
6 Clever Ways to Reuse Old Blankets Around Your Home Beyond Lounging
As winter comes to an end and you’re going through all of your indoor cold weather accessories, you may be wondering what to do with some of the blankets you’ve determined that you no longer need. Before you part ways with these pieces entirely, keep in mind that there are quite a few useful ways to repurpose blankets around the home and beyond.
Here, three organizing pros are sharing six of their top solutions.
Keep a Blanket in the Car
Angela O’Brien, the founder of Your Space Reclaimed, likes to keep an extra blanket on hand in the trunk of her car, given that her family enjoys taking road trips often. They will sometimes reach for the blanket in order to have an impromptu picnic while traveling, but other times, their dog makes use of it.
“Whether she is wet from a swim in a lake or just needing a place to sit, stay, and be calm on the road, the old blankets come in handy,” O’Brien says.
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Use a Blanket to Transport Fragile Items
If you’re an avid estate sale shopper and are always coming home with new plates and vases you’ve picked up during your secondhand adventures, it wouldn’t hurt to bring an old blanket with you to make transporting fragile items easier.
“Blankets past their prime can be used instead of paper or bubble wrap to protect more fragile items, saving money and the environment,” O’Brien says.
Mindy Godding, the founder of Abundance Organizing, agrees that blankets are ideal for moving in many cases. She recommends storing them with other moving supplies, such as tape and furniture sliders, for easy access when the time comes to transport furniture.
Keep Blankets By the Door
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Godding likes to keep blankets by her back door so that they’re accessible for fire pit season,
“Baskets are a great portable option to keep blankets at hand if needed for chilly evenings,” she says.
But that’s not all–blankets are great for other popular summertime activities including park picnics, concerts, and the like, Godding adds, and she will store some with her coolers and camp chairs as well.
Turn a Blanket Into Art
Have an empty wall you’re looking to jazz up a bit? Grab a blanket and then frame or hang it directly on the wall for an artful touch, Dana Reder, the founder of Winnow & Bloom, says. You can also create one of these blanket walls, which have been trending as of late.
Additionally, in lieu of using a traditional headboard, you can hang a blanket behind your bed for extra texture and comfort. You’ll save money while adding a unique decorative twist to your sleep space.
Spruce Up Your Space
You might be surprised at the difference the addition of a blanket can make in reviving a neglected corner of the home.
“Vintage or handmade blankets are beautiful as decorations at the end of the bed or over a chair in a primary or guest bedroom,” Reder says, citing knitted, quilted, and embroidered blankets as particularly beautiful options.
Godding agrees that weaving blankets into your decorating scheme is never a bad idea. Since blankets can add a fun pop of color or texture to any space, Godding loves working them into the room design since they can make any space feel cozy and inviting.
Donate Your Blankets to Animals in Need
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Animal lovers who have extra blankets on hand that they really do not intend to use can feel good knowing that pet shelters will greatly appreciate receiving these as donations.
“Vets and shelters use them for bedding or to comfort animals after surgery,” O’Brien says, noting that as such, you should be sure to donate only blankets that are clean and not torn.
If you plan to get a pet of your own, sometime soon, you can also begin to stockpile blankets for that purpose. When selecting blankets for animals, Godding recommends opting for pieces that are easily washable and do not contain a fiber fill, which will make laundry a breeze.