Decorating
4 Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Fixtures in Your Home
Dispose or repurpose? Here are four clever ways to reuse fixtures, fittings and furniture in your home
The internal demolition of a home can create a lot of waste that ends up in landfill. Sometimes, demolition can cause old fixtures to break when they’re removed. Other times, the fixtures have had their day and there is no option to reuse them. However, if the fixtures can be salvaged, you might be able to reuse them in your renovation or sell them to someone who’s looking for that missing part in their bathroom.
There are many creative ways to repurpose old fixtures and furniture in your bathroom, kitchen and laundry. This not only saves you money, it can also create a unique space with an interesting focal point. So be inspired by these repurposed pieces of furniture, fittings and fixtures, and take note of the plumbing considerations to ensure the piece you choose is ideal for your space.
There are many creative ways to repurpose old fixtures and furniture in your bathroom, kitchen and laundry. This not only saves you money, it can also create a unique space with an interesting focal point. So be inspired by these repurposed pieces of furniture, fittings and fixtures, and take note of the plumbing considerations to ensure the piece you choose is ideal for your space.
Ideally, if you choose to repurpose a laundry trough, a bathroom or laundry is a better environment as there is little chance for acid stains or denting from kitchen utensils.
Find a local licensed plumber on Houzz to help you repurpose fixtures in your renovation
Find a local licensed plumber on Houzz to help you repurpose fixtures in your renovation
2. Repurpose antique furniture for a bathroom vanity
The most common upcycling project for a bathrooms is repurposing a sideboard, desk or buffet to use as a vanity. This can save money if you have the perfect piece that needs a new life.
This antique bench works well in its new role as a bathroom vanity. To make the plumbing less cumbersome on the eye, a chrome trap has been installed below the unit. A bottle trap could also have worked well, but it would not have matched with style of this space.
The most common upcycling project for a bathrooms is repurposing a sideboard, desk or buffet to use as a vanity. This can save money if you have the perfect piece that needs a new life.
This antique bench works well in its new role as a bathroom vanity. To make the plumbing less cumbersome on the eye, a chrome trap has been installed below the unit. A bottle trap could also have worked well, but it would not have matched with style of this space.
The repurposing of this sideboard into a double vanity is stunning. A new benchtop with inset basins has been installed on the top for extra protection from water damage. It’s a beautiful custom piece that certainly makes a statement in this bathroom.
When it comes to upcycling vanities, check with your builder about certification and approval. Generally, taps and plumbing fittings such as the plug, waste and trap underneath must be watermarked.
When it comes to upcycling vanities, check with your builder about certification and approval. Generally, taps and plumbing fittings such as the plug, waste and trap underneath must be watermarked.
When roughing in an upcycled sideboard for a vanity, your plumber will need to know the dimensions of the piece to ensure the plumbing is roughed in at the correct heights.
The height is necessary to know where to install the water points for the tapware. The width and height of the vanity and internal cupboard space will give your plumber the right parameters to install the waste.
The height is necessary to know where to install the water points for the tapware. The width and height of the vanity and internal cupboard space will give your plumber the right parameters to install the waste.
For vanities that are elevated off the floor, ask your plumber to reconfigure the waste to come out from the wall, so exposed pipes can be concealed within the vanity cupboard.
For this repurposed vanity however, the exposed pipework works with the rustic look.
A Plumber Reveals How to Buy the Right Bathroom Fixtures
For this repurposed vanity however, the exposed pipework works with the rustic look.
A Plumber Reveals How to Buy the Right Bathroom Fixtures
3. Resurface old bath tubs
An old freestanding bath can be upcycled by simply painting the outside and refinishing the inside with new enamel. In some cases, refinishing an old bathtub can be less expensive than buying a new one.
An old freestanding bath can be upcycled by simply painting the outside and refinishing the inside with new enamel. In some cases, refinishing an old bathtub can be less expensive than buying a new one.
4. Upcycle fixtures for a new purpose
Disconnected fixtures may not suit the existing design and style of your new space, and that’s fine. Instead, you might like to sell the fixture to someone who could reuse it, or you could upcycle it for a different purpose. Fixtures such as baths can be converted into seating outdoors or enjoy a new life as outdoor planters for a vegetable garden.
This sink trough has been repurposed as a plant display at the front door. It truly shows how creative one can be with discarded fixtures.
A Tradie Explains: 5 Reasons to Not Attempt Your Own Plumbing
Disconnected fixtures may not suit the existing design and style of your new space, and that’s fine. Instead, you might like to sell the fixture to someone who could reuse it, or you could upcycle it for a different purpose. Fixtures such as baths can be converted into seating outdoors or enjoy a new life as outdoor planters for a vegetable garden.
This sink trough has been repurposed as a plant display at the front door. It truly shows how creative one can be with discarded fixtures.
A Tradie Explains: 5 Reasons to Not Attempt Your Own Plumbing
Having a mindful approach during demolition can recover pieces that not only save you money but also offer up a unique piece for your home.
Your turn
Are you a fan of these repurposed fixtures? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Need more advice about how professionals can bring retired furniture back to life? Don’t miss Second Life: Achievable Revamps for Hand-Me-Down Furniture
Your turn
Are you a fan of these repurposed fixtures? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Need more advice about how professionals can bring retired furniture back to life? Don’t miss Second Life: Achievable Revamps for Hand-Me-Down Furniture
The concrete laundry trough was a popular tub in home laundries before the 1960s. This trough has peaked in popularity of late, and is often repurposed as the main sink in a kitchen.
While it may have a retro-industrial feel, concrete is not the most ideal material for a kitchen sink. Concrete is porous and prone to staining, discolouration and abrasions.
It can also be a breeding ground for bacteria if it’s not carefully pre-sealed. If you decide to repurpose a laundry trough as your kitchen sink, ensure it is well-sealed before use.