Pillows should be replaced every 6 months to one year, depending on the materials they are made of. The question is – what to do with old pillows, if we don’t want to throw them away? We can find a totally different use for them. Repurposing old pillows has a lot of advantages – you will save money, have fun while being creative and reduce the waste. We will share with you 8 interesting and simple ways to give your old pillows a new purpose. Give them a try and enjoy the process of making something completely new out of something old!
1. Turn Them into Floor Cushions
Turning old pillows into cute and comfortable floor cousins is easy. You can sew together pillowcases or wrap the pillows in durable fabric to make large and cozy cushions. The pillowcases/fabric you choose should be colorful or have interesting patterns, to fresh up the space aesthetics.
These floor cushions are ideal for living room, playroom or for your reading nook. To maintain a tidy home while repurposing, explore some cleaning hacks to keep your crafting area organized.
2. Make a Pet Bed
If you are a cat/dog owner, your pet will love its new pillow bed. Find or buy some sturdy cover, or sew a simple slipcover yourself and put the pillow inside it. Good advice is to combine a couple of pillows for the extra padding and more comfort and warmth for your beloved pet.
3. Create Draft Stoppers
Draft stoppers are used for blocking cold air sneaking under doors and windows. Take long tubes of fabric (which can be bought or handmade) and fill them with the stuffing from your old pillows. Place these tubes at the bottom of doors/windows to keep your home warmer.
4. Use Them as Outdoor Seat Cushions
Enhance the comfort and appearance of your outdoor furniture with old pillows – use them as seat cushions. Cover them with waterproof or weather-resistant fabrics and put them on wooden or metal chairs, which are usually uncomfortable. These pillows will enhance both the appearance and the functionality of your outdoor furniture.
5. Turn Them into Garden Kneepads
If you are into gardening, you know how tough it can be on your knees. Old pillow can help you with that – just cut it into a smaller pad and cover it with waterproof fabric. What you got is a handmade kneeling pad which will come really handy while working in the garden.
6. Make Travel Pillows
Travel pillows are used during road trips, flights or camping. Making them is super easy – just cut the old pillow into smaller pieces and then sew it into a smaller size, suitable for travelling. These downsized old pillows will make the journey better and more comfortable.
7. Use Them as Packing Material
The stuffing from old pillows can be used as a cushion, as it is very soft and protective. Use the stuffing when packing fragile items during move – out cleaning or just placing them in storage. This is the cheap alternative to packing materials like bubble wrap.
8. Donate Them to Animal Shelters
If your old pillows are in decent condition, you can donate them to a local animal shelter. They use old pillows to make beds for their animals, so it is a win-win situation – you will get rid of what you do not need anymore, and the animals will enjoy their new comfy & warm spots!
Whatever is the new purpose of your pillows, make sure they are clean before you start using them again. Some pillows cannot be washed, so if that’s the case, use only the stuffing. Enjoy the process of making something new and creative, and don’t hesitate to try out some simple DIY skills.