We’ve all got furniture and other items in our basements, attics, and garages that are not being used to their full potential.

Maybe it’s a hand-me-down that you can’t bear to donate. Or perhaps you upgraded but don’t want to see your old piece in the dumpster.

These 20 creative hacks will give you some sense of what you can do with everything from old dressers (and their drawers) to smaller items that might be taking up space, such as tires and suitcases.

1. From blocks to bench

Cinder blocks and wooden beams form the base of this porch bench. With the addition of some colorful cushions, no one can tell it’s not a high-end piece of patio furniture.

2. From drawer to floor (stool)

Prop your feet up on an old dresser drawer by adding some legs and a cushion to the inside.

That’s one we would have never come up with on our own!

3. Who needs drawers?

Ok, so this one involves some saws and paint and perhaps more skill than creativity, but isn’t the end result worth it?

It’s a great way to convert an old dresser into something that doesn’t sit in your basement and attic forever.

Get the instructions by visiting Start a Home Decor here.

4. Boob tube to bookshelf

If you have an old-school TV in your home, don’t send it to the landfill!

Take a look at this incredible upcycle into a bookshelf. Couldn’t we all use more storage?

Visit Home Hinges for details.

5. From pots to place to put your drink

Extra flower pots in the garage? No matter what they’re made of, you can turn them into a table by fixing them together by their bottoms and placing a round object (like a pizza pan!) on top.

It makes a great, durable, and creative piece of outdoor furniture.

Apartment Therapy has the details.

6. From vanity to productivity

Have an old vanity table that you’re just using to store things on?

Consider taking off the mirror and using the bottom part as a desk – even a children’s desk! – so you can get something productive done.

7. Update with paint

Sometimes all you need is a bit of paint to take something old and make it new again.

Vintage furniture can be amazing but doesn’t always fit with the aesthetic of our modern homes. Repainting a piece is a great way to save money.

Find more information at Poppy Talk.

8. Pallet patio

People discard pallets all the time, but in reality, they can be used for so many things.

Just ask around to see if any stores have some extras that they need to offload and then visit One Lucky Girl to learn more about turning them into seating and table space for your outdoor area.

9. Dress up a dresser

If you have a piece of furniture that just needs an update but just painting it won’t do, consider switching out its hardware as well.

That can update it by decades and won’t cost anywhere near what a new piece would.

10. From storage to seating

Yet another use for an old dresser is to turn it into seating.

Granted, this takes a bit more work, but you can find all the instructions at createinspire.

11. From dresser to dog bed

Ok, it’s another dresser makeover, but so many of us have one of these old pieces in our basements or attics.

Don’t be afraid to turn your old furniture into something you’ll actually use. In this case, the owner made it into an adorable nightstand/dog bed.

The instructions can be found here.

12. From 2 seats to a loveseat

We love this creative idea from An Oregon Cottage to bind two seats together to create a remarkable loveseat/bench.

It’s pretty involved but all of the instructions can be found on the blog by clicking here.

13. Pallets go peaceful

There are so many options for replacing bed frames these days, but if you like the rustic look, a pile of pallets might be your best bet.

We love the edition of fairy lights here to add a bit of whimsy.

14. From tires to tables

Who would have ever thought to paint and stack old tires to for the base of a table?

The folks behind Madcap Frenzy, apparently.

So creative!

15. From carry-on to cat bed

Does your cat immediately jump into your suitcase the minute you start packing for a trip?

Let them lay down in luxury all day by turning a suitcase and some old table legs into a two-story cat bed.

16. The doors become the cabinet

It took us a moment to figure out what was going on here, but now we see that old, crummy contractor cabinet doors have formed the structure for this clever storage center.

It’s perfect for the bathroom or the kitchen.

You can see more details on how it’s done here.

17. Coffee table to cushioned ottoman

With the addition of some padding and upholstery fabric, a coffee table can become a foot stool.

The sky’s the limit in terms of size and color schemes, but you can check out The Belle Vie Blog for more info.

18. From storing pants to storing plants

If you’re doing some of the projects above with an old dresser, make sure you upcycle those extra drawers as well.

We think it’s a great idea to waterproof them and use them as outdoor planters. So charming!

19. Change out your china cabinet

Maybe you’re not the china type but you inherited a cabinet from family. There’s no need to donate it when you can turn it into something you’ll actually use.

Flat-screen TVs don’t need much depth, so that small space may be perfect for converting it into an entertainment center!

20. Bedroom to bedside

It’s amazing what you can do with those deep, old dresser drawers.

Nightstands can be incredibly expensive, but with time and creativity, you can turn them into your new side tables, making them look however you want.

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