10 Clever Ways To Repurpose Old Pillows At Home

Old pillows don’t have to end up in the trash. Even when they lose their shape, flatten out, or stop offering proper support, they still contain valuable materials that can be reused in dozens of creative and practical ways. Repurposing old pillows saves money, reduces waste, and gives your home useful new items made from something you already own.

Whether you want to upgrade your décor, improve home comfort, or use the filling in smart DIY projects, here are ten clever ways to give old pillows a fresh purpose.

1. Turn Them Into Floor Cushions

Floor cushions are great for kids’ rooms, reading corners, or movie nights.

Why It Works:

Pillow stuffing provides soft padding that makes floor seating more comfortable.

How to Do It:

Sew a large square or round fabric cover, stuff it using materials from one or two old pillows, and close it with a zipper or hidden stitch.

2. Create Pet Beds

Pets love soft, cushioned surfaces — and an old pillow is perfect for that.

Why It Works:

The filling stays warm and comfortable, giving pets a cozy place to rest.

How to Do It:

Place the pillow inside a washable pet-bed cover or sew a simple custom cover. Add extra stuffing for thicker comfort.

3. Use Filling for Craft Projects

Pillow stuffing is valuable for DIY crafts like plush toys, decorations, and quilting.

Why It Works:

Polyester or feather stuffing provides volume and softness for creative projects.

How to Do It:

Empty the pillow and store the filling in a sealed bag. Use it for stuffed animals, holiday ornaments, or quilting layers.

4. Make Armrest or Backrest Cushions

Old pillows can be redesigned into ergonomic support cushions.

Why It Works:

They provide targeted support and improve posture while reading or watching TV.

How to Do It:

Fold the pillow in half, sew it securely, and add ties to attach it to chairs or couches.

5. Turn Them Into Packing Material

Old pillow stuffing works perfectly for shipping or storing delicate items.

Why It Works:

Soft fiber filling protects fragile objects from impact or scratches.

How to Do It:

Store the stuffing in bags and use it during moves, shipping, or storing holiday decorations.

6. Make Draft Stoppers for Doors and Windows

Keep cold air out and reduce energy bills with DIY draft blockers.

Why It Works:

Pillow filling is insulating and molds easily into long tubes for sealing gaps.

How to Do It:

Sew a long tube of fabric, fill it with stuffing, and place it at the base of doors or window sills.

7. Create Outdoor Cushions for Patio Furniture

Instead of buying new cushions, repurpose old pillows for outdoor seating.

Why It Works:

Stuffing remains soft and is easy to protect with waterproof covers.

How to Do It:

Use durable outdoor fabric, sew a cushion cover, and fill it with the old pillow material.

8. Make Knee Pads for Gardening

Gardening requires kneeling for long moments — old pillows make excellent soft pads.

Why It Works:

The filling absorbs pressure and reduces strain on knees.

How to Do It:

Cut the pillow in half, double the fabric layer, and sew it into a thick, compact pad.

9. Sew a Travel Neck Pillow

Neck pillows are surprisingly easy to DIY using old pillow stuffing.

Why It Works:

The soft material molds to the shape of your neck for relaxing travel support.

How to Do It:

Create a U-shaped pattern, sew the edges, fill it with stuffing, and close the final seam.

10. Use Them as Cleaning or Polishing Rags

Old pillowcases and some filling can be turned into cleaning cloths.

Why It Works:

The soft material is ideal for dusting, polishing, or washing dirty surfaces.

How to Do It:

Cut old pillowcases into smaller squares and use them as reusable cleaning cloths for furniture, cars, and windows.

Conclusion

Old pillows can become much more than clutter occupying space in your closet. With a bit of creativity, they transform into pet beds, floor cushions, craft materials, home insulation tools, travel accessories, and even cleaning supplies.

Repurposing them saves money, reduces waste, and gives your home practical new items without buying anything extra. Instead of throwing old pillows away, use their hidden potential to improve comfort, functionality, and sustainability in your living space.