This article was originally published on NextRefinance
If there is one thing that anyone who lives in an apartment or small house knows, it's that junk accumulates way too easily. But, have you ever thought about turning that seemingly worthless stuff into something useful and money-saving? Old cinder blocks are a perfect example of something you can use for cheap and simple DIY projects. They may look gray and boring, but with the right techniques, they can transform into beautiful and unique decor!
40. Rustic bedside table
You can transform cinder blocks into a nifty bedside table! Instead of taking time out of your day to go look at small tables to buy, just make one of your own.
All it takes is a few sturdy blocks and you have a place to put all of your bedtime accessories.
39. Sturdy plant holders
Turn cinder blocks into an awesome plant holder! If you spend a lot of time in your garden, then this is a must.
Pots and planters can cost too much and may not even be worth it in the end. Cement makes for a plant holder that won't ever break!
38. Cement ambiance
Turns out, cinder blocks are great for creating a little ambiance, too. The open areas in the blocks are perfect for holding lights, flowers, and other decorative items.
They can also be stacked on top of each other to create a unique and industrial-inspired display.
37. Indestructible birdhouse
What bird wouldn't want a home this safe? No amount of inclement weather is going to bother any winged creature as long as they seek shelter in this armed fortress.
Safety comes first with this cinder block bird house!
36. Backyard patio
Most people who own a backyard dream about having a lovely outdoor bar that they can use to entertain friends and family during the beautiful days of summer.
Now, making one has never been easier with the help of some spare cinder blocks.
35. Use as bed risers
One of the biggest annoyances when buying a bed is that you usually have to buy the frame separately, and that can be pretty expensive.
Avoid this entirely by using cinder blocks to create a firm and stable base for your mattress.
34. Fire-safe cinder blocks
When you do a lot of outdoor cooking, one of the biggest concerns is making sure your grill isn't near anything flammable.
Not only are cinder blocks flame retardant, but you'll never have to worry about your grill tipping over with such a solid base.
33. Cozy outdoor bench
If there is one thing your backyard probably doesn't have enough of, it's well-placed benches.
Taking a seat and enjoying nature for a few minutes is one of the best parts of life, and that can be accomplished with some wooden slats and a few cinder blocks.
32. Party benches
Hosting a festive get-together is something that everyone wants to be able to do, but not everyone has the space or the equipment to make it happen.
But, some strategically placed cinder blocks are sure to get the party started!
31. Cute cubbies
A bench like this would be perfect for your foyer or mud room...or any room for that matter!
You can make the bench as low or as high as you need to, and the cubbies below are the perfect place for storing shoes and other small items.
30. A backyard bar
When you are looking at things to include in your backyard bar, don't just stop at furniture and food supplies. A little decorative vegetation never hurt anyone, either!
Having some greenery below your bar is sure to set a natural mood that friends and family will love.
29. DVD and CD holders
Finding a place to store all of your DVDs, especially if you are a big movie buff, is always a hassle. You're tired of stacking them on random shelves only for them to disappear.
But with cinder blocks, it's so easy to add space. Now your movie collection has room to grow!
28. Concrete seating
This idea is beautiful. Not only can you make a great fire pit in the middle of your backyard, but you can surround it with makeshift armchairs and couches.
Just make sure you bring some pillows for comfort!
27. Stovetop cooker
You may not have the time or the resources to build an entire grill, but a few cinder blocks can be put together to make a quick stovetop cooker!
It may not make burgers and hot dogs, but you can heat up a mean pot of soup.
26. Modern decor trend
Uneven shelves are a modern way to display decorative household items.
When you have a wall that is entirely made out of cinder blocks, it can be very easy to stagger them in a way that best fits the pattern you're going for.
25. Concrete steps
Cinder blocks stack perfectly to create the set of stairs you need to enjoy a hilly garden or outdoor area. Simply create the width you want with any number of cinder blocks.
Fill the hollow centers with dirt to secure them into the ground, and you're done!
24. Get creative with color!
If you're going to use cinder blocks to create pots or planters, don't just settle for their bland gray color.
You can use spray paint or colored markers to create great patterns that will spruce up your outdoor and indoor living space!
23. Funky bookshelves
If you are a big reader and have a large collection of literature, then there's no end to creativity when it comes to using cinder blocks as bookshelves. You can turn them into sturdy bookends, or you can even place novels inside of them.
Either way, your reading materials will stay organized!
22. Pretty concrete planters
If you can't build your garden out, then build it up!
If space is ever an issue when tending to your plants, stacking planters on top of each other will make plenty of room for all your luscious vegetation!
21. Backyard barrier
Anyone who owns property knows how important it is to have an area where you can discard unwanted materials.
Cinder blocks make for a solid barrier that will keep everything contained in one place until you can dispose of it.
20. Concrete fire pit
A fire pit is a great place to gather around at night and enjoy some warm, gooey s'mores. All you need are a handful of cinder blocks to get you halfway to a cozy summer bonfire.
The other half of the equation, however, is the fire itself. How exactly do cinder blocks lead to a roaring fire?
19. Start a blazing fire
Well, they don't — but your leftover toilet rolls can! They make for the perfect kindling in a fire pit.
You can simply shred the cylinders into strips, or you can close off one of the ends and stuff the tube with newspaper or dryer lint before sealing off the open side. The more flammables you can fit in, the more effective your makeshift log will be.
18. Start some seedlings
And if cinder blocks don't match your outdoor decor aesthetic, then toilet paper rolls could once again come in handy. Slice each roll in half, stand the pieces on a tray, and put some soil inside.
