Get creative and upcycle office furniture into one-of-a-kind pieces that breathe new life into your space. Whether you’ve gone remote, closed down a workspace, or simply upgraded your setup, you might find yourself stuck with desks, drawers, and chairs you’re not quite ready to toss.
Instead of letting them gather dust in your garage or storage shed, try transforming them into something stylish and functional for your home. Upcycling not only reduces waste but also adds a personalized, sustainable flair to your decor.
Best of all? Most of these projects are weekend-friendly and require only basic tools and a bit of imagination.
Clear the Clutter First
Before you start to upcycle office furniture, take a moment to sort through what’s actually usable. If you’ve got bulky items or junk that’s beyond saving, dispose of it responsibly.
Hiring a service like 1300 Rubbish Office Removal can save you time and hassle—they’ll handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on the fun part: creating something new from the pieces that still have potential.
Creative Ways to Upcycle Office Furniture
Whatever office furniture you want to use, here are seven creative ways you can upcycle it into stylish, functional home décor that will breathe new life into your interiors.
1. Filing Cabinet ➝ Funky Outdoor Planter
That dented metal filing cabinet? It’s just waiting to become a backyard centerpiece.
- Remove drawers
- Tip on its back or side
- Line with landscape fabric
- Fill with soil and add herbs or succulents
Choose bright colours to make it pop, or go pastel for a more serene garden feel.
2. Office Desk ➝ Chic Entryway Table
Old desks are often sturdy with great bones—perfect for a second life.
- Sand, stain, or paint for a fresh look
- Trim the legs to your preferred height
- Replace drawers with open shelving for a modern touch
- Add a mirror and a basket underneath for easy catch-all storage
You’ll have an eye-catching entryway table with a practical twist.
3. Rolling Chair Base ➝ Mobile Ottoman
A broken office chair doesn’t have to be a lost cause. Upcycle the wheeled base into a quirky rolling ottoman:
- Remove the seat
- Attach a sturdy wood platform
- Add foam, fabric, and staple in place
It makes a comfy footrest—and doubles as bonus guest seating that glides wherever you need it.
4. Whiteboard or Pinboard ➝ Kitchen Command Centre
Office pinboards and whiteboards are ideal for turning chaos into order at home.
- Mount near the fridge or pantry
- Use for grocery lists, reminders, or weekly menus
- Freshen up with washi tape, paint, or a fabric cover to match your kitchen’s style
It’s a simple way to create structure—and stay stylish doing it.
5. Bookshelves ➝ Kids’ Storage Cubes
Those utilitarian office bookshelves can become colourful, functional toy storage.
- Lay them on their side
- Add cube baskets for easy sorting
- Paint in bright colours or let your kids help decorate with stencils or stickers
It’s a playful upgrade that helps keep clutter in check.
6. Office Drawer Unit ➝ Bedside Table
Old under-desk drawer units are practically made for the bedroom once they get a glow-up.
- Sand and paint to suit your aesthetic
- Swap out handles for leather pulls, vintage knobs, or upcycled belts
- Use it for books, chargers, and all your bedside essentials
Sturdy and stylish? Yes, please.
7. Conference Table ➝ Dining Table or Workbench
If you’ve inherited a massive conference table, it’s a goldmine of upcycling potential.
- Sand and refinish the top
- Use it as a rustic dining table, craft station, or outdoor workbench
- Cut it down if needed, and use leftover wood for shelves or bench seating
A bold way to carry a piece of your office into your next chapter.
Final Thought: Your Space, Your Style
When you upcycle office furniture, you’re not just saving money—you’re rewriting the story of each piece. Whether you turn an old desk into a console table or repurpose drawers into bedside storage, you’re creating something that’s both sustainable and uniquely yours.
So roll up your sleeves and start imagining the possibilities—your future home decor might just be hiding in that pile of office leftovers.
