40+ genius ways to transform a wooden pallet

Wood pallet furniture and décor ideas to try

More often seen in warehouses and depots, the humble wooden pallet is an upcycler's best friend; cheap, readily available and eco-friendly.

Turning these simple wood frames into awesome pallet furniture projects has become a huge trend and with some inventive thinking, you can create a unique upcycled piece for your home or garden.

From a bedframe to spice rack, read on to be inspired by these DIY pallet furniture ideas...

Tidy up with pallet shoe storage

How's this for a clever storage hack? Organise your porch or bootroom with a pallet shoe rack; the chunky weathered wood is perfect for outdoor and indoor decorating and there is plenty of space to slot in a whole family's shoes. Why not personalise the pallet with paint and stencils?

Try DIY pallet wall cladding

Reusing pallet wood is a thrifty and effective way of adding cabin chic to a decorating scheme. Keep the wood natural for a weathered and textured look or paint it white for a cleaner and brighter shiplap feel.

This bedroom wall has been curated with reclaimed wood pieces but the same can be achieved using pallet wood stained various tones.

Two-tone a kitchen island

A narrow pallet kitchen island will bring plenty of rustic charm to a farmhouse-style kitchen. Ensure the pallet is sanitised and sanded down so it's super smooth then keep the worktop natural for an authentic weathered look.

An additional shelf below will give the structure support. One for the more confident DIYers, you can find the tutorial at We Lived Happily Ever After.

Go rustic with a radiator cover

You don't need to be a woodwork wizard to add the pallet furniture trend to your home. Very little has been done to this wooden pallet by @haimbeiuss to transform it into a textured radiator cover.

The weathered surface and natural colouring add a raw and organic look to this rustic-style hallway.

Create balcony seating with built-in storage

Looking to make the most of your balcony? Create a cosy nook by stacking two pallets on top of each other and cover with thick outdoor cushions. This bench has been beautifully colour coordinated with its surroundings and fits perfectly into a balcony corner.

Quaint little drawers have been fitted into pallet holes to perhaps store gardening books and potting tools.

Style up your home office

Turning a pallet on its side works well in this practical organiser for a home office. Simply wall-mount or secure to a large desk; the wooden structure has ready-made compartments to store stationery and display inspirational objects.

Team with a metal desk lamp to continue the industrial look.

Make use of an awkward space

Even the tiniest of balconies can be transformed into a pocket oasis with a little planning. This small and awkward space is super snug and inviting thanks to the slim pallet slot-in. We love how the addition of pretty LEDs highlight the bohemian-style seating nook.

Create a spice rack

If you need extra storage in a small kitchen a wall-mounted pallet pantry could be just the ticket.

This fun retro-look storage cupboard made from pallets by Cassie Fairy of My Thrifty Life by Cassie Fairy has a blackboard and pinboard doors plus colourful shelf space for tins and spices.

Display your books

Create an enchanting library space for less by simply placing a row of pallets on their side.

The spaces in the wood create handy shelves for displaying your favourite tomes. Add an on-trend botanical touch by alternating with houseplants.

Create statement artwork

Using pallet wood as a canvas for stencil art can add an impressive pop of natural texture and colour to your walls.

You can create original DIY artwork with painter's tape and metallic paint to create a beautiful piece of statement art like @lifeofaninteriorstylist has displayed in her contemporary grey living room.

Sleep on a pallet bed

Want to take the pallet headboard idea to the next level? A whole bed made from pallets looks strong and industrial – plus it's cheaper than buying a new frame.

This design has been stained to create a darker wood grain effect.

Add a feature wall

Bring a twist to a conventional gallery wall by building a large display wall-mounted shelf to exhibit photos and accessories.

This huge, geometric feature wall by Nikkita Palmer Designs looks organic and striking set against a whitewashed brick wall.  

Hang a pallet coat rack

This DIY pallet project is not only a practical coat rack but also a seriously stylish rustic statement. The pallet's blocks and treatment stamps are a visual feature and create handy storage cubby holes too.

Who'd have thought such a simple idea could look so striking and cool?

