Wood pallets have been around for decades as mechanisms for shipping and storing larger items (among other things). Recently, however, wooden pallets have become much more than a once-and-done packaging piece. They’ve become a useful resource in home décor and design.

Used by beginner to professional DIYers in projects from wall coverings to large and small furniture pieces to home décor accessories, wood pallets can be disassembled into wood planks that can be used for any number of projects. The wood can be like new, rustic with patina, or somewhere in between. And, best of all (to the DIY world, at least), is their price: Free!

Read on for some inspiration about how you can create uniquely original furniture items out of wood pallets. Get inspired, get creative, then get busy!

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PALLET TABLES AND DESKS

1. Recycled wood pallet dining table.

Create an original table out of four wood pallets. A pallet table is functional for both indoors and outdoor use, with its simple and rustic look. The table can be customized to size, and its design can change as you build. (Be sure to choose wood pallets that have not been chemically treated.) Finish it off with oil, wax, or a polyurethane/deck sealer to add durability and weather-proofing, and you’re done.

2. Easy pallet rolling outdoor table.

This particular table was made using two 4′ x 4′ wood pallets, one 4″x4″ beam cut into four pieces, four caster wheels, some L-brackets, and screws and gray stain. The fabulous result of this simple DIY project? A very practical outdoor rolling table that can act as a coffee table when you’re outside hanging out with your friends or family, or as a mini dining table when you want an outdoor snack.{found on joyeverafter}.

3. Simple pallet coffee table.

Here’s an extremely easy-to-build coffee table that was made of two pallets, stacked and screwed one on top of the other. Then some casters were added to the bottom, and it was done. Depending on the type of wood pallets you use, you could create a similar coffee table with more or less rusticity to match your design style (or paint it another color altogether). Bonus – the pallet coffee table’s design means there’s a practical shelf to hold coffee-table-like items, such as books, magazines, or anything else you might want to store there. {found on sewhomegrown}.

4. Modern pallet coffee table with glass top.

Here’s another version of a pallet coffee table. This one is even easier to build; with a glass top, it has a more modern look. It’s also made out of wooden pallets (you could stain, whitewash, paint, glaze, or wax yours to make it unique), and it also features four wheels that you can find at any hardware store. To polish off the whole table, a custom-cut glass top has been added.

5. Oriental-style pallet coffee table.

If you’re able to find unusually colored or stained pallets, you can use them to create an exotic-looking coffee table like this one. This particular coffee table almost mimics a table from Marrakech, although it was made from pallets found near a metro shopping area. It has a simple design and a very nice color combination. The table also features two small drawers for storage.

If you’re looking for a perfectly sized computer desk but don’t want to splurge on a custom-built piece, don’t worry! You can easily make your own desk out of wood pallets. For this particular one, all you need is a pallet, some sturdy legs, and a sheet of plywood. It’s an easy, inexpensive project, and at the end you’ll have an original (and perfectly-fitting) computer desk. {found on ikeahackers}

7. Pallet kitchen island.

As you probably already knew, pallets can be used to create all sorts of things. You can even use them to create a kitchen island. You’ll need at least three pallets, some tools, and paint. Simply cut the pallets to size, secure them together, and add a top. Paint them in a natural color or in a more vibrant tone that coordinates with your kitchen. It’s not difficult, and you have the freedom of choosing your own design.

PALLET CHAIRS AND SOFAS

1. Cozy pallet sofa.

Even if it’s a little hard to believe, this cute sofa was made using a plastic pallet. The pallet was cut in half, and some stainless steel plates and legs were added to create stability and to keep the two pieces together. In the end, some cushions were added and the sofa was ready to use. It’s not only a very easy and straightforward pallet project, but it’s also comfortable seating.{found on recycleart}.

2. Pallet sofa with built-in storage space.

Here’s a more elaborate project that requires six wooden pallets. They were painted and then covered with upholstered foam pillows. Because the base was made of two pallet levels, this provides a lot of very useful storage space for all sorts of things like books and magazines and other items.{found on cuartoderecha}.

3. Outdoor pallet swing chair.

When people start to use their imagination, they’re able to come up with interesting ideas. For example, here’s an outdoor swing chair that was made of a wooden pallet. The pallet was taken apart, and small pieces were sewntogether using durable rope. Then more rope was used to hang the piece from a tall tree. Be sure to use safe and durable rope if you don’t want to end up on the ground.{found on recyclart}.

