Pillows play a significant role in our daily lives, providing comfort and support during our hours of rest. However, over time, pillows lose their original plushness and shape, leaving many of us wondering what to do with these seemingly useless items. Fortunately, there’s a world of creative possibilities waiting for you to explore.
Don’t toss those old pillows just yet! They hold the potential for a second life, adding comfort and functionality to your home. With a little creativity and effort, you can repurpose them into various useful items, saving money and reducing waste.
In this article, we’ll delve into innovative ways to repurpose old pillows, helping you reduce waste and breathe new life into your beloved cushions.
Amazing ways to repurpose your old pillows
1. Upcycle into Decorative Throw Pillows
Give your living room a fresh look with new throw pillows made from old ones. You can change the covers with vibrant fabrics, add embroidery or appliques, or even create different shapes for a unique touch.
2. Make Cozy Floor Cushions
Transform your old pillows into comfy floor cushions for watching movies, playing games, or relaxing. You can sew a new cover with fabric of your choice or simply reuse the existing one. Add some decorative buttons or tassels for an extra touch.
3. Create Comfortable Pet Beds
Give your furry friend a luxurious place to rest with a DIY pet bed. Simply remove the filling from an old pillow and place it inside a pet bed cover. You can also add additional cushioning materials or even personalize the bed with your pet’s name.
4. Craft Draft Stoppers
Keep drafts at bay by creating DIY draft stoppers. Cut the old pillow into strips and sew them together into a long tube. Fill the tube with fabric scraps or beans for added weight. Place the draft stopper at the bottom of doors or windows to prevent cold air from entering.
5. Design Knee Pads for Gardening
Protect your knees while gardening by creating DIY knee pads. Cut out two circular pieces from an old pillow and attach them to a pair of gardening pants or leggings with velcro or straps.
6. Fashion a Reading Nook
Create a cozy reading nook by stacking old pillows in a corner with a soft blanket and your favorite books.
7. Build Soft Toys
Transform old pillows into stuffed animals or dolls for children. They’ll love the softness and cuddliness of their new toys.
8. Craft a Headboard
Give your bedroom a unique touch by using old pillows to create a padded headboard. Cover them with fabric that matches your décor.
9. Make All-Natural Bean Bags
Fill old pillowcases with dried beans or rice to create DIY bean bags for family game nights.
10. Donate to Animal Shelters
Animal shelters are always in need of bedding materials for their rescued animals. Donate your old pillows to give them a comfortable place to sleep and rest.
11. Sew Quilts and Blankets
Cut old pillows into smaller pieces and incorporate them into homemade quilts or blankets.
12. Craft a Door Wreath
Use old pillows as the base for a decorative door wreath. Add fabric and seasonal decorations to match any occasion.
13. Support Garden Plants
Use old pillows as plant supports in your garden. They can help protect delicate stems and leaves from strong winds.
14. Upcycle into Travel Pillows
Make your travels more comfortable by creating a DIY travel pillow. Cut a small piece from an old pillow and stuff it into a travel pillowcase. You can also add straps or ties to secure it to your luggage.
15. Design Hand Warmers
Cut old pillows into small squares, sew them into pouches, and fill them with rice. Heat them in the microwave for soothing hand warmers.
16. Construct a Pet Bed Ramp
Help your aging pets reach their beds more easily by creating a gentle ramp using old pillows as the cushioning.
17. Make a Picnic Blanket
Sew together several old pillows to create a padded picnic blanket. It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings.
18. Build a Kids’ Play Mat
Sew brightly colored pillowcases together to make a soft and safe play mat for young children.
19. Craft Outdoor Cushions
Cover old pillows with waterproof fabric to make durable outdoor cushions for your patio furniture.
20. Create a Home Gym Mat
Stitch pillowcases together to create a comfortable mat for your home gym or yoga practice.
21. Sew Chair Cushions
Give your dining chairs a makeover by making custom chair cushions from old pillows.
22. Design a Lap Desk
Create a comfortable lap desk by attaching a wooden board to an old pillow. It’s perfect for working or studying on the sofa.
23. Construct a Dollhouse
Use small sections of old pillows to create miniature mattresses for a dollhouse.
24. Make a Door Stopper
Fill an old pillowcase with beans or rice to create a stylish and functional door stopper.
25. Donate to Homeless Shelters
Consider donating your old pillows to local homeless shelters. They can provide much-needed comfort to those in need.
26. Repurpose as Packing and Moving Material
Save money on packing materials when moving by using your old pillows. Wrap fragile items like glassware and dishes in the soft pillow filling for protection.
How can I creatively repurpose a pregnancy pillow?
Repurposing a pregnancy pillow can be a fun and useful project. Here are some creative ideas:
Body Pillow: Continue using it as a body pillow for added comfort and support during sleep.
