Pillows are an essential part of our homes, providing comfort during sleep and adding a cozy touch to living spaces. However, like many household items, pillows don’t last forever. Over time, they lose their shape, accumulate dust, and become less supportive, leaving many homeowners wondering what to do with them. While tossing them in the trash is one option, it’s far from the most sustainable or creative approach. With a little imagination, old pillows can be repurposed in ways that extend their life, reduce waste, and add value to your home and garden.
In this article, we’ll explore nine genius ways to repurpose old pillows, turning something that might otherwise end up in a landfill into functional, decorative, or practical items. Whether you’re eco-conscious, crafty, or just looking to save money, these ideas will inspire you to see your old pillows in a whole new light.
1. Create Cozy Pet Beds
One of the easiest ways to give old pillows a second life is by transforming them into pet beds. Dogs, cats, and even small pets like rabbits and ferrets love soft, cushioned surfaces.
How to Do It:
- Choose a pillow that is still somewhat fluffy but no longer comfortable for human use.
- Place it in a washable pillowcase or fabric cover for easy cleaning.
- For added durability, sew a simple cover from old T-shirts, sheets, or denim.
Tip: Smaller pillows can be stacked to create extra thickness or cut to fit the size of your pet. This is an excellent way to provide comfort without spending money on expensive pet beds.
2. Make Floor Cushions or Poufs
Old pillows can be sewn together to create large floor cushions or poufs, perfect for casual seating in living rooms, playrooms, or outdoor spaces.
How to Do It:
- Combine multiple pillows in a large pillowcase or sew them into a custom fabric cover.
- Add buttons, ties, or quilted stitching to keep the filling evenly distributed.
- For outdoor use, choose waterproof or durable fabric to withstand weather exposure.
Benefit: Floor cushions add versatile seating for gatherings or relaxation, and you can customize them to match your décor.
3. Craft DIY Draft Stoppers
Drafty doors and windows can lead to higher energy bills, but old pillows can be repurposed into draft stoppers, helping to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
How to Do It:
- Cut a pillow open and remove some of the filling if needed.
- Roll the pillow tightly to fit the length of your door or window sill.
- Wrap it in a durable fabric and sew or tie the ends to secure it.
Extra Tip: You can add rice, beans, or sand to part of the filling to make the draft stopper heavier and more effective.
4. Use as Upholstery Filling
If you enjoy DIY furniture projects, old pillows can provide extra padding for chairs, benches, or ottomans.
How to Do It:
- Open the old pillow and fluff or shred the filling.
- Insert the stuffing into a chair cushion cover, bench pad, or DIY footstool.
- Secure the cover with zippers, buttons, or ties to keep the filling in place.
Benefit: This method is cost-effective and reduces the need for new upholstery foam, making it both budget-friendly and eco-friendly.
5. Create Garden Kneeling Pads
Gardening often requires kneeling on hard surfaces, which can strain your knees. Old pillows can be transformed into soft kneeling pads to make planting, weeding, or pruning more comfortable.
How to Do It:
- Cover a pillow with a waterproof or durable fabric to protect it from moisture and dirt.
- Sew or tie the edges to keep the filling secure.
- Use small pillows individually or stack them for added thickness.
Tip: Keep one or two in your garden shed for quick access during yard work.
6. Make Stuffed Toys or Plushies
If you enjoy crafting, old pillows can provide soft stuffing for homemade toys or plushies.
How to Do It:
- Cut the pillowcase open and remove the filling.
- Use fabric scraps to sew simple shapes like animals, dolls, or decorative cushions.
- Stuff the shapes with the pillow filling and sew them closed.
Benefit: This is a fun, creative project for adults and kids alike, and it helps reduce textile waste while producing a personalized toy.
7. Patchwork or Quilting Projects
Old pillow fabric and filling can be incorporated into patchwork quilts or blanket projects, adding warmth and texture.
How to Do It:
- Cut the pillow fabric into squares or strips.
- Use the pillow filling as batting for extra softness.
- Sew the pieces together to create a custom quilt, lap blanket, or wall hanging.
Extra Tip: Mix multiple pillow fabrics for a colorful, eclectic look. This is a great way to repurpose pillows with unique patterns or vintage designs.
8. Car or Travel Pillows
Even if your old pillow is no longer ideal for your bed, it can still provide comfort on the go. Repurpose it into a car pillow, travel pillow, or neck support cushion.
How to Do It:
- Fold or reshape the pillow to fit the space you need.
- Cover it with a removable pillowcase or fabric cover for hygiene.
- Use it on long car trips, flights, or even as lumbar support at your desk.
Benefit: This method extends the usefulness of a pillow while improving comfort during travel or work.
9. DIY Pet Toys
Old pillows can also be used to make soft, safe toys for your pets.
How to Do It:
- Cut pillow fabric into strips or shapes.
- Sew or knot the pieces together to create chewable toys for dogs or soft batting toys for cats.
- Ensure any loose threads are trimmed to prevent choking hazards.
Tip: Combine pillow stuffing with other safe fabrics to create interactive, fun toys that keep pets entertained.
Why Repurposing Old Pillows Matters
Repurposing pillows isn’t just about saving money—it’s about reducing waste and supporting sustainability. Millions of pillows are discarded each year, and most end up in landfills where synthetic fillings may take decades to decompose. By repurposing, you:
- Reduce landfill contributions.
- Save money on pet beds, cushions, or craft supplies.
- Encourage creativity and DIY skills.
- Extend the functional life of household items.
Additionally, repurposing pillows gives you customizable home solutions, from décor to comfort items, that fit your personal style and needs.
Quick Tips for Repurposing Pillows Safely
- Check for Mold or Mildew: Only repurpose pillows that are clean and dry to avoid spreading bacteria.
- Wash Pillowcases and Filling: If possible, clean the fabric and fluff the filling before use.
- Use Non-Toxic Fabric: For pet toys or children’s projects, avoid chemical-treated pillow materials.
- Shred Instead of Tossing: Shredding pillow stuffing makes it easier to reuse for smaller projects.
- Label DIY Projects: Keep track of repurposed pillow items so you can rotate or wash them as needed.
Conclusion
Old pillows don’t have to end up in the trash. With a little imagination and a few DIY skills, they can be transformed into pet beds, floor cushions, draft stoppers, garden pads, toys, quilts, or travel pillows. Not only does repurposing help the environment by reducing waste, but it also saves money and allows for creative home projects.
From practical solutions like draft stoppers and kneeling pads to fun projects like stuffed toys and quilts, there are countless ways to give your old pillows a second life. With these nine ideas, you can extend the life of your pillows, reduce clutter, and discover new ways to enhance comfort and creativity in your home.
Repurposing old pillows proves that even items that seem worn out can find new purpose, utility, and charm with a little ingenuity. So the next time you’re about to throw out a pillow, remember: with a few simple steps, it could become your new favorite DIY project.