Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Dirt-Cheap Dorm Room Furniture

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DIRT CHEAP (1)

Continuing with the theme of back to school, here’s a frugal — and green — idea for dorm room design: cardboard furniture. While you may not be able to craft Frank Gehry’s award-winning, high-design Wiggle Chair (retail $875, shown), I found a few sites that offer tutorials and ideas to get you started:

The most detailed tutorial I found was one from Andrew Senior. See both his finished photo and step-by-step tutorial.

A amazing collection of innovative cardboard furniture from designers around the world is at designboom.com.

flickr member Lostspyder shows us his recycled art project from his 3-D art class: flickr.com.

Looking for more ways to upcycle furniture? Check out these Upcycling Furniture Books we found on Amazon.

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Comments

  1. Like most high-design furniture, I am guessing that it’s NOT comfortable. 🙂

    If anyone decides to make their own cardboard furniture that turns out to be uncomfortable, fortunately they’re not out hundreds of dollars — just haul the furniture to the recycling bin!

Have you read?

Handmade with a Past: Tuesday’s Top Recycled Etsy Find

If you love a good wine and a stylish cheese platter, then this recycled flat wine bottle cheese board will be your new best friend. Not only does it combine two of life’s greatest pleasures, but it also gives a second life to old wine bottles, turning them into something functional and chic.

I stumbled across a similar piece at a friend’s gathering last year, and I couldn’t stop admiring it. The wine bottle was almost unrecognizable—transformed into a sleek, modern board for snacks and small bites. It’s the perfect conversation starter, and honestly, it brings a certain wow factor to any dinner party or casual gathering.

This cheese board isn’t just pretty; it’s practical too. The smooth surface is ideal for serving everything from crackers to fruit to your favorite cheeses. Plus, it’s an awesome example of recycling and upcycling, keeping those old bottles out of landfills while elevating your entertaining game.

Why we love it:

  • Made from recycled flat wine bottles, adding sustainability to your kitchen

  • A unique upcycled home decor item that’s also super functional

  • Ideal for wine lovers, eco-conscious hosts, or anyone who loves a good cheese board

Not only does this board make for a stylish and sustainable addition to your kitchen, but it also makes for an awesome gift for those who love eco-friendly entertaining.