Give Old Treasures New Life: Thrifting & Upcycling at Home
Let’s be real furnishing or decorating your home isn’t cheap these days. But that doesn’t mean you have to leave your space looking dull. A lot of South Africans are getting creative with what they’ve already got or what they can find second-hand and giving it a second life. That’s where upcycling comes in.
You might’ve seen it on TikTok or Pinterest people taking old bits and pieces, like chairs, shelves, or crates, and turning them into fresh, unique furniture or décor. It’s not just trendy, it’s also kinder on your wallet and the environment.
So, What is Upcycling Anyway?
In simple terms, upcycling means taking something that’s either very old, no longer useful (or just ugly) and turning it into something better. Instead of throwing it away or recycling it into raw material, you’re giving it a whole new purpose. No fancy factory involved.
Old drawers become bedside tables, crates become bookshelves, and broken mirrors can turn into cool wall art. It’s all about looking at stuff differently and asking, “What else could this be?”
Why Give It a Go?
There are loads of reasons to try your hand at upcycling. Here are a few that might convince you:
- It’s cheaper. You don’t need to buy brand-new things sometimes you already have what you need.
- It’s eco-friendly. Less stuff going to landfills is always a win.
- It’s fun. You get to be creative and hands-on, even if you’ve never done DIY before.
It’s personal. You’ll end up with something no one else has, and that makes your space feel like yours.
A Real-Life Example: The Old Wooden Chair
Everyone’s got one that wobbly old chair in the corner, or the one from your gran’s house that’s too sentimental to toss. Give it a proper clean, sand off the flaking varnish, slap on some paint in a colour that suits your space, and seal it to make it last. Maybe even re-cover the cushion if you’re feeling ambitious. Boom brand-new accent chair.
You will Need:
What Can You Upcycle?
Pretty much anything, if you think about it. But here are a few easy ones to start with:
- Old furniture like shelves, tables, and sideboards
- Wooden crates or pallets (easy wins!)
- Mirrors and frames
- Bits of wood, tiles, or other leftovers from past projects
- Jars, tins, and even fabric scraps
You don’t need to be a professional. Sometimes all you need is paint, glue, a screwdriver and a bit of YouTube inspiration.
Why It Matters
Upcycling is more than just a home trend—it’s a lifestyle choice. It encourages slower, more intentional living and helps reduce waste. Plus, it gives you a way to engage with your home creatively and practically. You’re not just decorating—you’re problem-solving, styling, and making something that’s uniquely yours.
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Final Thought
You don’t have to be a professional DIYer to start upcycling. All it takes is a little time, a bit of patience, and a willingness to experiment. Start small, use what you have, and enjoy the process. You might just find that the best pieces in your home are the ones you made yourself.
And hey — if you do try something, post it and tag us. We’d love to see it. Use #UpcycleSA and tag @LeroyMerlinSA to show off your work!