Brighten up your living space

If you rent an unfurnished house pallet furniture is a great (and cheap) way to furnish your space on a budget. From coffee tables to stacked-pallet sofas, they are ideal for a temporary or more permanent style solution.

Add covered seat pads and cushioned backs to make them comfy and add plenty of cushions.

Glaze a pallet coffee table

A sheet of toughened glass is an ideal extra to install onto a pallet wood coffee table. It makes the surface completely flat, protects the wood underneath from any spills and you and your guests from any splinters.

Also, your unique rustic focal point is not concealed in any way either.

Build a corner bench

Build a corner bench for cosy nights in the garden around a firepit or layered outdoor lighting like these lanterns and battery powered candles.

This bench is probably made from planed wood but similar sanded pallet wood would work too. Coat the furniture in a protective varnish to bring out a rich tone that stands out. Cosy up with plenty of seat pads and cushions and add hinges to the seats to create clever storage to hold the cushions and blanket when the space is not in use.

Make a serving tray

If sourcing, dismantling and de-nailing a wooden pallet seems too advanced but you think you could take on a beginner's project, then check out this rustic wood pallet serving tray idea.

Paint up a pallet signpost

Just the thing to display in the craft room or play den, this nifty sign is made from pallet wood. Once you’ve cut it to size and nailed the sections in place, it’s time to get arty.

Here the top has been left plain, and the bottom two sections have been painted with chalk paint, so the message can change when you fancy mixing it up. Why not get the kids to practice their best handwriting in chalk?

Kick back with a TV tray

Here’s another fantastic crafty idea for reusing wooden pallets; add bean-filled fabric to dismantled and cut wood and screw two iron handles to each side.

The finished article is an industrial-style lap tray to enjoy a TV dinner! Treat the wood with oil to protect the timber.

Get crafty with coat hooks

You don't need to build a complicated creation from an entire pallet to make something useful. This dog lead hook is made with just one plank of pallet wood and is super easy to do. Screw two hooks on either end and personalise the centre with stencils or vintage playing cards for added rustic interest; it's a perfect project for beginner woodworkers.

Commission a coffee table

If you prefer a more polished look, a professionally finished pallet table should be appealing. It still has a rustic touch but extensive sanding means it's smooth to touch. It also has perfect hollowed-out storage for a laptop and books, and the wheels even have brakes to stop it rolling away when you lean on it.

Put up a pallet pendant light box

What an ingenious idea for hiding an ugly light fitting! This pallet lightbox has been made using pallet wood scraps from other projects.

This not only covers up the electrical ceiling power socket but separates a trio of industrial-style glass pendant lights over a kitchen island.

Build an outdoor desk

If working from home appeals to you make the experience even more ideal by building an outdoor desk for the summer months.

Ensure the pallet is safely secured to the floor or a wall. Paint it an inspiring colour, install a surface for work materials and fill the compartments with uplifting and colourful plants.

Organise the tool shed

The great thing about pallet wood is the more used and weathered it becomes the better it looks.

So, this clever garage tool bench made by Donna Williams, owner of  Funky Junk Interiors, is perfect for organising tools and hardware that gets well-used and stored in outbuildings. 

Make a mini planter

You don't need to get upcycling a whole pallet to create something spectacular. With succulents being a popular trend, this mini pallet planter will look contemporary and charming mounted inside or out.

Choose a contrasting wood paint shade like charcoal or slate to make the greenery pop.

Plant up a herb garden

Grow your own herb garden that's sure to turn heads. Painted part black with blackboard paint, this rustic wall-mounted planter will make a statement out of your greenery.

Note the names of planted herbs underneath with white chalk, that can be changed when you plant new crops, and you'll have created a striking kitchen garden that's Instaworthy! Take a look @clairedouglasstyling to view her tutorial reel. She shows us just how easy this project is to complete.

Pretty up a picnic table

A low-level pallet picnic table can create extra surface space if you are eating alfresco. This easy project is super versatile as the pallets are simply painted and stacked beside one another – no nails or glue are needed.

Simply, sand down and clean two pallets with methylated spirits for a smooth finish and paint with an all-purpose paint or wood stain in the direction of the grain. Then, add floor cushions, blankets and a vintage table setting.

