Got old toys lying around? Instead of letting them collect dust, turn them into creative and playful decor. With a little imagination, those childhood favorites can add personality and charm to any room. Whether you want something nostalgic, quirky, or just fun to look at, there are so many ways to repurpose toys. It’s a fun way to keep those memories around while making your space feel more personal. Here are 20 clever ideas to help you give them a whole new life.
LEGO Lampshade
Transform a pile of colorful LEGO bricks into a modern, playful lampshade. Simply assemble the pieces into a cube or any desired shape that fits over an existing light fixture. The gaps between the bricks allow light to pass through, creating a fun, patterned glow. You can mix and match colors to suit your decor or stick with a monochrome theme for a sleek look. This DIY project is perfect for a kid’s room, a game room, or an eclectic living space. It’s also easy to change whenever you feel like experimenting with new designs. LEGO’s versatility ensures your lamp is one of a kind. Get creative with different shapes and sizes for a truly personalized touch.
Action Figure Coat Hooks
Give action figures a heroic new job by turning them into quirky coat hooks. Attach them to a wooden board or directly to the wall with their arms outstretched. Spray-painting them in a solid color, such as matte black or metallic gold, can give them a sophisticated, unified look. These hooks are great for hanging coats, bags, or jewelry in an entryway or bedroom. They add a playful and unexpected touch to any space. You can also use different action figures to match the theme of a room. This project is a great way to preserve beloved figurines while making them useful.
Barbie Doll Jewelry Stand
Turn an old Barbie doll into a chic jewelry stand by securing it to a decorative base. Position her arms so they can hold necklaces, bracelets, or rings. You can also dress her in a custom-painted outfit or a metallic finish to give her an elegant, artistic touch. This project works especially well in a vanity or dressing room. If you have multiple dolls, you can create an entire display to hold different types of jewelry. This fun upcycling idea turns childhood nostalgia into functional decor. It’s also a fantastic conversation starter!
Toy Car Bookends
Turn vintage toy cars or trucks into stylish bookends that add a touch of nostalgia to your shelves. Simply attach the vehicles to sturdy wooden or metal bases to keep your books in place. For a polished look, spray-paint the cars in metallic shades like gold or silver. If you prefer a rustic style, leave them in their original worn-out condition for added character. These bookends are perfect for home libraries, kids’ rooms, or office shelves. Larger toy trucks can even hold small potted plants or office supplies. Not only does this DIY project upcycle old toys, but it also brings a fun and whimsical feel to any space.
Board Game Tabletop
Transform an old board game into a functional and stylish tabletop. Simply attach a classic game board, such as Monopoly or Scrabble, to a small coffee table and seal it with a layer of resin for durability. This unique furniture piece is perfect for a game room or family lounge area. You can even store the game pieces in a drawer underneath for easy access. The vibrant colors and nostalgic appeal make it a great conversation starter. If you want a vintage look, consider using an antique game board. This idea blends practicality with a touch of fun.
Toy Train Succulent Planter
Repurpose a toy train set by transforming the train cars into charming succulent planters. Remove the tops or create small compartments to hold soil and small plants. This makes for a whimsical centerpiece on a dining table, coffee table, or windowsill. You can paint the train to match your decor style or leave it in its vintage form for a nostalgic touch. The combination of greenery and playful design adds a unique charm to any space. This DIY project works great for both kids’ rooms and modern farmhouse-style homes. It’s a wonderful way to breathe new life into an old train set.
Hot Wheels Clock
Create a unique and eye-catching clock using Hot Wheels or other small toy cars. Attach them around the perimeter of a clock face, replacing traditional numbers with the vehicles. You can mix and match car styles for a colorful look or use a monochrome theme for a modern aesthetic. This idea works great in a kid’s room, playroom, or even a garage workspace. It’s a fun way to combine functionality with nostalgia. Adding LED backlighting can make the clock even more visually striking. This project turns a basic clock into a statement piece that sparks conversation.
Stuffed Animal Ottoman
Give an old stuffed animal a functional new purpose by turning it into a cozy ottoman. Start with a solid base or wooden crate, then attach and upholster it with a plush toy or a collection of small ones. This creates a soft, comfortable footrest or a unique seating option for kids. You can also use a memory foam insert for added support. Choose stuffed animals in neutral or pastel colors for a chic look or go bold with bright hues for a playful touch. This is a great way to preserve sentimental toys while making them useful. Plus, it adds an element of comfort to any living room or bedroom.
Dollhouse Shelf
An old dollhouse can become a charming display shelf with a simple makeover. Mount it on the wall and use each room as a compartment for displaying books, trinkets, or small plants. Paint it in soft pastel shades for a vintage aesthetic or opt for bold colors to make a statement. This is a great addition to a nursery, playroom, or even a creative workspace. You can also add miniature wallpaper or decorative accents to enhance the theme. Repurposing a dollhouse into a shelf blends functionality with nostalgia. It’s a beautiful way to showcase childhood memories in a grown-up way.
Puzzle Piece Wall Art
Leftover or missing puzzle pieces can be upcycled into a stunning piece of wall art. Arrange them into a pattern, heart shape, or even spell out a meaningful word on a canvas. Spray-paint the pieces in coordinating colors or create an ombre effect for a stylish look. This DIY project works well in kids’ rooms, craft spaces, or hallways. It’s a great way to repurpose incomplete puzzle sets rather than throwing them away. Plus, it adds a textural element to your walls. Get creative with different layouts and color schemes to match your decor.
