Fast fashion and disposable culture have become so normal that we barely notice their foreboding presence any more. It’s so easy to never think about where the mountains of trash end up, or at least to put the idea out of our minds.
But we are in a climate crisis, we produce too much crap, and it all has to go somewhere. Things have to change.
Fortunately, there’s a movement of creatives and enthusiasts who see potential where others see rubbish. Upcycling – the art of transforming unwanted items into something beautiful, functional, and often far more appealing than the original – has exploded across social media, with Instagram serving as a vibrant gallery of ingenuity and sustainable living.
Whether you’re looking to breathe new life into a tired piece of furniture, reimagine old textiles, or rescue or rethink materials destined for landfill, Instagram is full to the brim with accounts that prove one person’s trash truly can be another’s treasure. There are makers and crafters who aren’t just sharing beautiful work, they’re quietly (or loudly) arguing for a fundamental shift in how we view consumption and waste.
Each before-and-after transformation serves as both inspiration for creativity and a gentle reminder that we don’t always need to buy new.
From ambitious furniture projects to ingenious small-scale ideas perfect for beginners, the accounts we’ve gathered here offer something for everyone. You might want inspiration for things to try yourself, ideas to brighten up your home, or knowledge and information, and the selection below will inspire you to look at a broken chair or faded jumper with fresh eyes.
Many of us doubt our own capacity for creativity and technique, but with the knowledge that with a bit of imagination and elbow grease, you can create something truly unique, there’s no harm in giving it a go. Especially if the alternative is the landfill site.
More importantly, upcycling – these accounts included – are part of a broader conversation about sustainability, encouraging us all to pause before we throw things away and consider whether something that looks tired or old-fashioned could actually have another life.
@Treadsoftlyfurniture – Hannah Wiles
Hannah Wiles breathes new life into old furniture in a colourful and exciting way, as well as offering courses so you can learn to do the same.
@charychic – jochen & charity
Jochen and Charity have upcycled over 550 pieces of furniture and create elegant pieces that really show that old doesn’t have to mean scruffy. Is a
@yodomo.co – Yodomo®
Not all upcycling and creative reuse is about furniture, and Yodomo is all about textile circularity. This account showcases some incredibly inspiring and motivating art.
@areyoumad.co – Are You Mad
Are You Mad, or Are You Making A Difference?, is a waste design studio whose account is fascinating and makes you truly think you can fix, or remake, anything.
@ampersand_redesign – by Sondi
Sondi finds unloved furniture and redesigns it, and my goodness this is some gorgeous work.
@mycolourfulupcycle – My Colourful Upcycle
My Colourful Upcycle does exactly what it sounds like it does. You can’t beat this account for bright, cheery furniture that’s been given a new lease of life.
@eskhaus – Amy Nield
Amy Nield is an illustrator, mural artist and upcycler whose bright, floral piano is just incredible.
@fancyladyindustries – Natalie
Natalie promises “Slow, sustainable and surprising plus size fashion that isn’t boring” and wow, she delivers on that. It is surprisingly hard to find ethical clothing in larger sizes, and this work is delightful.
Image: Clker-Free-Vector-Images
