10 Ways to Upcycle Old Toys for Your Home

A sculpture of a pug made out of upcycled plastic toys.

If you’re not quite ready to grow up and embrace all that is adult in decorating your home, there is a way you can bring part of your childhood into your home with great, if not quirky, ideas.  If you still have many of your old toys or have children that have grown tired of theirs, instead of tossing them away create something unique.  Here are ten ways to upcycle old toys for your home that will make you feel like a kid again…or help decorate a child’s room.

  1. Sculpture

A jumble of plastic figures, cars, and various game pieces can be transformed with paint and glue into a unique and fun sculpture.  What a conversation piece this would be!

A silver car statue displayed on a table.
Create art or functional pieces for the home with old toys (brightnest)

If you or your child is somewhat rough on toys, perhaps you have a few extra limbs or doll heads lying around.  Turn those mismatched doll parts into art.

A sculpture of a head with many hands on it created by upcycling old toys.
Sculpture using doll parts (buzzfeed)

2. Wall Art

Create instant art for your child’s bedroom or playroom with small painted canvases and old toys.  Paint the toys and canvases in fun colors and create a unique and cheerful wall display.

A wall full of upcycled animals and butterflies.
Wall art using old toys (Pinterest)

Model airplanes make a fun wall display.

A wall full of airplanes and a globe transformed through upcycling.
Wall décor using old model airplanes (furnishburnish)

3. Lampshade

The combination of toy cars and army men come together for a unique lampshade.  Use an old lampshade frame as your base and build from there.

A table lamp made out of upcycled pieces of metal.
Lampshade using old toys (inhabitat)

4. Bowl

Create bowls made from toy figures for fun party server ware or for keeping fruit in the kitchen.  Kids will love this and may even eat more fruit!

A bowl full of plastic animals on a window sill: Upcycle toys
Bowl made from old toys (homejelly)

5. Jar Lids

Organize craft supplies with color coordinated lids topped with toy figures.  This is a fun way to store supplies in a playroom or classroom.

Related:
Go Bold with Color in 2015
A set of colorful jars with pens and pencils in them, upcycled.
Colorful jar tops using old toys (blog-etsy)

6. Organizer

Create organizational pieces with old toys and use them in the kitchen for holding utensils.

10 Ways to Upcycle Old Toys for Your Home with lego utensil holder and utensils.
Utensil holder using old toys (lifebuzz)

7. Frame

Paint toy figures with gold paint and mount them to a frame to make a special piece to surround your favorite artwork from a child or family photos.

A gold frame adorned with ornaments.
Frame using old toys (Pinterest)

8. Wall Hooks

Cut plastic animals in half to make a charming rack for hanging household items.

A coat hanger upcycled with a cat and dog toy.
Wall hooks using old toys (recreatedesigncompany)

9. Planter

Paint toy figures and turn them into planters.

A t-rex statue sits on top of a stack of books, upcycling.
Old toy transformed into a planter (bobvila)

10. Furniture

What’s more fun than jumping into a pile of stuffed animals?  Go a few steps further by attaching stuffed animals to a chair base for a fun and quirky furniture piece.

Ways to incorporate stuffed animals into your home decor.
Chair created with stuffed toys (kidcrave)

There is no limit to the imaginative creations you can make with old toys.  Whether you are nostalgic, are searching for creative ways to decorate a child’s room, or you simply want to make use of old toys, dig through those toy chests to find tomorrow’s great piece of art or functional household tool.

 

 
upcycle old toys

10 Ways to ⁤Upcycle ⁤Old ⁣Toys for Your Home

There is no limit to the ​imaginative ⁤creations⁣ you can make with old ⁤toys. Whether you are⁤ nostalgic, are searching for creative ways to decorate a‌ child’s room, or you simply want to⁣ make use of old toys, dig through those toy chests to find ​tomorrow’s great piece of art or functional household tool.

1. Toy Planter Pots

Transform old toys into unique⁣ planter pots by cutting⁢ them in⁢ half, hollowing out the insides, and adding soil and your favorite plants. This can add a whimsical ‍touch ‌to your indoor or outdoor ⁣garden.

Related:
Cheerful and Bright Interior Design Using Shades of Yellow

2.Toy Bookends

Use⁣ sturdy⁢ toys like building blocks or action figures to create decorative bookends. Simply glue the toys to a wooden base for stability and stack your books between them.

3. toy ‌wall​ Art

Arrange colorful toys in a shadow⁢ box‌ or frame them to create playful and eye-catching⁤ wall art. This can be a fun way ⁢to ‍showcase beloved toys from your childhood.

4. Toy Coat Hooks

Attach toys with flat ⁣surfaces, such as toy cars or animals, to a wooden board to create unique and functional coat hooks. This can add a⁣ touch of whimsy to your entryway or​ children’s room.

5. Toy⁤ Lamp Base

Repurpose a large toy, such as a doll or robot, as a base⁢ for a custom lamp.‍ Simply attach​ a lamp kit and shade to​ the ⁣toy to create a one-of-a-kind lighting fixture.

6. Toy Terrarium⁣ Decor

Add miniature toys like animals ‍or figurines to⁢ your terrarium to ⁤create a whimsical scene. This can ⁢provide a fun and creative touch ‌to your indoor garden.

7. Toy Drawer Knobs

Replace standard ⁢drawer⁢ knobs with colorful toys to add a pop of personality to furniture. Secure the toys in place⁤ with⁤ screws to create custom and playful drawer pulls.

8.Toy Wall Hooks

Mount toys with hooks,‍ such ​as toy hammers or dolls with arms, onto the‍ wall to create functional hanging hooks for ⁣keys, ‍hats, ‌or jewellery. This can be both practical and decorative.

9.Toy Plant labels

Repurpose ⁣small toy figures as plant labels for your garden. ⁤Simply attach a label with the plant’s name to the toy figure and place it near the corresponding plant.

Related:
5 Alternative Wall Treatments for Your Home

10. Toy Photo Holders

Use small toys like ‌building blocks or toy animals to create unique ⁣photo holders. Simply⁢ attach a clip or wire to the toy to securely hold a cherished photo or‍ note.

Toy upcycling idea Description
Toy Planter Pots Create⁤ unique planters by repurposing old toys as ⁤containers for your favorite plants.
Toy Bookends Use toys as decorative bookends to add a playful ⁣touch to ‍your bookshelves.
toy Wall Art Frame colorful toys ⁢to create⁤ whimsical wall ⁢art for your home.

With‌ a little creativity and DIY spirit, old toys‍ can be given new life as functional and decorative items for your home. Upcycling toys not only reduces waste but ⁢also⁢ adds a personal touch to your living space. So, grab ‌those dusty toys from the attic and start transforming them into unique pieces that will spark joy and nostalgia in your home.

1 thought on “10 Ways to Upcycle Old Toys for Your Home”

  1. What a creative idea, Jenny! Upcycling old toys not only gives them a new life but also adds a unique charm to home decor. Can’t wait to try out some of these suggestions!

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