Marbles in Glass Jars
A collection of colorful marbles can be displayed in clear glass jars to create stunning decorative pieces. Arrange them by color or mix them for a more eclectic look. Placing them near a window allows natural light to pass through, enhancing their vibrant hues. You can also use them as vase fillers or layer them with sand for added texture. This is a simple yet beautiful way to display childhood keepsakes. It works well as a centerpiece on dining tables or bookshelves. The nostalgic charm of marbles adds a playful elegance to any space.
Teddy Bear Wall Art
Give old stuffed animals a new lease on life by turning them into 3D wall art. Mount plush toys onto a canvas or frame, arranging them in a visually pleasing pattern. You can leave them in their natural colors or spray-paint them in a uniform shade for a more artistic effect. This works especially well in a nursery or child’s playroom, adding a soft, nostalgic touch to the space. If you have sentimental stuffed animals, this is a great way to keep them on display without cluttering shelves. You can also create a themed arrangement using specific characters. The result is a warm and whimsical piece of decor that sparks conversation.
Action Figure Drawer Pulls
Revamp furniture by turning action figures or toy animals into unique drawer pulls. Simply attach them to dresser drawers or cabinets using strong adhesive or screws. Spray-painting them in a solid color like black, gold, or silver gives them a polished look. This fun and unexpected touch can elevate a child’s bedroom, craft room, or even a playful office space. You can mix different characters or stick to a themed collection for a cohesive aesthetic. It’s an easy and affordable way to customize furniture. Plus, it keeps old toys out of the landfill!
Doll Head Plant Holder
For a bold and artistic statement piece, turn an old doll’s head into a quirky planter. Hollow out the top and place a small plant, like a succulent or fern, inside. The contrast between the lifelike doll features and vibrant greenery creates a striking visual effect. This decor piece is perfect for those who love avant-garde or conversation-starting designs. You can paint the doll head for a modern look or leave it in its natural state for a vintage touch. It’s a fantastic way to give discarded dolls a second life. Whether creepy or cute, it’s bound to be a unique addition to any home.
Rubik’s Cube Vase
Transform an old Rubik’s Cube into a modern and playful vase. Hollow out the center carefully and insert a small glass container to hold water and flowers. The vibrant colors of the cube create a striking contrast with fresh blooms, making it a fun centerpiece for a desk or coffee table. You can also glue multiple cubes together for a larger statement piece. This DIY project is great for retro-themed decor or as a gift for puzzle lovers. The geometric design makes it a unique and contemporary addition to any space.
Skateboard Shelf
Repurpose an old skateboard into a trendy and functional wall shelf. Simply mount the board horizontally using sturdy brackets, creating a unique display for books, plants, or decorative items. You can keep the skateboard’s original design for a cool, urban vibe or repaint it to match your decor. This idea works great in a teenager’s room, a game room, or a modern industrial space. If you have multiple skateboards, you can stack them vertically for extra shelving. The curved edges of the board add a sleek and dynamic element to your walls. It’s a perfect way to upcycle an old board while maintaining a sporty, youthful feel.
Hula Hoop Chandelier
Transform a colorful hula hoop into a creative chandelier by wrapping it with string lights, ribbons, or hanging beads. This works well as a playful lighting fixture for kids’ rooms, party decor, or bohemian-inspired spaces. You can attach small toy figurines or plush animals for an extra whimsical touch. Hang it from the ceiling using chains or strong rope for a floating effect. This budget-friendly DIY project repurposes an old toy into a stunning decorative piece.
Toy Truck Book Organizer
Repurpose large toy trucks, such as dump trucks or fire trucks, into creative book organizers. Simply place books inside the truck’s storage compartment to keep them neatly arranged. This works well for children’s books in a playroom, adding a fun and functional touch to their space. You can also use multiple trucks to organize different book genres or school supplies. If you prefer a more polished look, you can repaint the trucks to match your decor. The wheels make it easy to move the organizer around, making it both stylish and practical. This is a great way to turn old toy vehicles into a useful storage solution.
Slinky Ceiling Decor
Hang old Slinky toys from the ceiling to create a playful and dynamic decor piece. Stretch them at different lengths and attach them to hooks or a wooden frame for a cascading effect. This works great in kids’ rooms, playrooms, or game rooms, adding a fun and whimsical touch. You can spray-paint them in metallic or pastel colors to match your decor. If you want an interactive element, gently push them to create a bouncing motion. Adding LED string lights intertwined with the Slinkys can enhance the visual appeal. This is a simple yet eye-catching way to upcycle an old toy into a striking ceiling decoration.
Rocking Horse Plant Stand
Repurpose a small rocking horse into a whimsical plant stand by placing a potted plant where the seat would be. This idea works well for both indoor and outdoor spaces, adding a touch of nostalgia to gardens, porches, or living rooms. You can repaint the horse for a modern or rustic look to match your decor. It’s a creative way to blend vintage toys with greenery. Adding trailing plants like ivy or ferns enhances the visual appeal. This project turns an old childhood favorite into a functional and decorative home accent.