Thrift store office supply aisles are often overlooked, but they can be a treasure trove of useful items that can be transformed into stylish home decor. These areas usually contain beige filing organizers, half-used binders, and mesh pencil cups from the early 2000s. However, with a bit of creativity and some basic supplies, these items can be repurposed into high-end home accents that add both style and function to your space.
Here are 12 genius ways to upcycle thrifted office supplies:
Magazine Files as Cookbook Organizers
Magazine files are excellent for vertical storage and can be used to organize your cookbook collection. By placing them upright or on their side, they become perfect slots for keeping your cookbooks tidy and accessible. You can customize them with contact paper or washi tape to match your kitchen's decor. This is a budget-friendly solution that keeps your favorite recipes organized without taking up counter space.
Clipboards as Wall Holders for Pictures
Instead of buying expensive frames, use clipboards from the thrift store to create a dynamic gallery wall. This allows you to easily swap out art or family photos without any tools. The metal clips add an industrial and minimalist texture that contrasts nicely with the warm brown of the hardboard, creating a modern and relaxed vibe.
Clipboards as Message Boards
A clipboard can be transformed into a functional command center with a few simple tweaks. Add a ribbon bow, a notepad, and mini chalkboard labels for quick reminders. You can also add magnets to the back and stick it on your fridge for shopping lists or "can't forget" notes.
Binder Clips as Cable Organizers
Binder clips can be used to manage your charging cables. By clamping them to the edge of your desk, the metal loops act as guides for your cords, preventing them from slipping behind your desk. You can even spray paint them or add washi tape to color code your cables.
Old Binders as Desk Organizers
An old binder can be transformed into a fabric-covered organizer by cutting down the cardboard covers and reinforcing them into a box shape. This creates custom drawer dividers or desktop storage that fits your specific needs. It's a great way to declutter your junk drawer and keep all your supplies in one place.
Binders as Recipe Albums
Using sheet protectors, a standard binder can be turned into a wipe-clean recipe album. This is perfect for storing printed recipes or handwritten cards from family members. It keeps your precious family recipes safe from spills and makes it easy to access them while cooking.
Thumbtacks as Pillar Candle Holders
Brass thumbtacks can be transformed into luxurious candle holders by pushing them into the wax around the base of a pillar candle. The overlapping heads create a textured, metallic effect that looks like expensive hammered metal. This is a quick and inexpensive way to elevate a simple candle into a statement piece.
Thumbtacks as Custom Wall Art
If you have blank canvases and found a box of thumbtacks at the thrift store, you can create custom typography art. The three-dimensional texture of the tacks catches the light beautifully, giving the art depth that cannot be achieved with paint or markers. Sketch out the letter first using a pencil for best results.
Binder Clips as Garbage Bag Holders
Binder clips can be used to secure garbage bags inside the bin. This keeps the bag taut and tidy, preventing the need to fish through trash to retrieve the edge. It's a zero-waste hack that repurposes binder clips and saves them from the landfill.
Erasers as Door Bumpers
Thrifted erasers can be used as door bumpers by gluing magnets to both the eraser and the door frame. This creates an instant, silent buffer that prevents the door from slamming shut or rattling in the frame. It's a budget-friendly fix for noisy doors that puts forgotten school supplies to good use.
Rubber Bands as Grips for Hangers
Rubber bands can be used to add grips to hangers, making them ideal for holding slippery fabrics like silk and rayon. Wrap a thick rubber band around each end of your existing plastic hangers to create a high-friction grip that holds clothes securely.
Magazine Racks as Pantry Storage
Magazine files can be used as pantry storage for aluminum foil and parchment paper. Lie them on their side in your pantry to create an instant dispenser. Metal or plastic holders are preferable, but cardboard ones can be used if covered with waterproof contact paper.
