The 10 Best Ways To Repurpose Old Bedsheets

If you've ever redecorated your bedroom, you've likely replaced your bedding. Or, maybe you've gotten rid of old sheets because they're no longer in great shape. It's easy to toss something into the garbage when you feel you no longer have use for it. However, trashed textiles account for over 11 million pounds of waste in landfills. So, consider repurposing your old bed linens rather than throwing them away. To give you some inspiration, we've put together a list of the best ways you can give them a new life.

This renewed purpose keeps them out of landfills and gives you an entirely new item without the need to purchase it. Many of the DIY projects on this list are beginner-friendly and require a few additional materials or basic tools. They can also be completed with sheets of various levels of wear and tear, so even ones that have seen better days can be used in new ways.

A flat sheet makes a smart choice for a bed skirt or dust ruffle. It likely already matches your bedroom's color scheme and requires very little to no modification to repurpose. If you have a sewing machine, you can alter the sheet to make corner pockets so it can hang like a traditional skirt. You can even add a decorative trim for a luxurious edge. However, you can also simply let the sheet hang over the box spring and place the mattress on top. 

Maybe you got a bigger bed but your now-too-small sheets are still in great shape. So, you can turn them into pillowcases. For standard-size pillowcases, cut two panels measuring 20 inches by 26 inches. Add more clearance if you want to have an envelope closure pillowcase. Sew the panels together on three sides and leave the opposite end open, add a zipper, or affix a button.

Good curtains can get costly. But, DIY ones are much easier on the wallet, especially when crafted from old sheets. There are also several ways to make them regardless of your sewing abilities. The simplest solution involves hot glue and scissors. To start, measure the window you want to cover. Add two inches to your measurement and cut out the panels. Then, fold two inches of fabric over on one end, and hot glue the edge of it to the panel. This will create an opening for you to slide your new curtain onto the rod. 

Protect your table or jazz up the dining room with a simple tablecloth. You can throw a sheet over a table in a pinch and call it a day. However, if you want it to look more like a decorative linen and less like a bed sheet, you should trim off any identifying folds at the top. Hem it or attach trim around the border for a more polished, store-bought look. 

Should your sheets pass their visual prime, they can still serve a purpose. Once you no longer care what they look like, the linens make excellent drop cloths. Spread them over the floor or throw them over furniture the next time you paint. They'll make for an easier clean-up and protect any surfaces that you don't want to get drips on. 

Bed sheets are lightweight, so they can double as a picnic or beach blanket. A standard picnic blanket is about 50 by 60 inches so a queen or king-size sheet may be too large. But, you can create custom dimensions depending on the number of people that will be using it. If you have more than one sheet, consider blending them together in a one-of-a-kind picnic quilt. 

Sheets are great for protecting plants from frost and harsh winter weather conditions. Low moisture in the air contributes to drying conditions, and frigid wind can be brutal on delicate leaves and flowers. Add sheets directly over the tops of shrubs and hedges. For smaller plants, consider creating a tent structure with rods to avoid putting too much weight on the foliage. 

Fabric wrapping paper is a sustainable way to wrap a present. In Japan, a special wrapping fabric is called furoshiki, and there are many creative ways to wrap a gift with it. You can cut up your more decorative sheets and make your own version of the wrapping fabric. Ones with attractive patterns and vibrant colors are great choices for this DIY and they'll make your gift presentation all the more exciting. 

Give your pooch a bed they'll adore. Your sheets already smell like their favorite place — home. So, why not turn them into a pet bed? If you have a sewing machine, you can create beds of various shapes and sizes. You can also cut out two simple rectangles, and hot glue them together leaving a small opening. Then, stuff it with fiberfill and glue the hole shut. It's a simple design, but your dog will surely enjoy it. 

When sheets are in good condition yet no longer needed, you can often donate them to local thrift stores, animal shelters, or wildlife rescue centers. Check with local organizations to assess their needs. HELPSY, a company created to reduce textile waste, collects and finds new purposes for old clothing items. They also accept clean and dry textiles too, so you can offload any linens instead of throwing them away.