17 Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Rain Gutters

17 Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Rain Gutters

Old rain gutters may seem like a simple home feature designed to direct rainwater away from your house, but once they’ve outlived their purpose, they can be repurposed in some incredibly creative and practical ways. Instead of throwing them away and adding to landfills, consider reusing them for a wide variety of DIY projects that can enhance your home, garden, or even your office. Repurposing old rain gutters is not only an eco-friendly choice, but it can also be a fun way to create functional and stylish items for your space.

In this blog post, we will explore 17 creative ways to repurpose your old rain gutters, from transforming them into functional garden planters to innovative storage solutions. Whether you are a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, these ideas will help you make the most of those unused gutters that are taking up space in your garage or shed.

1. Vertical Garden Planters

Rain gutters are the perfect material for creating vertical garden planters. By mounting the gutters along a wall or fence, you can create a stunning vertical garden that saves space and allows you to grow herbs, flowers, or small vegetables.

How to Make It:

• Install several gutters horizontally along a wall, ensuring they are securely mounted.
• Drill holes for drainage in the bottom of each gutter.
• Fill with soil and plant your desired plants.
• You can even create multiple levels of planters for a cascading effect.

This idea is great for small spaces or anyone looking to add a green touch to their urban garden.

2. Gutter Bookshelves

Rain gutters can make excellent shelves for storing books, magazines, or even small items like DVDs. The long, narrow shape of gutters is perfect for creating sleek and modern bookshelves that don’t take up much room.

How to Make It:

• Mount gutters on your walls using sturdy brackets.
• Choose the length and depth of gutters according to the size of the books you wish to store.
• For added flair, paint or decorate the gutters to match your room’s aesthetic.

This is a great way to repurpose your old rain gutters while creating a functional storage solution.

3. Rain Gutter Playhouse for Kids

If you have children, consider turning your old rain gutters into a mini playhouse or dollhouse. The gutters can serve as walls, roofing, or even the foundation for a little play structure.

How to Make It:

• Use sections of gutter to create the framework of a small playhouse.
• Add additional materials like plywood or fabric to complete the structure.
• Paint and decorate it with your child’s favorite colors and designs.

This creative project can provide hours of fun for kids, and it gives new life to old gutters.

4. Outdoor Herb Garden

Old gutters are a perfect material for creating an outdoor herb garden, especially if you don’t have a lot of space in your yard or garden beds. By mounting the gutters on a fence or railing, you can easily grow herbs for cooking and enjoy a fresh supply right outside your door.

How to Make It:

• Attach gutters to a fence or railing at an angle to allow drainage.
• Fill each gutter with a mix of soil and compost.
• Choose herbs that thrive in a vertical garden, such as basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme.
• Add markers to identify each herb for easy access.

This is an easy and affordable way to create a garden that’s both functional and attractive.

5. Gutter Shoe Rack

Rain gutters are also an ideal option for organizing shoes, especially in mudrooms or entryways. By mounting a gutter on the wall, you can create a space-efficient shoe rack that keeps your footwear organized and off the floor.

How to Make It:

• Install a gutter horizontally along a wall near the entrance or in the closet.
• Place shoes into the gutter, with each shoe resting on the edges.
• To prevent shoes from slipping, add a small piece of non-slip rubber to the bottom of each shoe space.

This is a simple yet stylish solution to the common problem of shoe clutter.

6. Pet Feeding Station

Rain gutters can be used to create a pet feeding station for your dog or cat. By repurposing the gutters, you can provide a tidy and easily cleanable feeding area.

How to Make It:

• Cut a gutter to the appropriate size for your pet’s feeding needs.
• Mount the gutter slightly off the ground for easy access.
• Add food and water dishes to the gutter for your pet to use during meal times.

This solution keeps your pet’s feeding area organized and easy to clean up.

7. Wall-Mounted Storage for Tools

Old gutters can be used to store and organize tools, especially for those with limited garage or workshop space. By mounting a gutter along a wall, you can create an easily accessible storage solution for long tools such as brooms, rakes, or shovels.

How to Make It:

• Mount the gutter horizontally on a wall in your garage, shed, or workshop.
• Store tools such as broomsticks, rakes, and long-handled gardening equipment in the gutter.
• You can also add hooks or small baskets to the gutter to store smaller tools or gardening supplies.

This is a practical and efficient way to keep your garage or workshop organized.

8. Gutter Mail Holder

Transform your old gutters into a functional and stylish mail holder for your home. This is an easy project that keeps your mail organized and prevents it from piling up.