Reading Nook: Create a cozy reading nook by placing the pillow in a corner with lots of cushions, making it an inviting space to curl up with a book.
Baby Lounger: Fold the pillow into a U-shape and use it as a safe and comfortable baby lounger or nest for your little one.
Sofa or Floor Cushion: Place the pillow on your sofa or on the floor as an extra cushion for seating.
Back Support: Keep it as lumbar support for your office chair or while sitting on the couch.
Crafting and Sewing Aid: Use the pillow as a comfortable cushion while crafting or sewing for added wrist and arm support.
Yoga Prop: Employ it as a yoga prop for support and alignment during yoga and stretching exercises.
Travel Companion: Take it on road trips or flights for added comfort during long journeys.
Donate or Gift: If you’re no longer using it, consider donating it to a pregnant friend or a local shelter.
Repurposing a pregnancy pillow allows you to continue enjoying its comfort and support in various creative ways.
How can I effectively repurpose a Boppy pillow?
Repurposing a Boppy pillow can open up various creative possibilities. Here are some effective ways:
1. Nursing Pillow: Continue using it as a nursing pillow, even if your baby has outgrown it. It can provide comfort during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
2. Tummy Time Aid: Place the Boppy pillow on the floor to help support your baby during tummy time sessions, promoting strength and development.
3. Support Pillow: Utilize it as a support pillow for your back, neck, or legs while sitting or sleeping, aiding in posture and comfort.
4. Reading or TV Pillow: Make it a comfortable cushion for reading, watching TV, or working on your laptop.
5. Travel Companion: Take it on trips as a versatile travel pillow, offering neck support, lumbar support, or even as a cushion on long journeys.
6. Floor Cushion: Use it as an extra floor cushion for guests, movie nights, or playtime with children.
7. Exercise Prop: Incorporate it into your fitness routine as a prop for yoga, stretching, or Pilates exercises.
8. Pregnancy Support: If you’re pregnant, repurpose it for added support while sleeping or resting.
9. Donate or Gift: Pass it on to someone who could benefit from its intended use or repurpose it for their needs.
Repurposing a Boppy pillow can extend its usefulness and provide comfort and support in various situations.
How to repurpose pillow shams?
Repurposing pillow shams can be a creative way to give them new life. Here are some ideas:
1. Table Runner: Use larger pillow shams as a decorative table runner. They can introduce vibrant colors and interesting textures to enhance your dining table setting.
2. Cushion Covers: Transform pillow shams into cushion covers for your throw pillows. Simply slip the pillows inside the shams and zip or sew them shut.
3. Wall Art: Frame smaller pillow shams or stretch them over canvases to create unique wall art or tapestries.
4. Fabric for Crafts: Cut up pillow shams to use the fabric for various craft projects like quilting, sewing, or making decorative pillow covers.
5. Drapery: Sew or clip pillow shams onto curtain rods as makeshift drapes or valances for a quick room makeover.
6. Pet Bed Covers: If they’re the right size, repurpose pillow shams into covers for your pet’s bed or cushion.
7. Picnic Blanket: Stitch several pillow shams together to make a picnic blanket. The fabric can provide some cushioning.
8. Gift Wrap: Use pillow shams as unique gift wrap for presents, especially for larger or oddly shaped items.
9. Headboard Cover: If you have a plain headboard, attach pillow shams to it for a stylish and padded finish.
10. Donate: If you no longer need them, consider donating pillow shams to thrift stores, shelters, or charitable organizations.
Repurposing pillow shams can breathe new life into these decorative fabric pieces and add a touch of creativity to your home decor or DIY projects.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pillow for repurposing?
Yes, you can repurpose any type of pillow, including throw pillows, bed pillows, and even decorative cushions.
How do I clean old pillows before repurposing them?
It’s essential to clean old pillows thoroughly before repurposing. Most can be machine-washed and dried. Follow the care instructions on the label.
Are there any safety precautions when repurposing pillows for kids?
When using repurposed pillows for kids’ projects, ensure that all small parts are securely attached to prevent choking hazards.
Can I repurpose pillows with feathers or downfilling?
Yes, you can repurpose feather or down-filled pillows, but be prepared for a messier process. Ensure the feathers are properly contained.
What’s the best way to store old pillows before repurposing?
Store old pillows in a dry, cool place to prevent mold or mildew growth. Vacuum-sealed bags work well for compact storage.
How can I find local organizations that accept pillow donations?
Contact local charities, shelters, or animal rescues to inquire about their donation policies and whether they accept pillow donations.
Conclusion
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little imagination, you can find countless ways to repurpose your old pillows into useful and beautiful items. So next time you’re tempted to throw out your old pillows, think twice and consider giving them a second life!
Remember, repurposing is a great way to be environmentally conscious and save money. It’s also a fun and creative way to add personal touches to your home. So get crafty and give your old pillows a new lease on life!
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