More often seen in warehouses and depots, the humble wooden pallet is an upcycler's best friend; cheap, readily available and eco-friendly. Turning these simple building blocks into awesome pallet furniture projects has become a huge trend and with some inventive thinking, you can create a unique upcycled piece for your home and garden. From a bar to a bedframe, click or scroll to be inspired by these DIY pallet furniture ideas...

Even the tiniest of balconies can be transformed into a pocket oasis with a little planning. This small and awkward space is super snug and inviting thanks to the slim pallet slot in, designed and installed by Bespoke Balconies. We love how the addition of pretty LED lights highlights the bohemian-style seating nook. 

How's this for a clever storage hack? Organise your porch with a pallet shoe rack; the chunky weathered wood is perfect for outdoor and indoor decorating and there is plenty of space to slot in a whole family's shoes. This floating shoe rack made and sold on Etsy by OurHomeToYours2017, holds five pairs of adult trainers. Why not personalise the pallet with paint and stencils? 

You don't need to be a professional tradesman to make use of a wooden pallet. There are plenty of tutorials and online plans for a beginner to create a practical addition to your home. Search Google for instructions on how to make a raised flower bed planter tutorials like this genius version that uses the pallet troughs on the side to create a tiered effect. 

Want to take the pallet headboard idea to the next level? A whole bed made from pallets looks strong and industrial – plus it's cheaper than buying a new frame. This design has been stained to create a darker wood grain effect. 

This eye-catching headboard makes a beautiful bedroom feature. It's been made from reclaimed wood pieces and decorated with unique motifs. The finished article is simple yet stunning. Check out Thecarpentersdaughter tutorial which creates a similar look with chevron patterns.

This DIY pallet project is not only a practical coat rack but also a seriously stylish rustic statement. The pallet's blocks and treatment stamps are a visual feature and create handy storage cubby holes too  Who'd have thought such a simple idea, perfectly executed by UWoodBespokeDesigns at Etsy could look so striking and cool?

Looking for affordable luxury bathroom inspo? A homemade pallet bath caddy means you can personalise it with extra features like a handy wine glass holder as pallet_crafts has designed and created here. What more could you want in a bathroom? 

Reusing pallet wood is a thrifty and effective way of adding cabin chic to a decorating scheme. Keep the wood natural for a weathered and textured look or paint it white for a cleaner and brighter shiplap feel. This bedroom wall by Naturewall has been curated with various reclaimed wood pieces but the same can be achieved using pallet wood stained various tones. 

If you have a small garden or balcony that is too small for a bar, a pull-down pallet bureau is a great space-saving option. You need to be handy with a drill for a pallet project. Painted black or charcoal grey you can serve cocktails into the evening without losing any precious floor space. Or if DIY is not your thing why not buy one ready-made from Barsoutdoors at Etsy?

A narrow pallet kitchen island will bring plenty of rustic charm to a farmhouse-style kitchen. Ensure the pallet is sanitised and sanded down so it's super smooth then keep the worktop natural for an authentic weathered look. An additional shelf below will give the structure support. One for the more confident DIYers, you can find the tutorial at We Lived Happily Ever After.

If you need extra storage in a small kitchen a wall-mounted pallet pantry could be just the ticket. This fun retro-look storage cupboard made from pallets by Cassie Fairy of My Thrifty Life by Cassie Fairy and photographed by Andy-Greenacre.co.uk has a blackboard and pinboard doors plus colourful shelf space for tins and spices.

Create the ultimate hangout spot with a boho pallet swing bed. It needs extra reinforced lumber wood to support suspended body weight, strong rope that won't rot and a waterproof mattress or vinyl mattress cover. Follow the tutorial at The Merrythought and then lay back and relax in your new garden feature. 

Bring a twist to a conventional gallery wall by building a large display wall-mounted shelf to exhibit photos and accessories. This huge, geometric feature wall by Nikkita Palmer looks organic and striking set against a whitewashed brick wall.  

If sourcing, dismantling and de-nailing a wooden pallet seems too advanced but you think you could take on a beginner's project, then check out this rustic wood pallet serving tray kit from Nikkita Palmer. It comes with materials prepped and ready to put together as well as an online video tutorial. 

Here’s another fantastic crafty idea for reusing wooden pallets; add bean-filled fabric to dismantled and cut wood and screw two iron handles to each side. The finished article is an industrial-style lap tray to enjoy a TV dinner! Nikkita Palmer advises treating the wood with oil to protect the timber.

