Smart Ways To Repurpose An Old Belt Around The House
After deep cleaning every room in the house, most homeowners notice a few things they don't want or need. For example, when decluttering your closet, perhaps you found some old belts that are extra worn down, don't fit, or just aren't your style anymore. Instead of continuing to let those accessories collect dust or throwing them in the trash where they'll end up in a landfill, try out one of the following creative ways to repurpose these old and unwanted items. While another option is to donate these pieces, you could save money and tap into your creative side by turning them into decorative or useful items for your home.
You can upcycle both fabric and leather belts. However, the latter is typically more durable and may be better suited for some hacks. Additionally, even if you do not have any belts lying around, these tricks are so good you may want to stop by the thrift store and pick up a pair for a cheap price. From the dining room to the bedroom, these straps can find new life in every area of the house.
Napkin rings
Napkin rings are decorative pieces that make a huge impact on your table setting, and creating these from an old belt might be the easiest DIY of all time. First, cut the belt into a 3-inch strip, then super glue the ends together with an inch of overlap and clip it to stay in place. Once it dries, slip your napkin through the ring to elevate the table setting instantly. An old leather strap feeds into a rustic design, but you can make the rings with fabric belts, too.
Drawer handle
Swapping out the hardware on cabinets and drawers is a great way to complete an inexpensive furniture facelift. You'll breathe new life into your space, and your old belts are perfect for the upgrade. For a standard-size drawer, cut the accessory into a 4-inch strip. You can leave the ends straight or trim them into a round edge for added style. Then, place two screws on opposite ends and attach them to the cabinet. Try out your pull to make sure it's secure and voilà, another mini renovation is complete.
Knife block
Why not replace your boring knife block with books for a decorative statement piece? You only need a belt, kitchen knives, and cookbooks for this design. Stack the books vertically and tie them together with the belt, then slip your knives between the pages. Different-sized cookbooks with various colors on the covers will create a more maximalist design. Since there isn't any glue involved in this DIY, you can unbuckle the belt and swap it or the literature out for a new look at any time.
Plant hanger
Two old belts, glue, and twine can be transformed into a new plant hanger. To recreate this piece, make an X with the two belts and sit the planter on top of where they intersect. Then, on all four ends, cut each belt to 1½ inches above the pot's edge. Fold and superglue the ends of each piece inward to create a small loop. Next, thread a long piece of twine through each of the loops and knot all the strings over the pot to create a place for the piece to hang from. Now, you have a custom-fit plant hanger that's perfect for your specific planter.
Mirror hook
Plants aren't the only thing you can hang with belts. Upcycle old mirrors around the house by giving the looking glass a stylish frame with your accessory. Just wrap the belt around the decor and buckle it, then hang the piece on the wall from the belt strap. You can glue the mirror to the belt for extra support. This upgrade also works for small artwork and photos as well, no matter what shape they are.
Mail organizer
Your front entrance is missing a mail organizer. Luckily, your unused belts and a long, rectangular picture frame can fix that. Start by removing the glass and backing of the frame — the glass isn't needed for this project, but keep the backing. Then, cut your belts to fit the shorter length of the frame. Don't be afraid to mix and match shapes, colors, or sizes. Arrange them in your preferred pattern and superglue the belt pieces inside the frame. Lastly, return the backing to seal everything in. Use the belt pockets to store your mail, receipts, or calendars, and you can even add hooks to hang keys.
Floating shelf
Leather accents on a floating shelf? Yes, please! For this project, you'll need two belts, a slab of wood, scissors, and wall screws. First, trim the buckles and make sure both belts are the same length. Punch a hole in the belts about 1 inch from the end on both sides. Next, mark the wall where you'll drill and insert your anchor screws — the distance between them should be 2 inches shorter than the shelf's length. Then, loop the belts in half so the holes you punched line up, place your screws through the openings, attach them to the wall, and slide your slab through the belt loops.
Curtain tieback
You can make a stylish curtain tieback to decorate your drapes with a belt. Start by cutting the accessory into two 18-inch strips. On one end, poke a hole, and on the opposite end, slice an opening 1½ inches long. Then, insert a screw through the hole and drill your belt strip to the wall. Next, add a dollop of glue to the screw head, and once it dries, paint the glue dot. Now, when you're ready to draw your curtains, bundle the fabric into the tie and secure it by putting the slit over the screw head.