We all have them in our closets those old hangers, piling up and gathering dust. Whether it’s the plastic ones from the dry cleaners, wooden ones you no longer need, or the thin wire hangers that seem to multiply without any reason, most of us don’t think twice about tossing them once they’ve outlived their purpose.

But what if I told you there are countless ways to reuse those hangers and give them a new life? You don’t have to throw them away or let them take up valuable space in your home.

Today, I’m going to show you how you can repurpose these seemingly useless objects into something creative and functional.

Let’s dive into the world of hanger recycling and discover how these simple tools can be transformed into a variety of useful items around your home.

Why Reuse Hangers?

Before we dive into the how-tos, let’s first understand why reusing hangers is such a fantastic idea. For one, it’s an easy way to practice sustainability in our everyday lives.

The materials hangers are made from whether plastic, wire, or wood don’t break down easily in landfills. By reusing them, we keep these materials from contributing to waste and, instead, make use of their potential.

Additionally, reusing hangers doesn’t require any complicated tools or skills. All you need is a little creativity and some time, and you’ll be amazed at what you can make from these household items. Let’s get started with some innovative ways to give those old hangers a new purpose!

1. Hanger as Wall Hooks for Your Home

What You’ll Need:

• An old wire or plastic hanger
• Scissors or wire cutters
• A drill (if needed)
• Small hooks or nails

How to Make It:
First, cut the hanger into the shape of a hook. You can bend the wire into a classic hook shape or get creative and form it into a more intricate design. Next, if you’re using a wire hanger, you can create multiple hooks by cutting the wire into small sections. Attach the hooks to the wall using nails or screws.

These upcycled hanger hooks are great for hanging keys, bags, coats, or even kitchen tools. They’re a perfect addition to entryways, kitchens, or even bathrooms!

2. Create a Hanging Planter

What You’ll Need:

• Wire hanger (the thinner the better)
• Small plant pots
• Potting soil and plants
• A hook or ceiling bracket

How to Make It:
Bend your wire hanger into a circular shape, creating a base to hold a small plant pot. Then, use the remaining wire to create a loop for hanging. You can twist it around the top of the pot, ensuring the plant remains stable.

If you want to get creative, you can paint the wire hanger to match your home decor. Hang the planter from your ceiling or a sturdy hook, and enjoy a beautiful, eco-friendly hanging garden!

3. DIY Hanger Jewelry Organizer

What You’ll Need:

• A sturdy hanger (wooden or wire works best)
• Small hooks (optional)
• Decorative ribbons or fabric (optional)

How to Make It:
Use the hanger to create a jewelry display by hanging your necklaces, bracelets, or even rings. Simply use the wire to thread through the jewelry, or add small hooks to the hanger to hold earrings or other small items.

If you want to make it more decorative, wrap the hanger in colorful fabric or ribbon to add a personal touch. This organizer is a great way to keep your jewelry neat and easily accessible.

4. Hanger as a Photo Display Rack

What You’ll Need:

• An old wooden hanger
• String or twine
• Clothespins

How to Make It:
Transform a simple wooden hanger into a chic photo display rack. Attach twine to the arms of the hanger, spacing it evenly across. Then, use small clothespins to hang your favorite photos, postcards, or artwork.

This display rack not only helps organize your photos but also adds a unique, handmade touch to any room. It’s perfect for a gallery wall, and you can change the photos as often as you like.

5. Reusing Hangers for Shoe Storage

What You’ll Need:

• A sturdy wire hanger
• Pliers or wire cutters
• Small hooks or clips

How to Make It:
By bending a wire hanger into a shape that holds shoes, you can create a functional and space-saving shoe rack. Use the hooks to hang each shoe individually, or attach multiple shoes together. This is a great option for small spaces where you need to store shoes without taking up too much room.

6. Hanger Frame for a DIY Headboard

What You’ll Need:

• A sturdy metal or wooden hanger
• Fabric or upholstery material
• Staples or a glue gun

How to Make It:
Turn your old hangers into a stylish DIY headboard for your bed! Start by wrapping fabric around the hanger and securing it with glue or staples. Arrange several hangers together to form a larger surface and hang them behind your bed.

This project can be customized with different fabrics and styles, giving your bedroom a chic, personalized touch. The best part? It costs far less than a traditional headboard.

7. Hanger as a Towel Rack

What You’ll Need:

• An old wooden or metal hanger
• Screw hooks or nails

How to Make It:
Take an old hanger and use it to create a towel rack in your bathroom. Hang the hanger horizontally on the wall using screw hooks, then drape towels over it. This simple solution adds character to your bathroom and helps you keep towels off the floor.

8. Turn Hangers Into DIY Coat Rack

What You’ll Need:

• A sturdy coat hanger (plastic or metal)
• Screws or nails
• Optional: paint or fabric for decoration

How to Make It:
Repurpose a strong plastic or wooden hanger by hanging it horizontally along a wall in your entryway or closet. Use it to hang coats, hats, or scarves. You can even paint the hanger to match your decor or wrap it with fabric for a more sophisticated look.

This coat rack idea works particularly well in tight spaces or small apartments where wall space is limited.

9. Hanger Desk Organizer

What You’ll Need:

• A wooden or wire hanger
• Small containers (like cups, jars, or boxes)
• Scissors or wire cutters

How to Make It:
Bend the hanger into a horizontal shape that can hold small containers or desk supplies. Use the containers to store pens, markers, or office tools. You can even use it to hold your phone or tablet while you work. This simple organizer helps keep your desk neat and tidy, and you can easily customize it to fit your space.

10. Hanger Clothes Drying Rack

What You’ll Need:

• A few wire or wooden hangers
• String or twine

How to Make It:
If you don’t have a clothes drying rack, you can easily create one using a few sturdy hangers. Hang the hangers on a rod, string, or even across a door frame, and drape your clothes over them. It’s an easy and efficient way to air-dry clothes, especially for small items like socks or delicate fabrics.

Table: Quick Overview

Mistakes to Avoid When Reusing Hangers

While repurposing hangers is a great way to reduce waste and create functional items, there are a few common mistakes that people often make:

1. Not Considering Weight Limitations: Hangers are not designed to hold heavy items. Make sure you understand the weight capacity of your hanger before using it for storage or as a hook.
2. Using the Wrong Tools: Some hangers, especially wire ones, can be difficult to manipulate. Be sure to use the right tools, such as pliers, to avoid injuring yourself or damaging the hanger.
3. Overcomplicating the Design: While it’s fun to get creative, sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Don’t overcomplicate your projects by trying to make them too intricate.

Conclusion: Transform Your Old Hangers Into Something New

As you can see, there are plenty of creative ways to reuse hangers in your home. From organizing your space to creating DIY decor, these repurposed items can serve a multitude of functions.

By simply thinking outside the box (or hanger!), you can reduce waste and add personal touches to your living space.

Don’t let your hangers go to waste! Try one of these projects today and share your results with us. Have any other hanger reuse ideas? Let us know in the comments below!

FAQ

Q: Can I reuse plastic hangers the same way as wire ones?
A: Yes! Plastic hangers can be used for many of the same projects as wire ones, although they may be less flexible for intricate designs. They work best for projects that don’t require bending.

Q: How do I make my repurposed hangers more durable?
A: If you’re using hangers for storage or as hooks, make sure to reinforce them with screws or nails. For added durability, you can also paint them with a protective coating.

Q: Can I recycle old hangers instead of reusing them?
A: Absolutely! If you can’t find a way to reuse your hangers, look into recycling options in your area. Many hangers, especially metal ones, can be recycled.