Build a corner bench for cosy nights in the garden around a firepit. This one by Heather Young owner of the blog, Growing Spaces, is made from planed wood but similar sanded pallet wood would work too. It has clever storage under the seats to store cushions and blankets and is coated in a protective varnish to bring out a rich tone that stands out.

The great thing about pallet wood is the more used and weathered it becomes the better it looks. So, this clever garage tool bench made by Funky Junk Interiors is perfect for organising tools and hardware that gets well-used and stored in outbuildings. 

What an ingenious idea for hiding an ugly light fitting! This pallet lightbox has been made by Noting Grace for Remodelaholic using pallet wood scraps from other projects. This not only covers up the electrical ceiling power socket but separates a trio of industrial-style glass pendant lights over a kitchen island.

If you prefer a more polished look, a professionally finished pallet table should be appealing. It still has a rustic touch but extensive sanding means it's smooth to touch. It also has perfect hollowed-out storage for a laptop and books, and the wheels even have brakes to stop it rolling away when you lean on it. You can hire this pallet coffee table, featured by Beatengreen Living, from Gas & Air.

You don't need to be a woodwork wizard to add the pallet furniture trend to your home. Very little has been done to this wooden pallet by @haimbeiuss to transform it into a textured radiator cover. The weathered surface and natural colouring add a raw and organic look to this rustic-style hallway.

Using pallet wood as a canvas for stencil art can add an impressive pop of natural texture and colour to your walls. You can create original DIY artwork with painter's tape and metallic paint to create a beautiful piece of statement art like @lifeofaninteriorstylist. 

Dismantle a wooden pallet completely and use the single planks of wood to make an endearing pallet board pathway in the garden. Funky Junk Interiors created this meandering pathway to bridge a large flower bed in just one afternoon. 

Create an enchanting library space for less by simply placing a row of pallets on their side. The spaces in the wood create handy shelves for displaying your favourite tomes. Add an on-trend botanical touch by alternating with houseplants.

If you rent an unfurnished house pallet furniture is a great (and cheap) way to furnish your space on a budget. From coffee tables to stacked-pallet sofas, they are ideal for a temporary or more permanent style solution. Add covered seat pads and cushioned backs to make them comfy and add plenty of cushions.

Looking to make the most of your balcony? Create a cosy nook by stacking two pallets on top of each other and cover with thick outdoor cushions. This bench has been beautifully colour coordinated with its surroundings and fits perfectly into a balcony corner. Quaint little drawers have been fitted into pallet holes to perhaps store gardening books and potting tools. 

When flipped on its side a wooden pallet has grooves that make perfect growing containers for all sorts of greenery. Smaller plants such as herbs, flowering border plants like pansies and even an arrangement of different succulents look eye-catching and can be packed in tight. 

Turning a pallet on its side works well in this practical organiser for a home office. Simply wall-mount or secure to a large desk; the wooden structure has ready-made compartments to store stationery and display inspirational objects. Team with a metal desk lamp to continue the industrial look.

Pretty up a plain garden wall with a pair of pallet wood wall planters. We love the subtle style of this display; matching the paint colour to the white background wall looks so refreshing and makes the greenery and hanging baskets seem as though they are almost floating. 

Give your home office the ultimate industrial twist with a clever wood pallet work desk. With so many of us needing to find extra homeworking space right now, this makes a budget and space-friendly option. This idea would also look great in the garden if you require an outdoor office area during warmer months.

The slatted design of wooden pallets makes them ideal to erect as budget privacy screens or garden dividers. Why not add a climbing plant at its base and encourage it to grow up and around the wood for extra colour and character? 

A sheet of toughened glass makes an ideal extra to install onto a pallet wood coffee table. It makes the surface completely flat, protects the wood underneath from any spills and you and your guests from any splinters. Also, your unique rustic focal point is not concealed in any way either. 

Get on board the DIY pallet wood and cable drum trend with this sustainable garden project. Ideal for keeping these items out of a landfill, this fun industrial-style project is perfect for those who love a challenge. Check out a how-to video online to get started.

How's this for an environmentally friendly way to furnish your outdoor space? All you'll need is a few pallets, wood offcuts, nails and some woodwork skills, as it's important your seats are safe to sit on! Use strong wood for the legs, then paint everything in exterior wood paint to protect and add an element of fun.

Just the thing to display in the craft room or play den, this nifty sign is made from pallet wood. Once you’ve cut it to size and nailed the sections in place, it’s time to get arty. Here the top has been left plain, and the bottom two sections have been painted with chalk paint, so the message can change when you fancy mixing it up. Why not get the kids to practice their best handwriting in chalk?

