Many people use belts not only to tighten their pants, but as a fashion statement as well. Belts are used by women and men alike, even children and the elderly. That’s why it’s unavoidable for unused belts to stock up in a household. Belts can get worn out, unusable, or out of style, but instead of throwing them out, you can find other uses for them instead. Just like tons of other items, belts can be repurposed in many different ways. Some ideas are even borderline genius. You probably don’t know just how reusable belts are. By itself or with other belts, belts can create very practical items you never knew you needed. Here are seven ingenious ways to reuse old belts to give you an idea on what to do with the old belts stocking up in your home.
- Book purse
A clever way to hide your important items and still make them easy to bring around is by making use of a book purse. Basically, you can make a book purse by creating a book compartment out of three books stacked up together then make a handle out of a leather belt. When closed, the purse simply looks like a couple of books—no one would think to touch it.
- Circle Frames
Square or rectangular frames are very traditional and common. Step up the way you display your favourite photos by using circular frames instead. It’s very easy to make circular frames out of a couple of circular blocks of wood. You will even then have the freedom to paint the frames with a color of your choice. Hang up the frames using an old belt loosened on one side. Glue the belt around the frame to make sure it won’t fall off.
- Door Mat
A couple of leather belts can actually make a great door mat. It won’t store up too much dust but it will still take some dust of off the bottom of your shoes. Just sew some old leather belts side-by-side until you achieve the width of your choice. Choose belts with relatively similar lengths so you won’t have to cut the ends off—which actually adds some style to the mat.
- Shelf
Make a very eccentric shelf using an old drawer and a sturdy, old belt. Start by painting the drawer with any color of your choice then suspend it by wrapping the belt around it. Loosen the belt on one side then hang it up by the loosened end. Glue together the parts where the belt and drawer touch to keep the makeshift shelf from falling off.
- Chair
Revamp an old chair by replacing its old cushions with a variety of belts. Weave the belts over and under each other and then secure them onto the chair using a couple of screws and washers. It doesn’t matter if you’ve collected belts with different styles. In fact, the greater the variety of the belts, the more eccentric and striking the design of the chair will be.
- Bookshelf
You can make use of two or more old belts to make a very elegant and unique hanging bookshelf. Basically, two old belts will make one shelf for the bookshelf and another two will make another shelf. Adjust the height as needed. To keep the shelf from losing its form, use a thick, hardbound book which you don’t read that much as the base then place all of your other books on top of the book base.
- Key Chain
Even just a small piece from an old leather belt can make a very stylish keychain. Cut the old belt into the length of your choice then sew the sides together if necessary to keep it from unraveling. Fold the belt over then secure the ends together with the eye of the keys secured in between both ends.
