Clever Ways To Repurpose Old Door Hinges Around Your Home

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From uncovering old treasures in your attic to finishing a home remodel, there are plenty of reasons you may find yourself with a stock of extra door hinges. With steel accounting for over 7% of landfill waste, throwing out steel hinges may feel like a waste, so why not repurpose them? Whether you have vintage hinges, simple door hinges, or soft-close hinges, there are plenty of clever ways to repurpose them around your home. For something that serves such a simple function, they can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as furniture, storage, decor, and even gardening.

Before starting any DIY project with old hinges, it is a good idea to clean them thoroughly with cleaner and a wire brush. This will help remove any residual debris and prepare the hinge for reuse or painting. You can use baking soda or rust cleaners to prevent and remove rust from your old door hinges.

If you've ever seen the foldable screens women change behind in historical movies and thought one would look good in your living room, you're not alone. Folding room separators aren't just used as changing screens; they are a popular design feature that allows you to create a multifunctional space. Plus, they're easy to DIY. Using at least three panels of repurposed wood or doors, attach the hinges to both sides of the center panel in opposite directions. Then, attach the remaining panels to the opposite side of the hinges.

Some gardeners know all too well that keeping plants alive through the winter without the proper protection can be challenging. One of the best ways to protect plants from frost is to use a cold frame, which traps the heat under fabric overnight. However, plants still need airflow during the day. Adding hinges to the top of the cold frame allows you to remove the fabric during the day to give your plants sunlight and air without having to remove the entire structure.

Giving kids modular play equipment increases the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You can use old hinges to create a DIY playhouse that does exactly that. Customize the design to match your child's play style. For kids who like dolls and stuffed animals, make a foldable dollhouse by attaching hinges to the walls. Alternatively, build a walk-in playhouse out of cut plywood that can be converted into different layouts with hinged walls.

A fun DIY that uses old hinges and brings personality to your space is making convertible art. Adding hinges to the back of a painting before hanging it can turn it into a wide range of whimsical, multifunctional items. For example, if you put the hinges at the bottom of the painting, you turn it into a clever space-saving pull-out table that doubles as storage. You can add a whiteboard or chalkboard behind the painting for homework spaces. 

Similar to making convertible art, you can create a decorative key cabinet that no one will even know is there with old door hinges. This works best with smaller hinges, especially if you want the cabinet to be discreet. Attach two deep frames together with the hinges. On the wall side, attach a backing with hooks for the keys. On the door side, add art or another decorative piece to the frame. Add magnets or a latch to help keep it closed.

Hinges can be used to convert everyday items into hidden storage solutions. For example, you could install secret storage panels into bookshelves, cabinets, tables, and even seating. If you are really ambitious, you can use hinges to create hidden storage rooms as well. This can be done by adding hinges to bookshelves or wall panels and attaching them to the wall in front of a doorway to a closet, hobby room, or office.

When you have limited space, but you need regular access to areas that are out of reach, collapsible stairs can be a lifesaver. Fold-out stairs, ladders, and step stools have become increasingly popular in tiny homes and other miniature spaces because they are easy to install, simple to use, and they double as decor. However, this can be a complex and difficult DIY, so make sure you take time to ensure the hinges can handle any weight they have to bear. 

One DIY that you probably wouldn't think of when repurposing old hinges is bookends. There are a few ways you can use hinges to make bookends, depending on the type you have available. Large, vintage hinges give decoration to simple wood blocks connected in an L-shape. For smaller hinges, you can use them to create folding bookends with decorative wood.

Looking for a fun vintage craft? Turn your old door hinges into cute little photo stands. This is an adorable project that is so easy, anyone can do it. All you need is some paint and a clip for the photos, like a miniature clothespin or a paper clip. Paint the hinge and fold it to an upright position. Attach photos with the clip and enjoy the rustic charm.

For a creative and fun decoration for your garden, paint old butterfly hinges to look like actual butterflies. This simple DIY requires only your old hinges and paint to create a rustic decoration you can place in your garden or around your home. Carefully add layers of paint over the hinge with black in the center. For the wings, paint each side of the hinge in the style of wings. Let dry and enjoy!