The surface area of a standard pallet is practically made for a pet bed project. Add sides and a headboard as well as a cosy mattress and voila you have created a pet palace for your furry friends. Maker Rachel Metz added castors to hers to make it practical for moving about. We love how the gaps between pallet layers make handy cubbyholes for pet supplies like play toys or a lead. 

Grow your own herb garden that's sure to turn heads. Painted jet black with blackboard paint, this stylish wall-mounted planter will make a statement out of your greenery. Note the names of planted herbs underneath with white chalk and you'll have created a striking kitchen garden that's Instaworthy!

Two layers of pallets stacked on top of one another make an effective extra-large corner sofa in a social space. This project tops them with made-to-measure cushions, which are designed to fit the pallet dimensions perfectly. A single upcycled pallet coffee table on hairpin legs finishes this laid-back look. 

Make your garden appealing to bees and insects with a homemade mini bug hotel by Cuprinol built from pallets. This is a great beginner pallet project as a rough finish adds to the rustic effect. Filled with natural materials and painted the same colour as the garden fence, it should be hard to get this garden feature wrong.

A low-level pallet picnic table can create extra surface space if you are eating alfresco. This easy project is super versatile as the pallets are simply stacked on top of one another – no nails or glue are needed. Sand down and clean two pallets with methylated spirits for a smooth finish and paint with an all-purpose wood stain in the direction of the grain. Then, add floor cushions and a vintage table setting. 

Looking for a bigger pallet project to work on, how about creating a whole building? This eco-friendly allotment shed was designed and built by Andrius Simaska for just £100 ($121) and was shortlisted for the Cuprinol Shed of the Year 2019.

Take classic pallet garden furniture a step further by turning a pallet sofa into an intimate corner that will accommodate the whole family. Create three snuggle chairs by stacking two pallets and adding a pallet to create a backrest, then group them together. You'll need to add one more pallet to fill in the gap. There are lots more ideas at Homebase.

If you don't have room on your garden patio for a full tiki bar, then lean a wood pallet sidebar against a shed or exterior wall to offer an extra surface. Streamline the look with a paint colour that's similar to its backdrop, but choose a vivid tone for the wooden bar top to add an attractive shot of colour and contrast. 

Create a practical and rustic coffee table that's large and sturdy but won't break the bank. Adding castor wheels to the bottom like this one is super mobile too. Why not roll it out to the garden to enjoy a relaxed, low-level picnic on a sunny day?

Give an established garden tree an extra touch of character by constructing a quaint circular bench around its perimeter. Take apart a pallet and sand down the timber then search for tree bench plans online. You'll be so proud of the finished idyllic sitting spot when it's complete.

Enjoy delicious herbs every day with a waist-height herb table. Create cubbyhole sections for each variety of herb and add a shelf below for extra support and storage. 

Generally, pallet projects are left unvarnished to let the blond wood stand out but this garden coffee table has got the best of both worlds with a two-tone design that jazzes up the look. A splash of dazzling yellow on the top surface creates protection and a sunny contrast to the bare wood underneath – we love its party vibe!

Accessorise your rustic decorating scheme perfectly with a pallet-wood-framed mirror. The texture and grain will stand out as a charming feature if you stain or wax the wood for a more intense finish. Add a storage shelf underneath to make it even more useful if hung in a hallway or bathroom. 

Garden pallet furniture has become an urban garden staple. Once you've cracked the formula you can go on to build benches, sofas, snuggle seats and more. This one uses exterior paint to transform the look of the wood, making it more durable and easier to clean. 

You don't need to build a complicated creation from an entire pallet to make something useful. This dog lead hook is made with just one plank of pallet wood and is super easy to do. Screw two hooks on either end and personalise the centre with stencils or vintage playing cards for added rustic interest; it's a perfect project for beginner woodworkers.

In need of a larger wine rack? This pallet project is made from one pallet cut in half, sanded and varnished. Holes have been drilled through to store up to 30 bottles of wine horizontally, which is traditionally considered to be the best method. Freestanding or leaning against a wall in a rustic kitchen, it is sure to make you look like a wine connoisseur.

Made into geometric triangles these pallet shelves arranged to point in opposite directions look super stylish and turn storage into an eye-catching feature. To recreate the look make sure to lightly sand the wood and apply a rich teak stain.

You don't need to get upcycling a whole pallet to create something spectacular. With succulents being a popular trend, this mini pallet planter will look contemporary and charming mounted inside or out. Choose a contrasting wood paint shade like charcoal or slate to make the greenery pop. 

