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No matter how much we love our home decor at first, it eventually bores us. You don't need to start from scratch to make a change! If your home needs a new look, but you're on a budget and/or don't want to throw out what you have, here's how to  upcycle your living room. 

What is upcycling?

Upcycling is reusing discarded objects or material to create a product of higher quality or value than the original. It's a great way to breathe new life into old things and avoid creating waste. 

Living room upcycling ideas

If your living room feels dated or boring, give these upcycling tutorials a try.

Reupholster your couch 

There's no need to go furniture shopping to revamp your living room! If you're not a fan of the look of your current couch, but don't mind its shape, reupholstering is a great idea. You don't need to have it done professionally, either -- which can cost as much or more as buying a new couch. This tutorial walks you through how to DIY reupholster your couch with ease. 

Revamp your recliner 

If you have an old recliner or two in your living room, your space may feel a little dated. You can breathe new life into your recliner with a slipcover.

Upcycle your coffee table or build one

Coffee tables can be really expensive. If you already have one that you like the shape of, but not the colour or texture of, here's how to paint your coffee table for a whole new look and feel. If it's got a storage shelf, consider adding decorative baskets from the dollar store to enhance its storage capabilities. 

If you don't have a coffee table, but need one, here's how you can upcycle wood pallets into a coffee table. 

DIY a lampshade

If you enjoy parts of your lamp, like its base, but not all, like its shade, why not make a new lamp shade? It's easier than you think. 

DIY a lamp

No lamps to upcycle? Make some from scratch by upcycling old bottles into lamps! It's easier than you think and the results are so cool.

Overhaul your dining table 

Many apartments combine the dining room and living room area. If your current dining area is killing your vibe, there are many ways you can DIY an upgrade. Start by decluttering as many people use their dining table as a quasi storage space for odds and ends. Put those items away, out of sight, in drawers, shelves or baskets and focus your attention on your dining table and chairs. If your dining table has seen better days, consider painting it. If your dining chairs aren't the nicest, consider covering them with new upholstery or a DIY dining chair slip cover. 

Create dining table decor

Once the base of your dining room is upcycled, you can start to add on the frills that will make it look truly special. You'd be shocked by how many amazing decor pieces you can make with old jars and bottles. You can also create upcycled table centrepieces with things you have lying around the house.

Revamp your bookshelf

If you’re a bookworm, you likely have a bookshelf in your living room. You can give your bookshelf a new look with a paint job or reimagine your bookshelf by adding doors. If your bookshelf is open with a back wall, consider using decorative wallpaper to add colour and pattern to its design. If you need more storage, decorative baskets from the dollar store arranged on bookshelves create storage opportunities for odds and ends.  

Upcycle your picture frames 

Most people have picture frames in their homes. Here are some fun ways to upcycle old picture frames.

Reinvent your TV stand

A TV stand tends to be a large piece of furniture, and potentially a bit of an eyesore. Give your TV stand new life by upcycling it. You'll be shocked by how chic it can look and how functional it can be.

Upcycle your old rug

If you have an old rug in your living room you're ready to part ways with, give it a second chance! You can upcycle that rug into everything from a new wall hanging to cool coasters.

We hope these upcycling ideas help you save money on a living room makeover and divert your furniture from landfills.

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