10 Smart Ways Of Upcycling Old Shutters

Upcycling is now a trendy keyword and plantation shutters taken from old properties are ideal for so many different projects. From useful to shabby chic, they can be turned into a whole range of different items. Discarded shutters can also be found at the tip, although builders are now becoming more aware that, no matter what the condition, they still have a value at reclamation yards throughout the UK. So if you have bought an old house for renovation or are planning on replacing your old shutters for new ones, then read on for some useful tips.

Bookcases – every home has books and needs a place to put them. Your old shutters will make perfect, individual bookcases, which are sturdy and incredibly easy to build. You will need four to six shutters, depending on the width of bookcase you want. Attach four together in a line, using batons on the outside, then attach a shutter to each side. You now have your outer casing. All that is left to do is to fit some shelving and paint in your favourite colour.

Original image source:
http://www.sweetiesattic.com

Garden Benches – every garden should have at least one bench, but they can be very expensive to buy. Save yourself money and take two shutters, preferably with slats, four legs of an old table and a couple of spare pieces of wood for armrests. Fix one shutter to the legs using batons and then attach the other to make the back of the bench. Secure firmly in place. Make a couple of armrests from the remaining wood and stain or paint to finish.

Original image source:
https://www.pinterest.com/barbstires/old-shutter-ideas/

Garden Fencing – instead of going out and buying wooden panelling, fix your old full height shutters together, paint them all in one colour or different if you prefer. Alternatively, you can stain them. Attach all the shutters to posts which have been concreted into the ground and you have a fence which not only looks good but is completely individual.

Original image source:
http://cottageintheoaks.com/2011/05/repurposed-shutter-fence/

Privacy Screen – this is a great idea for any garden that is overlooked as, simply by joining old shutters together to form a concertina, you have a cheap screen that will also act as a windbreak. Be sure to use strong posts to act as supporting legs if wind is an issue. They can also be used as a patio or decking screen – either fix the old shutters together or adopt the concertina effect, depending on how you want to use them. Paint a vibrant colour and you will have a super and efficient screen.

Original image source:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/100486635408619949/

Window Boxes – why have plastic ones when those old shutters will look amazing. Just cut them to size, fit together and line with a material, such as felt, that will allow excess water to drain away. Put a few small stones or gravel in the bottom and use your choice of soil depending on the type of plant. Soon your flowers will be blooming in their chic French style home.

Original image source:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/423056958716514211/

Coat Hangers – this is so simple to make and looks amazing in any boot room or hallway. All you need is one shutter, but use as many as you like if you need a longer hanging space. For ease, paint them before fitting the coat hooks. Fix them to the wall and that is all there is to it.
You can make some matching boot boxes too.

Original image source:
http://www.ironmongeryworld.com/blog/34-super-creative-entryway-coat-rack-hacks/

Bed Headboards – save a lot of money and have a headboard that is beautiful and unique. You just need four shutters and an eye for colour. Paint and then attach the headboards to each other, perhaps at different heights and then fix them to the wall behind the bed.

Original image source: https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/query/shutter-headboard

Table Runners – these are right on trend at the moment, normally in fabric, but a repurposed shutter will look amazing and you can stand hot plates on it too. All you need to do is sand the shutter down and then paint it in a coordinating colour to complete the perfect table setting.

Original image source:
http://christinasadventures.com/2013/10/15-uses-old-shutters.html

Wall Plates For Hanging Baskets – this looks particularly stunning on old cottages or any property where you want to add character. Just fix the shutter to the wall, after ideally painting it and then rubbing gently in places with a light sandpaper, thus creating that wonderful shabby chic look. Fix the hanging arm for the basket and then add the pot and its plant Kitchen Island – always popular, but again, they can be very expensive. So, take a couple of window shutters, paint or stain and some timber for the legs and framework and you will be able to put together an useful, individual island for next to nothing; although this will require a little bit more DIY knowledge.

Original image source:
https://traceyrapisardistyle.wordpress.com/tag/vintage/

Kitchen Island – always popular, but again, they can be very expensive. So, take a couple of window shutters, paint or stain and some timber for the legs and framework and you will be able to put together an useful, individual island for next to nothing; although this will require a little bit more DIY knowledge.

Original image source:
http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/shutter-island.html

Re-Purpose Old Shutters

So, having reused all your old shutters, you now have bare windows in your home, ready and waiting for those brand new ones which your S:CRAFT stockist and fitter came and measured up for. The new ones will look even more beautiful and will provide you with all today’s requirements, such as insulation, privacy and light control, durability and ease of cleaning. What better excuse do you need to re-purpose old shutters?