Category Archives:upcycled

25
Feb

Spotted: DIY Ladder Bookshelf

DIY_Ladder_Bookshelf

Got an old ladder hanging out in your basement? Have just a few too many books but not interested in buying shelves from IKEA? Well if you're like me and love to read but live in a city where space is limited, then this cheap and quick storage solution might be just right for you. Also, using reclaimed materials isn't just good for your wallet, it's good for the planet.

Naturally_Cre8tive_Ladder_Shelf

3 Suggestions for Upcycled Ladder Bookshelves 

1. Dandelion Express: A simple 5-step DIY guide to making your own ladder bookshelf, all you need is an old ladder and a few building materials (listed with instructions).

2. Old House Crazy: A couple from Atlanta provides an alternative option with deeper shelves. Check it out!

3. Pre-made Bookshelves from Naturally Cre8tive: This not-so-cheap corner-shelf option is great for our less handy readers who want to support the use of reclaimed materials and a small business. Hailing from Bangor, Maine, Naturally Cre8tive has a few different ladder shelving options for sale on their Etsy page. Check out their other goods as well!

Ladder_Bookshelf

 

Posted:   |   Categories: bookshelf, bookshelves, DIY, Home+Decor, ladder, reclaimed, reclaimed materials, upcycled, wood ladder bookshelf
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03
Oct

Upcycled Decor: Drum Lamps by Willem Heeffer

Upcycled Drum Lamps Willen Heeffer

Artist Willem Heeffer makes beautiful upcycled drum lamps from a surprising reclaimed material.

What I love best about these upcycled lamps is that you can't tell at first glance that they're made from something else. Don't get me wrong: I love a little kitsch in my decor, but once in a while, you want something that just looks sleek, right? The Dutch designer's lamps are simple, modern, and gorgeous.

But what are they made from? He transforms reclaimed washing machine drums into these beautiful upcycled lamps!

When you think of upcycling, large appliances might not spring immediately to mind, but old washing machines wear out eventually, and when they do they're headed to the scrap heap, just like anything else. You can recycle old washing machines, but just like with other materials, reusing is always better. Reusing an old washing machine drum tends to take less energy than recycling it.

Heeffer is extending the life of at least part of old washing machines with his upcycled lamps, and the finished piece is made of 90 percent upcycled materials. Not too shabby! He says:

When I work with old materials I take them out of context, use it in an unexpected way to create something new. The goal is to first see a beautiful product after which you discover the history behind it. Only then the products are no longer viewed as trash and have become design pieces.

He uses locally-sourced materials to create his drum lamps, so his upcycled lighting helps support the loconomy in his area, too!

There are two versions of this lamp available: a special circular bulb called a T5 circular tube or an LED. You can find the upcycled lamps along with Willem Heeffer's other designs on his website.

Image Credit: Upcycled Drum Lamps photo by Yehia Eweis

Posted:   |   Categories: Fixtures, home decor, Home+Decor, Living, upcycled, upcycled decor
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