Upcycling Inspiration: 6 DIY Decor Ideas using Shipping Pallets

05/03/2011

Upcycling Inspiration: 6 DIY Decor Ideas using Shipping Pallets

Chris Gardner

The shipping pallet is classic DIY fodder. They're basically a free source of wood that are seasoned and can last outside, ready to be disassembled and reconfigured into all kinds of cool, upcycled stuff. In the past, ReadyMade has shown you how to turn them into a lounge chair, a dining table, even a whole house!

Note: Make sure the pallets you're using are decommissioned—we don't want you to be DIYing with stolen goods!

But today, we're featuring the shipping pallet in actual pallet-shape. Sure, it's fine (and encourged!) to take them apart and create all sorts of new stuff. (See this awesome slideshow for ideas.) But the pallet can actually be an amazing piece of decor on its own. Here are six pallet projects for those who are a little less ambitious, or don't have the tools, space, or know-how to rip an assembled pallet apart. As you'll see, with just a little glue, paint, or a screw or two, they can be pretty amazing items for your own home:

This one is my favorite, and pretty much straight brillance. A quick coat of paint and some succelents make the pallet stand out, the pallet highlights the plant, and on-and-on into design magic reciprocity!

Or for an even stronger take on the pallet-garden, check out this how-to from Life on the Balcony.

Rebecca turned a pallet into a focal poin t with a few inexpensive mirrors and an afternoon.

A pallet turned on its side = instant shoe rack...

...And the same goes for plates!

Lastly, this how-to from photographer Ashley Ann uses a few casters and a fluffy cushion to create some serious daybed luciousness.

4 Comments

TAGS: decor diy home pallet

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09/20/2011
Luis Teixeira
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Hi, My name is Luis Teixeira and I'm creating lamps with transparent cloth hangers, disposable dishes, vinyl records and caps from the carton packaging for juices. The concepts behind the production of NOOVA lamp, manufactured with plastic hangers (from women underwear), are the environment concerns + social responsibility as it was manufactured in a women prison. This is the opportunity to offer to the recluses an extra money and self-esteem and this is also the way to get the design closer to the people that are outside society. My last exhibition was at Maison & Objet in Paris, both in a Portuguese stand and in a restaurant proposal by the Italian architect Paola Navone. So please take a look at my Facebook https://www.facebook.com/luis.teixeira.1961ecodesign page and enjoy it. Regards. Luis
05/03/2011
abpann
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wow. those are all awesome ideas. and Kayzee.. that is very interesting. What kind of Sealant would you recommend?
05/03/2011
kayzee
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I love the upcycling trend and I don't want to be a bummer, but pallets, besides being "treated to be outdoors", pallets are blasted with just about any and every pesticide, herbicide and fungicide known to man to keep them from carrying potentially invasive species as passengers as they carry goods around the world. Pallets come bearing an incredibly toxic chemical load. For use in the home they should be covered in heavy-duty sealant at the very least, and should never be used as containers for edible plants. People with chemical sensitivities should probably avoid living with pallet wood. When cutting and working with pallet wood we should use extra dust protection, and NEVER burn it, as the smoke can be highly toxic. Sorry to rain on the parade...I just thought someone should add a note of caution.
05/03/2011
jamie
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These are fantastic!