We’ve all been there: a dusty shelf or a forgotten drawer filled with old trophies that once symbolized victory and achievement.

Over time, these awards lose their shine, and they may seem more like clutter than a cherished reminder of success.

But what if I told you that those trophies, which once represented your hard work and dedication, could be transformed into something new and meaningful?

In this article, we will explore a variety of innovative ways to repurpose old trophies, turning them into unique home décor items, gifts, or even functional pieces.

Whether you’re a collector of old sports trophies, academic awards, or corporate recognitions, there are endless possibilities for giving them a second life. Let’s dive in!

Do You Have a Collection of Dusty Trophies Sitting in a Corner?

If you’re like me, you probably have a shelf in your home filled with old trophies. At one point, they represented some of your proudest moments from winning a local soccer match to receiving academic honors. But over time, those trophies begin to collect dust, and the luster fades.

You might even feel guilty about throwing them away, as they hold sentimental value. But don’t worry you don’t have to let them gather dust in a forgotten corner anymore!

Repurposing trophies is a fantastic way to give these awards a new lease on life and create something functional or artistic in the process.

In this post, I will share with you several creative ideas and step-by-step instructions for transforming your old trophies into pieces that reflect your current tastes and style.

Repurposing Old Trophies

1. Transform Your Trophy Into a Lamp

One of the easiest and most functional ways to repurpose a trophy is to turn it into a lamp. Not only will this breathe new life into an old, forgotten piece, but it can also serve as a striking conversation starter in any room.

Materials Needed:

• A trophy (any size)
• A lamp kit (available at most hardware stores)
• A lampshade of your choice
• A drill with a masonry bit (if the trophy is made of metal)
• Screwdriver
• Lightbulb

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Disassemble the Trophy: Start by carefully removing any components that make up the trophy (like the figure, plate, or base) and set them aside.
2. Drill a Hole: Use the drill to make a hole in the center of the trophy’s base (you’ll need to ensure the lamp cord can pass through).
3. Install the Lamp Kit: Insert the lamp kit through the hole in the base and secure it according to the instructions on the kit.
4. Attach the Lampshade: Place your lampshade on top of the lamp socket.
5. Add a Lightbulb: Screw in a lightbulb, and you now have a unique and functional piece of home décor.

Personal Insight: I’ve turned several old trophies into lamps, and the result is always stunning! It’s a great way to create something useful while preserving the memories tied to the trophy. Plus, it’s an excellent way to showcase your personality in your living space.

2. Create a Trophy Planter

If you love plants and want to bring a little nature into your home, repurposing a trophy into a planter is a fantastic option. It’s not only a unique décor idea, but it also gives your old trophies new purpose.

Materials Needed:

• An old trophy
• A small plant pot
• Potting soil
• Plants (succulents work well)
• Hot glue gun or adhesive

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Trophy: Remove any figures or embellishments that might get in the way of the planter’s design.
2. Insert the Pot: Find a small plant pot that fits the trophy’s opening. The trophy’s base should act as the planter’s base.
3. Secure the Pot: Use hot glue or strong adhesive to fix the pot inside the trophy. Make sure it’s stable and centered.
4. Fill with Soil and Plant: Fill the pot with potting soil, then carefully plant your choice of succulent or small plant.
5. Water and Display: Water the plant as needed and place your new trophy planter in a spot where it will thrive.

Example: I used an old sports trophy to create a beautiful succulent planter for my living room. It became a beautiful focal point on my coffee table and added a little greenery to my space.

3. Repurpose a Trophy as a Trophy for Another Purpose

This might sound a bit odd, but sometimes the best way to repurpose an old trophy is to give it a whole new life by making it into a new “trophy” – for example, a fun “Best Pet Award” for your furry friend or a “Champion of the Week” for your family.

Materials Needed:

• An old trophy
• A new nameplate (or custom engraving)
• Paint (optional)
• Stickers or embellishments

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove Old Labels: If there’s a label or engraving on the trophy, remove it carefully. You can use a sanding block or a scraper if needed.
2. Add a New Label: Create a new nameplate for the trophy that fits your new purpose. For instance, you could engrave “Best Dog of the Year” or “Champion of the Week.”
3. Customize the Trophy: If you want to make the trophy more playful or relevant to its new purpose, feel free to paint it or add stickers, rhinestones, or other embellishments.
4. Award the Trophy: Use your repurposed trophy as a fun and lighthearted way to give recognition – whether it’s for a pet, a family member, or even a game night.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Not Considering the Trophy’s Weight: Some trophies can be quite heavy, so it’s important to consider the stability of the new function. If it’s a planter, make sure the trophy can support the weight of soil and a plant.
• Using Too Many Decorations: While customizing your trophy can be fun, remember that less is often more. Over-decorating can take away from the originality of the trophy.

