7 Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Window Shutters

Window shutters add interest to your home and break up the expanse of colour on your siding. They give your home a finished look, and depending on the type of shutter, they can add extra protection to your home. However, if your shutters are cracked, with the paint peeling and a few slats missing, then it may be time for an upgrade. Swapping out shutters can improve the value of your home and breathe new life into its appearance.

Before you think of just tossing those old shutters into the landfill, check out these neat DIY ideas to breathe some new life into your shutters.

1. Memo and Mail Board

If you feel overwhelmed with your mail, or you have Christmas cards or birthday invitations you want to display, you can give your old shutters new life by turning them into a memo and mail board. Add a fresh coat of paint as needed, then use clothes pins to attach cards to the slats. Or, turn the shutters sideways, and simply slide the cards halfway into the slats. With a few screw in hooks, you can add a nifty keyholder.

2. Magazine Holder

Have too many subscriptions to Explore magazine? Not quite sure what to do with your partner's collection of Ontario Out of Doors? Mount your old shutters on a wall, or prop it up in the corner. Then, drape each magazine over the shutter slats. Your magazines stay organized and your shutters gain new purpose.

3. Shelves

Turning your old shutters into new shelves is one of the simplest uses for them. Sand the shutters, paint them to match the colour of your home, and then mount them to the wall with sturdy brackets. It's a unique way to display your favourite books, houseplants, or decorative items.

4. Room Dividers

You'll want at least three shutters for this project, as well as hinges and a screwdriver. Attach hinges along the sides of the shutters, and then attach the shutters together. The multiple shutters will help them stand upright, and the slats will provide nice coverage whether you want to separate a room or change your clothes behind them.

5. Coat Rack

For a unique look to your entry way, screw in pegs and knobs along the side of the shutter. Mount the shutter sideways on the wall, and you'll have an instant coat rack. Shutters with coats can be heavy, though, so be sure to screw the shutters into wall studs rather than just the drywall. Attaching a small shelf above, or another shutter with brackets will give you additional storage for hats, gloves, purses, etc.

6. Head Board

Lay rows of shutters together to match the width of your bed. Keep them together using small brackets, or keep them together by screwing them into a strip of pine board. Mount them securely to the wall, then slide your bed next to your new headboard.

7. Side Table

Stand four shutters up to form a square; this will make the base of your table. Measure the square, and purchase eight art stretchers of the same (or slightly larger) size. Place the stretchers to form two square shapes: one for the base, and one for the top of the table.

Drill screws through the frame of the table to hold them together. Have a glass store cut a ¼ inch piece of glass for the top of your new table – then slide the glass into the stretcher's bevelled edge. And voila! A unique side table for your bedroom.