Sometimes adding character to your home and garden can feel like an impossible task. So many shops seem to sell similar-looking pieces of furniture and decorative items. And when we are all following the same Instagram accounts with Scandi-vibe interiors it's even harder to feel confident in your own style.
Antique and vintage items are brilliant ways to inject personality into your space, and charity or thrift shops and antiques stores are excellent places for these.
But another way to add an individual touch to your home is to upcycle unwanted or discarded items. This can often be a super-cheap alternative to buying something preloved and is a way to show off your creative side to boot.
DIY cable spool coffee table tutorial
We can't get over how many fantastic uses an old cable drum can have. From statement coffee tables to circular bookshelves and more, take a look at some of the ideas we've found below!
You'll be simply itching to get hold of a wooden cable reel (eBay usually has a good selection) and let your imagination run wild!
Painting your DIY cable spool
If you just want to paint your cable drum and use it as a table, just as it is, you can use various different types of paints - acrylic, oil or chalk paint - which are all available from favourite high-street retailers.
Or you can have a go at making your very own chalk paint using the special guide we've put together on Gathered.
Best cable reel ideas
We've scoured Instagram and YouTube to find our favourite DIY cable drum ideas to get you feeling creative and help you add character to your home or garden.
Which one will you try first?
1. Cable drum bookshelves
Quite simply, a home can never have too many books! Whether you keep the cable reel rustic or give it a refresh with a wash of paint, a cable drum bookshelf makes a great addition to any room.
This creation was made by makeoldnewinsta and you can find more upcycling ideas and tutorials on their website.
2. Cable drum console tables
Yes, really! Cable drums can make fabulous console tables. Cut your cable reel in half from the top down and apply a little varnish, oil or paint, and voila! You have a pair of quirky demi-lune console tables that are just perfect for hallways, living rooms or even used as bedside tables.
This rustic console table was created by reclaimedbyjames who sells a lot of his creations.
3. Cable drum clock
A large clock makes a great focal point above the range in a country kitchen or over the mantelpiece in a living room - and one cable drum can create a clock for both rooms!
Simply saw the top and bottoms off and add varnish or paint of your choice. Then attach a clock movement, which is available to buy from many different retailers. So for very little money and just a little bit of effort, you've got yourself two handsome clocks!
The clock above was made by artist Carolyn Trafford.
The clock below is another creation by makeoldnewinsta.
4. Cable drum garden seats
This project requires some woodwork skills. But, with basic tools, knowhow and imagination, you can create a totally unique garden bench at the fraction of the price of a readymade one.
This bench was created by desirable_wood_crafts, a reclaimed bespoke woodwork and carpentry business.
5. Cable drum garden bar
Every garden needs somewhere to stash drinks for those long summer evenings, particularly if you love throwing barbecues and parties. So it's time to give your spirits and mixers a snazzy summer home.
This bar was created by silvia.iacovelli of Creatipedia, who loves giving fresh life to retired furniture.
6. Cable drum garden planter
Planters are a perfect way of adding colour to patios and decking, but really attractive ones can be eye-wateringly expensive.
This charming cable drum planter is a deceptively simple upcycle, and will add cheerful colour beside a front door or anywhere that gets plenty of sunshine in your garden.
This one was created by Rawr Furniture Co, who specialise in sustainable handmade rustic industrial furniture.
7. Cable reel wildflower planter
Celebrate nature with this wildflower planter idea by Max McMurdo. Planters can be pricey, so this is a simple way of adding some colour and character to your garden, patio or terrace.
8. Cable drum children's play station
Keep the little ones entertained with a crafty upcycled play station. Cable drums are the perfect height for children, and they even offer storage underneath for everything from animal farms to model cars and fairy toadstools. This fabulous one was created by pippilearns
9. Cable drum decking
Yes, you did read that right - you can create decking from cable drums, and if you are having trouble imagining it, just look at the beautiful, sculptural construction above!
You'll need to be handy with power tools to attempt this one, but there are plenty of local woodworking courses out there to help you learn the basics if you're serious about embarking on projects such as this.
This decking was created by mid_sussex_wood_recycling, a not-for-profit wood recycling organisation.
10. Cable drum table
It might be the obvious cable drum upcycle but is still one of the most effective, useful and beautiful.
Top tip: If you plan to place a lamp or any other electrical appliance on your finished cable drum table you can run your cables through the hollow middle to keep wires out of sight.
This beautiful coffee table was created by boho_byproducts
Transform your home with our DIY cable spool ideas
Revamping your living room with a cool coffee table or bookshelf that you've made yourself is just the start of your DIY adventures. With Gathered's expert knowhow you'll add sparkle to every room. And the great thing is, as well as saving yourself money, you'll be giving new life to items destined for landfill.
Looking for more upcycling ideas?
Have you caught the upcycling bug? Seeing potential upgrades everywhere you look? Turn your attention to the bathroom next and create a beautiful and useful wooden pallet shelf for your tub!
Check out our guide to wooden pallet furniture ideas with Gathered.
This article first appeared in YourHomeStyle and HomeStyle magazine.