Spoil your dog with a pallet bed

The surface area of a standard pallet is practically made for a pet bed project. Add sides and a headboard as well as a cosy mattress and voila you have created a pet palace for your furry friends.

Or, build a cosy dog house for your pooch to enjoy garden days with a protective roof.

Make a simple potting bench

Combine your love of gardening and DIY by building a pallet potting bench.

Fix two pallets together and turn them on their side. Then secure concrete slabs or tiles on the top to create a flat surface for potting and planting. Pots and utensils can be stored underneath.

Relax on a pallet swing bed

Create the ultimate hangout spot with a boho pallet swing bed. It needs extra reinforced lumber wood to support suspended body weight, strong rope that won't rot and a waterproof mattress or vinyl mattress cover.

Follow the tutorial at The Merrythought and then lay back and relax in your new garden feature.

Stick to original concepts

Garden pallet furniture has become an urban garden staple. Once you've cracked the formula you can go on to build benches, sofas, snuggle seats and more.

This set uses exterior paint to transform the look of the wood, making it more durable and easier to clean. Anyone who has already made wood pallet furniture will tell you cushions and seat pads are a must.

Create a bug hotel

Make your garden appealing to bees and insects with a homemade bug hotel built from pallets with a rough finish that adds to the rustic effect.

To create your hotel, layer pallets securely on top of one another and fill the gaps with natural materials, creating lots of hideaways for garden dwellers to explore. You could add mesh to keep smaller materials in place.

Build a raised planter

You don't need to be a professional tradesman to make use of a wooden pallet. There are plenty of tutorials and online plans for a beginner to create a practical addition to your home.

Search online for instructions on how to make a raised planter like this genius version that uses the pallet troughs on the side to create a tiered effect. When you get the hang of it and if you have room why not create a full kitchen garden? For an urban edge, and extra protection, paint each planter black.

Lay a walkway

Dismantle a wooden pallet completely and use the single planks of wood to make an endearing pallet board pathway in the garden. 

Funky Junk Interiors created this meandering pathway to bridge a large flower bed in just one afternoon. 

Brighten up a pallet planter

When flipped on its side a wooden pallet has grooves that make perfect growing containers for all sorts of greenery.

Smaller plants such as herbs, flowering border plants like pansies and even an arrangement of different succulents look eye-catching and can be packed in tight.

Hang baskets in style

Pretty up a plain garden wall with a pair of pallet wood wall planters.

We love the subtle style of this display; matching the paint colour to the white background wall looks so refreshing and makes the greenery and hanging baskets seem as though they are almost floating.

Divide the garden

The slatted design of wooden pallets makes them ideal to install as budget privacy screens or garden dividers.

Why not add a climbing plant at its base and encourage it to grow up and around the wood for extra colour and character?

Switch up sustainable style

Get on board the DIY pallet wood and cable drum trend with this sustainable garden project. Ideal for keeping these items out of a landfill, this fun industrial-style project is perfect for those who love a challenge.

Check out a how-to video online to get started.

Create quirky garden chairs

How's this for an environmentally friendly way to furnish your outdoor space?

All you'll need is a few pallets, wood offcuts, nails and some woodwork skills, as it's important your seats are safe to sit on! Use strong wood for the legs, then paint everything in exterior wood paint to protect and add an element of fun.

Try out a trellis fence

Mount pallet fencing horizontally to lengthen the look of a garden and allow light to stream through. 

Kezzabeth has created a pretty trellis-style fence above an existing waist-height brick wall to create a two-tone contrast. Painted in a neutral tone the finish is clean, streamlined and bright.

Brighten up the decking

Generally, pallet projects are left unfinished to the blond wood stand out but this garden coffee table on castors has got the best of both worlds with a two-tone design that jazzes up the look.

A splash of dazzling yellow on the top surface creates protection and a sunny contrast to the bare wood underneath – we love the party vibe!

Design a mini bug hotel

If you don't have room for a full size bug hotel try this smaller alternative.

This quartet of bug hotel columns finished with chicken wire makes a great beginner pallet project as the rough finish adds to the rustic affect. Paint them the same colour as the garden fence for a contemporary colour drench look.