4. Use Trophies as Art Pieces

If you’re into arts and crafts, you can disassemble the trophy and turn its individual pieces into a beautiful, abstract sculpture or art piece. This is an excellent way to showcase your creativity.

Materials Needed:

• A trophy (or several)
• Hot glue gun
• Paint (optional)
• Decorative elements (e.g., beads, buttons, fabric)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Disassemble the Trophy: Carefully take apart the trophy into its components (figure, base, plate, etc.). You can keep some parts as they are or modify them.
2. Create a New Design: Use the individual pieces to create a new design. You could glue the figure on top of the base and add some colorful paint to create a modern look, or you could combine multiple trophies to form a dynamic sculpture.
3. Add Decorative Touches: Personalize the art by adding beads, rhinestones, or paint to match your style.
4. Display the Artwork: Find the perfect spot in your home to showcase your new art piece.

5. Trophy Wall Hook

Old trophies can also be used as functional home accessories, like wall hooks for hanging coats, keys, or hats. It’s a clever way to preserve the trophy while adding a bit of utility to it.

Materials Needed:

• A trophy
• Screw hooks or pegs
• Drill
• Screws

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Trophy: Remove any figures or decorative elements that may obstruct the wall hook functionality.
2. Install the Hooks: Use a drill to attach screw hooks or pegs to the trophy’s base or body, depending on the style and shape.
3. Mount on the Wall: Hang the trophy on the wall using screws or nails. Make sure it’s securely fastened.
4. Hang Items: Use the hooks to hang coats, keys, or any other items you want to organize.

Table: Trophy Repurposing Ideas

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Repurposing Trophies

1. Overcomplicating the Design: While it’s tempting to add many elements, sometimes simplicity works best. Over-decorating can make the trophy look cluttered rather than creative.
2. Choosing the Wrong Trophy: Some trophies, particularly those with intricate figures or heavy materials, may not be ideal for certain projects. Choose the trophy based on the design and intended function.
3. Not Considering the Trophy’s Value: If the trophy holds significant sentimental or monetary value, repurposing it might not be the best option. Always weigh the emotional cost of altering a treasured item.

Conclusion: Giving Your Trophies New Purpose

Repurposing old trophies is a fun and rewarding way to create something useful or decorative while preserving memories and achievements.

From turning them into functional lamps and planters to transforming them into unique art pieces or wall hooks, the possibilities are endless.

Now that you have all these creative ideas and step-by-step instructions, I encourage you to take those old trophies out of storage and give them a new life. Have fun with the process, and let your creativity shine through!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Repurposing Old Trophies

1. What types of trophies are best for repurposing?

Almost any trophy can be repurposed, but trophies made from plastic, metal, or wood are the easiest to work with. Trophies that have detachable pieces or are simple in design tend to work better for DIY projects, as they allow for more creativity and modification. Heavier or more ornate trophies may require more effort and tools.

2. Can I repurpose a trophy even if it’s broken?

Yes, absolutely! Broken trophies can still be repurposed in many ways. You can use the base, parts of the figurines, or even the plaques for creative projects. For example, you can turn a broken trophy into an art piece by combining pieces of different trophies. You can also use the base to create a functional item, like a lamp or wall hook.

3. How do I remove engravings or nameplates from trophies?

To remove engravings or nameplates, use a small scraper or fine sandpaper to gently remove the engraving. If it’s a metal plaque, you might need a bit of elbow grease to polish the surface once you’ve removed the text. Be careful not to damage the surface of the trophy, especially if you want to use it for another purpose like repurposing as a planter or wall hook.

4. Is it safe to drill into a trophy?

Drilling into trophies is generally safe, but it depends on the material. For trophies made of wood or plastic, drilling is easy. However, if the trophy is made of metal or another tough material, you may need to use a drill bit specifically designed for that material (e.g., a masonry bit for metal). Always take precautions to avoid damaging the trophy or harming yourself in the process.