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13 Fun Ideas for Upcycling Old Chairs

Whether you have an old wooden chair sitting in your garage that’s seen better days or you were able to snag an old rocking chair while hitting up garage sales, there are plenty of creative ways to give new life and repurpose old chairs. 

And don’t just turn up your nose at first glance if the chair you see at a yard sale has a broken seat or the legs of a chair are missing because what just looks like a piece of wood could easily turn into a bathroom towel rack, a cute flower pot holder, or a coat rack.

There are so many options for a DIY project involving wooden chairs, some wood glue, a fresh coat of paint, and a staple gun. 

So the next time you’re headed to the thrift store or flea market, keep your eyes peeled for old dining chairs, a wooden folding chair, or even vintage chair backs (it doesn’t have to be an entire chair). 

With a little bit of new fabric, wood stain, a few simple steps, and a great idea, you’re well on your way to giving repurposed life to old furniture using these upcycling ideas.

upcycling old chairs

What can you make out of old chairs?

Of course the obvious thing to do with a chair that has seen better days is to paint and/or reupholster it. But if you feel like it’s past that point there are still lots of things you can do with them!

Below is a great list of chair projects and great uses for giving new purpose to an old piece of furniture (including links to tutorials). There is no end to creative ideas when it comes to upcycling old chairs.

Here are a few more easy DIY ideas in addition to the ones linked to below:

  • a storage bench to store blankets or throw pillows
  • a towel rack for your bathroom
  • dog bowl chairs
  • a porch swing
  • a sweet little bench for your porch
  • wooden garden boxes or a garden bench
  • a photo hanger from the back of a chair
  • garden planter
  • pet beds

And if you’re trying to do this on a budget, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to get free furniture.

13 Ideas for Upcyling Old Chairs

This creative list of upcycled chair projects is the perfect example of how you can turn trash to treasure by giving an old wooden dining chair, or soft armchair a new lease of life.

If you think you need new chairs for your home, check these out as you may be able to still do something with the old ones to keep them out of the landfill. 

The number of different things you can do to upcycle old chairs is practically endless. 

If your chair project involves reupholstering, check out my guide for fabric upholstery and for reupholstering an armchair

Are you new to upcycling? Here is our bumper guide to upcycling and all the different things you can upcycle.

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