How to Make It:

• Cut a section of gutter to create a narrow holder.
• Mount it on a wall or near your front door.
• Use it to store incoming mail, bills, or catalogs.

With a little paint or decoration, your new mail holder can add a touch of charm to your entryway.

9. Rain Gutter Light Fixture

Repurpose gutters to create an industrial-style light fixture for your home. This upcycled lighting option can add a unique, rustic vibe to any room.

How to Make It:

• Cut a section of gutter to the desired length.
• Install light bulbs or string lights along the length of the gutter.
• Hang the gutter horizontally from the ceiling, creating a statement lighting piece.

This is a bold and creative way to add lighting to your home while reusing old materials.

10. Gutter Frame for Photos

Use rain gutters to create a custom photo frame that’s both eco-friendly and unique. This is a fun project that can showcase your favorite memories in a creative way.

How to Make It:

• Cut sections of gutter to frame the edges of a photograph or artwork.
• Attach the gutter sections together to form the shape of your frame.
• Paint or decorate the frame to match your home décor.

This project gives old gutters new life and adds a personal touch to your space.

11. Vertical Plant Wall

Take your vertical gardening to the next level by creating a vertical plant wall using rain gutters. This project allows you to grow a variety of plants in a small area, perfect for apartment balconies or limited garden spaces.

How to Make It:

• Install gutters vertically along a wall or fence.
• Fill with soil and plant your favorite climbing plants, flowers, or succulents.
• Use a mix of soil and compost to ensure good drainage and healthy plant growth.

This vertical garden will create a lush, green wall that’s a statement piece in any garden.

12. Gutter Towel Rack

Repurpose gutters to create a stylish and space-saving towel rack for your bathroom or laundry room. This is a perfect solution for small bathrooms or those looking to add a bit of character to their space.

How to Make It:

• Cut a section of gutter to the desired length.
• Mount it on the wall of your bathroom or laundry room.
• Add towel hooks or rods to the gutter for hanging towels.

This simple yet functional project is an easy way to bring new life to your bathroom.

13. Gutter Fence

Use your old rain gutters to create a unique, eco-friendly fence or barrier in your yard. Whether it’s to create a boundary for a garden or add some privacy, a gutter fence is an innovative and sustainable option.

How to Make It:

• Cut and mount gutters vertically along a fence line or in your garden.
• Attach them securely to posts or a frame.
• For added privacy, add a fabric cover or plant vines to grow along the gutters.

This creative repurposing idea gives your garden a modern look while being environmentally conscious.

14. Rain Gutter Wine Rack

Old gutters can easily be turned into a wine rack, perfect for displaying your collection of bottles in a sleek, minimalist style.

How to Make It:

• Cut a gutter to the size of your wine bottles.
• Mount it horizontally on a wall or underneath a shelf.
• Arrange your wine bottles in the gutter for a unique display.

This project is both functional and stylish, perfect for wine enthusiasts.

15. Gutter Bird Feeder

If you love nature, consider turning your old gutters into bird feeders. This simple and effective project will attract birds to your garden while giving new life to your old gutters.

How to Make It:

• Cut a section of gutter to the desired length.
• Mount it on a fence or post.
• Fill it with birdseed and watch the birds flock to your garden.

This is a fun and easy way to repurpose gutters while benefiting local wildlife.

16. Gutter Water Feature

Old gutters can be used to create a water feature in your garden. Whether it’s a small stream or a cascading waterfall, gutters are a great material for bringing the soothing sound of water to your outdoor space.

How to Make It:

• Arrange the gutters along a designated path or garden area.
• Connect them to create a series of flowing sections.
• Add a pump to circulate water through the gutters.

This is a stunning way to repurpose old gutters and create a relaxing ambiance in your garden.

17. Gutter Organizer for Craft Supplies

If you’re into crafting or DIY projects, gutters can be repurposed into storage for your supplies. Whether it’s for fabric, tools, or scrapbooking materials, a gutter organizer is a practical and easy way to keep your crafting space tidy.

How to Make It:

• Cut a gutter to the desired length.
• Mount it on a wall or inside a craft cabinet.
• Use it to store spools of thread, paintbrushes, scissors, and other supplies.

This organizational tool helps you keep your crafting area clean and efficient.

Conclusion

Repurposing old rain gutters is a great way to reduce waste, get creative, and add a personal touch to your home or garden. With these 17 ideas, you can transform your unused gutters into functional, beautiful items that serve a purpose while reducing your environmental footprint. Whether you’re looking to create a vertical garden, a modern light fixture, or a unique storage solution, the possibilities are endless when it comes to repurposing old rain gutters. So, gather your old gutters and get started on your next DIY project!