, and exactly a clear how-to I keep coming back to. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Get the full recipe from Jillsabode to see every step.

14. Old Kitchen Chairs Hack

spoonfulofimagination

Old Kitchen Chairs Hack, a furniture hack, a smart upgrade for a plain piece of furniture and simple to pull off

Why not try an easy tutorial the easy way? This old kitchen chairs hack idea makes it simple. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Head over to Spoonfulofimagination for the complete recipe.

15. Unused Old Dresser Turned Bench

createinspireme

Unused Old Dresser Turned Bench, an easy weekend project with a big visual payoff and easy to make your own

Unused Old Dresser Turned Bench – yes please. This one delivers on handmade goods without any fuss. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Check out Createinspireme’s full tutorial for all the details.

16. An Old Door into A Life Story

photogmommie

An Old Door into A Life Story, budget friendly and simple to pull off and easy to fit into a weekend

This is home decor, and I never get tired of it. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the into life story. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Photogmommie has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

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19. Dresser Flip

twoityourself

Dresser Flip, a furniture hack, a clever fix for furniture that needs new life and quick to put together

Whether it is a weeknight or a get-together, this dresser flip idea fits right in if you love craft ideas. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. You can grab the whole recipe from Twoityourself at the link.

20. Potting Bench Turned Outdoor Bar

thecreativityexchange

Potting Bench Turned Outdoor Bar, great for updating a thrift store find and worth the little effort

Give this potting bench turned outdoor bar idea a try the next time you want DIY projects. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Get the full recipe from Thecreativityexchange to see every step.

21. Upcycled Side Table into Planter

offbeatandinspired

Upcycled Side Table into Planter, simple enough for a first time DIYer and an easy one to make again

This upcycled side table into planter idea nails easy crafts, no fuss. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the table into planter. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Try it yourself with our full recipe tutorial.

23. Step Ladder Side Table

funkyjunkinteriors

Step Ladder Side Table, a furniture hack, a quick upgrade using basic tools and satisfying to finish

Ever crave a fun DIY? This step ladder side table idea is the one I keep going back to. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Funkyjunkinteriors has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

24. Night Stands from a Desk

sugarbeecrafts

Night Stands from a Desk, an easy way to give old furniture a second life and a solid pick for later

I have always loved fun crafts, and this night stands from a desk idea is a great example why. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. You can grab the whole recipe from Sugarbeecrafts at the link.

25. Padded Bench Out of Bookshelf

iheartorganizing

Padded Bench Out of Bookshelf, a low cost fix that changes the whole piece and a nice change of pace

This padded bench out of bookshelf idea is quick, easy, and a real win for diy furniture hacks. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Get the full recipe from Iheartorganizing to see every step.

26. Crib into Toddler Loft Bed

adrielbooker

Crib into Toddler Loft Bed, a furniture hack, a smart upgrade for a plain piece of furniture and worth a second look

Why make it complicated? This crib into toddler loft bed idea keeps an easy tutorial simple. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the toddler loft bed. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Try it yourself with our full recipe tutorial.

28. Repurposed Cot

alittlelearningfortwo

Repurposed Cot, an easy weekend project with a big visual payoff and better than a store bought version

Repurposed Cot? Sign me up. This is handmade goods done right. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Check out Alittlelearningfortwo’s full tutorial for all the details.

29. File Cabinet into a Garage Storage Favorite

tttreasure

File Cabinet into a Garage Storage Favorite, budget friendly and simple to pull off and easy enough to repeat

Here is a fun DIY, and I keep coming back to it year after year. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Blog has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

30. French Style Bench From Old Chairs

anoregoncottage

French Style Bench From Old Chairs, a furniture hack, a clever fix for furniture that needs new life

From a quiet night in to a full house, this french style bench from old chairs idea works if you love fun crafts. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the from old chairs. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. You can grab the whole recipe from Anoregoncottage at the link.

31. Dresser into A Vanity

beneathmyheart

Dresser into A Vanity, great for updating a thrift store find and better than a store bought version

Try this dresser into a vanity idea next time you’re after a clear how-to. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Get the full recipe from Beneathmyheart to see every step.

33. Old Crib To Plate Holder

somedaycrafts

Old Crib To Plate Holder, simple enough for a first time DIYer and better than a store bought version

Around here, this old crib to plate holder idea disappears fast whenever I make handmade goods. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Check out Somedaycrafts’s full tutorial for all the details.

34. Old Crib Spring to Wall Memo Board

craftaholicsanonymous

Old Crib Spring to Wall Memo Board, a furniture hack, an easy way to give old furniture a second life

Looking for a fun DIY that actually works? This old crib spring to wall memo board idea is it. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Craftaholicsanonymous has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

35. Hanging Chair Closet Organizer

yiconglu

Hanging Chair Closet Organizer, a quick upgrade using basic tools and better than a store bought version

I will admit it, I am obsessed with fun crafts, and this hanging chair closet organizer idea proves it. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the chair closet organizer. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. You can grab the whole recipe from Yiconglu at the link.

36. An Old Table into Kids Lego Table

fussymonkeybiz

An Old Table into Kids Lego Table, a low cost fix that changes the whole piece and worth bookmarking

This an old table into kids lego table idea is fuss free and delivers on a clear how-to. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Get the full recipe from Fussymonkeybiz to see every step.

37. From Coffee Table to Ottoman

newlywedmcgees

From Coffee Table to Ottoman, a furniture hack, a smart upgrade for a plain piece of furniture and a project worth repeating

No need to overthink a fun DIY – this from coffee table to ottoman idea is refreshingly simple. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Head over to Newlywedmcgees for the complete recipe.

38. Artwork Display for Children using Cabinet Doors

dimplicity

Artwork Display for Children using Cabinet Doors, an easy weekend project with a big visual payoff and an easy pick for later

Artwork Display for Children using Cabinet Doors, and it is a good one. Just fun crafts, no fuss. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the using cabinet doors. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Check out Dimplicity’s full tutorial for all the details.

Stephanie Hicks | DIY JOY

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Stephanie

Since I lover experiments, I’ve alwaysnloved to create, paint, as well as cook and style food. I feel in love with DIY as soon as I discovered it and could not have been more excited when I learned I could share projects with people around the world. Taking photos is a passion of mine, as is design and painting with oils. I love holidays and celebrations, crafting cute little gifts and serving up at least one new recipe I am excited about.

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