4. Outdoor pallet lounger.

Here’s a very modern-looking lounge chair made out of – you guessed it – wood pallets. You’ll need four pallets of the same size, stacked on top of each other two by two. Use the remaining materials to make a backrest. Take your 2x4s and attach them to the top boards on either side. Prop your seat back up where you want it, paint the chair in a vibrant color, and you’re ready to go for spring and summer.{found on shoestringpavilion}.

5.Wood pallet daybeds.

If you need an extra bed, you could consider just making one out of pallets. It’s easy and much cheaper. These daybeds, made out of wooden shipping pallets, look safe and quite comfortable. However, they are not meant to be used by adults, so it’s best to let the children enjoy them. Just stack some pallets on top of each other, secure them together, and add a comfy mattress on top. It’s that simple.{found on ashleyannphotography and norskeinteriorblogger}.

6.Pallet pet beds.

If you don’t need an extra bed for yourself, then you can use some spare wooden pallets to build one for your pet that I’m sure will be appreciated. Once again, these pet beds are very easy to make and don’t cost much. Just cut a pallet in a way that allows you to obtain a rectangular structure. Add a comfy pillow and some decorations if you want and your project is over.{found on etsy}.

7. Pallet reading nook.

Do your kids sometimes need a quiet place where you can go and read a book or clear your mind? You can build it yourself. All you need are two pallets and some power tools. Cut the pallets in the shape that you want, reinforce them, and add some back structure. Add a cushion and some comfy pillows, and you’re done.{found on kojodesigns}.

PALLET STORAGE AREAS

1. Mudroom pallet shoe rack.

Nobody likes a muddy room, and you can avoid having one by creating a very practical shoe rack. This one is made from a discarded pallet, and it seems to do the trick. Just clean the pallet a little, then secure it vertically on a wall. There you go, your very own pallet shoe rack! You can leave it natural or paint it to coordinate with your mudroom décor.

2. Pallet bookshelf and bike rack.

Because of their structure, pallets can be easily used to create bookshelves without much modification. Just place the pallet along the wall, secure it, and add some shelves here and there. Paint it in a vibrant color if you want to, and of course add the books. Done and done. Moreover, you can also use the structure as a bike rack, as shown in the picture.{found on flickr}.

3. Pallet floating shelving system.

This particular shelving system is probably the easiest pallet project out there. You don’t need to know anything about the process, because there really isn’t anything to know. Just clear out some of the middle boards, hang the pallet on the wall, and you’re done. Use it to store pictures or other decorative items. You can also sand or paint the pallet for a more appealing look.{found on amandacarverdesigns}.

DECORATIVE ITEMS

1. Vertical garden made from pallets.

Here’s an idea of how you can turn a pallet into a very beautiful vertical garden. For this project you’ll need one wooden pallet, two large bags of potting soil, 16 six-packs of annuals, one small roll of landscape fabric, a staple gun, and sand paper. The result is a very beautiful and functional structure in which you can grow your plants{found on lifeonthebalcony}.

2. Honeycomb mirror.

Here’s a more sophisticated piece that was also made using a pallet. Even though this particular example features honeycomb mirrors, you can basically use any type of mirror you have in the house. Use the shipping pallet as a support structure and add the mirrors. You’ll have a nice (completely original!) decorative AND functional piece that was easy to make.{found on lovinglivingsmall}.

3. Pallet chandelier.

Here’s a beautiful chandelier that makes an architectural statement. Its history? It started out as a simple, undesired wooden pallet. Someone found it and decided to turn it into something more beautiful. The pallet was cut, different sizes of pieces were selected, and they were put together and secured n a very artistic way. The result was a very unique and functional chandelier.

4. Pallet staircase.

Pallets can be used to create all sorts of things. Here’s a more elaborate project that required many pallets. In order to make this project part of your own home, you’ll need a lot of wooden pallets and some skills and knowledge about staircases. It’s not something that we encourage everyone to do because staircases can be dangerous if not built properly. This particular pallet staircase is part of a larger office that features all sorts of pallets pieces like furniture and light fixtures. In fact, the entire office is made of pallets.