Yard decor, especially recycled yard decor, is such a fun way to show off your personality outside. Whether you like bright and whimsical decorations or quaint and sweet elements, the same thing holds true: all of it makes for fun DIY projects!
Metal Flowers as Yard Decor
Image credit: Color Me Thrifty.
These bright and colorful flowers will never wilt or die away. Aren’t they a whimsical way to add pops of color to your yard? But the crazy part is what they’re made from– can you guess? Hint: little girls wear them in their hair…
Magazine Rack Planter
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Depending on the shape, a magazine rack can be easily transformed into a planter. This one, made of metal, just needed some coco liner to keep the soil and flowers in place. And it looks FABULOUS on the front porch all summer long!
Repurposed Gazing Balls
Image credit: My Repurposed Life.
Gazing balls are a gorgeous element to add to any yard, with their brilliant colors and shine. And it just so happens that old bowling balls are perfect for repurposing into easy DIY gazing balls.
Decorative Toadstools
Image credit: Homeroad.
Outside of the 1970s, I’m not sure if mushrooms have ever been more popular (decoratively speaking) as they are right now. Luckily for all of us upcyclers out there, they are relatively easy to make using any number of thrifted finds! Look how charming these garden mushrooms are…and they are wonderfully easy to make.
Garden Tool Trellis
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
There are probably some old garden tools- spades, rakes, pitchforks, and hoes- leaning up in the corner of your garage or shed right now. But you can piece them together into a decorative and functional garden trellis for plants that like to climb or could use a little help standing up.
Fan Blade Flower
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
An old fan blade resembles a large flower with the right paint job! Which makes it ideal for upcycling into yard decor, and can be hung on a wall or a fence post.
Decorative Garden Stones
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods for the Charlotte Region ReStores.
Remember those old copper Jell-O molds that used to hang on kitchen walls back in the day? Well, why use them to set gelatin when you can use them to set concrete and make these decorative garden stones for your yard? Half the fun is hunting down all sorts of interesting shapes and designs that the molds came in.
Yard Decor with a Vintage Ladder
Image credit: My Repurposed Life.
Vintage ladders often have a lot of life left in them, even if they’re no longer safe to step on. And this upcycled plant stand is the perfect example of that! Not only does it add terrific height to your garden displays, but it can be changed out throughout the year as seasons and holidays come and go.
Solar Chandelier
Image credit: The Charlotte Region ReStores.
An old brass chandelier from the thrift store is easily transformed into a magical solar chandelier for your backyard. Think of all the fun you’ll have sitting outside at night with family and friends, with this lovely light fixture twinkling overhead.
Yard Decor with a Glass Totem
Image credit: Little Vintage Cottage.
Whether you use vintage lamps or pretty glass bowls and vases, one thing’s for certain: they look especially lovely when recycled into garden totems like this.
More Metal Flowers
Image credit: Color Me Thrifty.
Candle snuffers are not something I would have planned on collecting, but look how charming they are when given a flowery makeover? Now I definitely need to look for them at thrift stores and estate sales.
Garden Signs
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Little garden signs are always a charming addition to your yard and garden, and making them couldn’t be easier. Believe it or not, but the stake for this one started out as a grilling fork from the thrift store!
Garden Path
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
Usually, a garden path is formed from matching flag stones or pavers for a uniform look. But a colorful pathway from mismatched bricks and other flat stone (or metal) pieces is a fun way to add personality to your yard.
Fence Flowers
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If your fence is feeling plain compared to your garden, jazz it up with these easy flowers! Made from plastic party trays, these fence flowers are a simple upcycling project that anyone can do, and they add so much fun to the look of your yard.
Yard Decor with Old Furniture
Image credit: My Repurposed Life and Scavenger Chic.
Broken chairs, or ones with missing or damaged seats, are ideal for upcycling into yard decor. Chair planters like this are wonderfully cute and whimsical and add lots of character to your yard or garden.
Stepping Stones
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Stepping stones like this are easy to make if you upcycle a cake pan from the thrift store or your cupboard. But shhh, this particular one has a secret underneath that just might save you from a really bad day!
More Yard Decor with Hanging Planters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Hanging planters on your front porch add color and curb appeal to your home during the warmer months. And this one puts an old colander to good reuse as a sturdy hanging basket that has built-in drainage holes so your annuals thrive!
Have Fun with These Yard Decor Ideas!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods and Color Me Thrifty.
Think you’ll be adding some whimsy to your yard and garden this season? There are any number of things you can repurpose into yard and garden decor, depending on your personal taste and DIY skill level. The most important thing is that you have fun doing it and give your outdoor space a colorful personality all its own.
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Thank you so much for including my totem project!
I hope you’ve seen a few clickovers, Tania!