The blocks that separate pallet board decks can be put to good use, too. These tealight votive cubes are rustic, endearing and super sturdy with indentations bored out to place the candles. Choose blocks that have stamps and markings for added character.

Turn on some ambient light with a charming table lamp. Made with a rope handle, this nautical-style lantern can be moved around easily and will suit both country and coastal decorating schemes. 

Mount pallet fencing horizontally to lengthen the look of a garden and allow light to stream through. Kezzabeth has created a pretty trellis-style fence above an existing waist-height brick wall to create a two-tone contrast. Painted in a neutral tone the finish is clean, streamlined and bright.

Beds made from pallets are popular but this storage version by Hester's Handmade Home is genius. Divan beds are very practical but these days not so desirable. So Hester covered the frame with reclaimed wood to convert what she describes as an "ugly duckling bed" into a stylish and rustic storage bed!

Need privacy in your garden? Living Gardens Landscape Design transformed this plain and overlooked entryway with a painted pallet-style frame and filled it with lush, easy-care succulents and grasses. The contrasting finish is a contemporary and striking feature.

A headboard pallet project is a great introduction to upcycling for novice woodworkers, as it makes an effective decorating feature and there's very little skill involved. Simply sand and treat the wood and then place it between a wall and a divan bed. The depth of the crate creates an ideal bed shelf and left unpainted the finish is rustic but elegant, especially when teamed with a grey and white colour palette as in this room by Stylizimo.

Get in sync with the surroundings by adding upcycled furniture to an industrial-look space. This simple chair is made from repurposed wooden pallets so you do need fairly advanced carpentry skills to pull this off, but it looks chic set in front of a grey feature wall. You'll find lots more wooden pallet chair tutorials online to try too.

Add texture and interest to your upcycling project with a bookshelf that is 'wrapped' in reclaimed pallet wood parts, like this one by Jen Woodhouse. Build the skeleton shelf from timber wood and then use wood glue and a nailer tool to randomly stagger pallet wood to the outside. Crate storage completes the country-style vibe perfectly. 

DIY pallet bookshelves are perfect for creating incredible children's rooms as the basic design includes a support lip that's perfectly suited to holding books and small toys. These shelves can make handy bedside shelves or you could try making a few to create a library wall. DIY blogger Lolly Jane shows us how easy it is to create; you only need to make three cuts!

Pallet upcycling is perfect for creating crafty accessories as well as larger pieces of furniture. The pallet wood planks can be cut into all sorts of shapes with a jigsaw tool, like this love heart by Lolly Jane. The planks make ideal panels for alternating colour and pattern with different paint techniques. You could try any shape or colour to suit your scheme or to create a piece for a special holiday.

No garden room? A pallet potting table or outdoor sideboard will make a practical addition to the garden as you can repot plants without having to bend over or work on the floor. This painted version by Refresh Restyle has staircase spindles and tile-effect stencils on the tabletop for a shabby chic twist. 

Why not give your kitchen a rustic look with shipping pallets? Circa Dee mounted an incredible kitchen splashback to transform an 80s-style kitchen into a coastal galley thanks to the textured panels laid in a brick effect. The pallet panels were soaked in an ammonia-based cleanser and scrubbed before use. 

The natural pale finish of pallet wood works well in Scandi schemes. This funky kid's bed was created by Urbanology Designs and is bright, playful and bursting with texture. However, remember if using actual pallet wood, it must be professionally treated and sanded when used in a home environment. 

Need somewhere to store extra garden tools? The slats in wooden pallets create perfect ledges to hang longer equipment as well as shorter hand trowels and forks. We especially love how Our Little Acre has incorporated a colour scheme by matching cute red potted geraniums into the mix. Also, check out the little cupboard for smaller items. What exquisite attention to detail!

As if this stylish pallet desk created by Hester's Handmade Home isn't chic enough with pastel green hairpin legs, but with a 'mini-me' toddler table set beside it, this could just be the most utterly adorable homeschooling setup we've ever seen!

You would never have guessed that this ultra-chic garden cabana started life as a couple of wooden pallets. Inspired by Ibiza living @danielatascayork has transformed the reclaimed base by surrounding the pallets in timber cladding and adding a shade frame. To finish the all-white chill-out vibe she painted it with white paint and added side curtains, a mattress and crisp white bedding. We love how willow branches fall through the roof adding a touch of colour. 

Loved this? Check out more upcycling ideas to transform your old stuff