Sow your seeds, and when it comes time to pot them, you can bury them along with their TP container — it’s biodegradable, after all!
17. Untangle your cord drawer
Everyone has a bin or drawer stuffed with a mess of tangled cords. Fix up yours using a handful of toilet rolls.
First, separate and coil your cords. Then, slide them into a cylinder and label the outside so you know what they are. That way, you can easily pluck the cables and wires you need, rather than becoming frustrated and confused.
16. Craft a set of “binoculars”
Need a rainy day activity to entertain your kids? Grab three toilet rolls per child and get ready to craft.
Use a stapler to connect two of them side by side so they look like binoculars. Cut the third lengthwise and wrap it over top of the pair of tubes. Once it’s glued in place, let your kids embellish their eyepieces – and don’t forget to add a string so they can wear them around their necks.
15. Keep knee-high boots upright
Tall boots make a fashion statement, but they don’t reach so high when they’re in your closet. The boot shafts tend to fold and fall over instead, which can crease your footwear in an unsightly way.
So stick a paper towel roll into the boots to keep them upright and ready for your next wear.
14. Make twinkle lights one of a kind
A few toilet paper rolls, a hole-puncher and spray paint – that’s all you need to transform any run-of-the-mill twinkle lights. Cut the rolls in half, then hole-punch around the edges.
Paint the outside black to complete your project: a miniature lampshade for your Christmas lights.
13. Dry winter gloves quickly
A snowy day means you’ll build snowmen, make snow angels and throw a few snowballs – and your gloves will be wet because of it. Try this hack to dry out your winter gear faster, so you can get back to your wintertime pursuits ASAP.
Simply stick gloves on TP rolls to dry, as the tubes allow more air into them.
12. Blow rainbow-colored bubbles
This certainly isn’t your store-bought plastic bubble-blower. Start by covering one end of your empty TP roll in an old sock.
Then, drop a few different shades of food coloring onto it. Dip all of that into a bowl of soapy water before lifting the non-sock-covered end of the roll to your lips. Blow and watch the rainbow-colored bubbles fly.
11. Sub your vacuum’s crevice cleaner
A vacuum’s crevice attachment can get into small cracks and creases to suck up all of the dirt and dust hiding there. But you have a problem: it’s gone missing.
So, grab a toilet paper roll and slip it around your vacuum’s hose. Squeeze it a little at the end to imitate the real thing’s design, then get to cleaning.
10. Put drinks on them
This project begins with you cutting your TP rolls into rings. It’s all handiwork from there as you weave the loops together in an interlocking geometric shape.
Finish it off with a coat of Mod Podge to seal the paper and prepare the square for its new life as a coaster.
9. Feed backyard birds
A toilet paper roll makes the perfect base for a backyard bird-feeder. All you have to do is slather the outside in peanut butter, then roll the cylinder in birdseed.
Run a string through the middle of the tube or just slide it onto a tree. Then see your winged neighbors go to town on their new treat.
8. Amuse your cat
Kids famously enjoy playing in cardboard boxes and, as it turns out, your cats can appreciate these materials, too. You only need a TP roll to entertain your pet, though.
Simply snip the edges of the tube so they look like tassels and watch your cat go crazy for it.
7. Make your own eyeglasses case
An extra toilet paper tube can become the shell of a new eyeglasses case. You’ll need some fabric, strong glue and a few clips to complete the project.
Slice the tube vertically before lining the outside of it with glue and then apply the fabric. Fold any excess cloth inside the cardboard and stick that down, too. Then fold your case into the desired shape and glue the edges shut. Use binder clips to hold everything in place till it’s dry.
6. Avoid creasing linens and laundry
A perfectly folded tablecloth stores nicely, but it has pronounced creases when it’s unfurled again. So, wrap your linens around toilet paper and paper towel rolls so they’re more gently folded.
You can do the same with pants hanging in your closet – wrap the hanger bar in TP rolls, too.
5. Start a countdown with a TP roll calendar
Your leftover toilet rolls can transform into a countdown calendar for Christmas, birthdays or any other exciting events in your life. Attach the cardboard cylinders into a grid, then cover each end in brown kraft paper.
Next, mark each one with a number to create your countdown. You can hide treats behind the paper as well if you’re making an advent timer.
4. Keep sock pairs together
Finally, your empty toilet paper rolls can help you in the laundry room. Almost all of us struggle to keep sock pairs together after they come out of the dryer.
But if you partner them, roll them up and slide one set into a cardboard tube, well, you’ve got an organized drawer. And matching socks, for once.
3. Safely store your children’s artwork
You want to save every little creation your child makes. And now you can organize them all, too.
Simply roll up each drawing or painting and store it in a paper towel or toilet paper roll. If you need a way to quickly organize and store their certificates, schoolwork and other important documents, rely on your leftover tubes for that as well.
2. Create a space-saving tie organizer
All of your neckties can fit on a single hanger, thanks to a thoughtfully modified toilet paper roll. First, slice up the tube into rings.
Next, hot-glue them onto the hanger, then onto each other, in straight-across rows. Once that’s dry, it hangs in your closet like a normal hanger, and you can loop all of your ties through the cardboard openings.
1. Amp up your smartphone’s volume
Imagine you and your friends have gathered for an impromptu party and your Bluetooth speaker isn’t charged. Don’t worry – you can still blast your favorite tunes if you have a smartphone and an empty TP roll on hand.
Cut a notch into the center of the tube, making sure it’s just as wide as your device. Then stick tacks into the four outer corners of the cylinder so it stands on its own. Next, pop your phone inside and let the music echo through the newly created cardboard chamber