Purchasing a new mattress is an exciting time, we love it here at Happy Beds. However, with a new mattress comes a singular issue: what do you do with your old mattress? And no, the answer is don't leave it in an alleyway!
Aside from traditional disposal, there's actually a lot of creative ideas for old mattresses you could have a go at. Here is a list of suggestions for you to repurpose your old mattress and turn it into something new.
Old mattress uses for DIY repairs
Did you know that old mattresses can be used to breathe life back into damaged goods? Neither did we. Even the smallest parts of a mattress can be recycled, and these small parts in turn can be used for DIY repairs. Ah, the circle of life.
1. Buttons
Buttons, which are typically found on more decorative mattresses, can be upcycled and repurposed into new buttons for clothes and furniture. The buttons can be used to add to pillows, for artwork and repairs.
2. Upholstery
The filling of the mattress can be used when upholstering furniture and pillows too, especially if you need extra soft materials. Using the foam, buttons, or even the stitching (if you’re technically gifted) can save loads of money on recycling and upcycling older furniture.
Emergency DIY procedures
Little accidents happen, just like your dog pulling the arm off of your child's favourite teddy. Be prepared by storing some mattress filling away. It sounds like a silly idea, but we bet you'll definitely need it at some point. More often or not, teddies, dog beds, cushions and everything in-between can lose their fullness, so having something to help out is always smart.
Creative ideas for old mattresses and springs
Even old mattress springs have their uses. Bedsprings can be repurposed and recycled for a variety of ergonomic and space-saving solutions, including:
Wine bottle holders
Wine has been well-documented as an effective aid in getting to sleep, but bed springs can return the favour and provide a home for all your wine bottles to live. By getting a few bedsprings and a plank of wood, you can staple the springs onto the plank and, just like that, you’ve got yourself a trendy bottle holder and conversation piece.
Ensure you space the wine bottles evenly apart and that they are well supported though! There’s nothing worse than spilt wine…
Photo holders
For those who are invested in upcycled, steampunk, or shabby-chic aesthetics, the photo and noteholders will whet the appetite. By using just a clip and a bedspring, you can create a series of notes and photo holders. Simply place the larger side of the spring downwards, cut it in half, and then place a clip at the smaller end.
Bulletin board
Mounting your old mattress springboard on the wall can provide an easy way to get organised. Simply mount the board via your preferred method and add some washing line clips. Suddenly, you’ve got yourself a nifty bulletin board.
Hanging light display
For this interesting upcycle, all you need to do is take the whole of the mattress frame and hang it up securely before placing bulbs into the springs. Then you'll have your own rustic-looking hanging light display that will be sure to turn heads.
Kickstart Gardening with an Old Mattress
Mattresses are known for their damaging nature towards our environment. Yet ironically most of their materials can be re-used to improve the health of our gardens. Gardeners have been using parts of mattresses within their practice for years, from the fibres to the springs.
Interestingly, Pinterest is a great place to find uses for your old mattress...take a look below!
Create a garden trellis
A garden trellis is an effective way to add greenery and foliage to a wall, providing another dimension to your garden. By mounting the metallic bed springs to a wall, you just need to plant the wall plants into the holes and voilà – you’ve got yourself a cheap and effective garden trellis made of old mattress springs!
Plus you'll get extra satisfaction knowing you upcycled your mattress, and created something beautiful from it.
Plant pot holders
Who knew that mattresses could be such a godsend for gardeners? This has to be one of the best uses for old mattress springs. If you have some smaller pots that need support from wind, insects, or clumsiness, then consider using a mattress spring. Simply pop a potted plant into the spring and you’ve got yourself a much safer plant pot.
Bird feeders
If you don't know what to do with your old mattress, much like the above idea, you can take your mattress springs and use them to feed the birds that come to your garden. All you have to do is buy some fat balls and pop them in the spring before hanging from a tree - or whatever you hang your bird feeders from.
This craft can also be easily modified for the other creatures that habit your garden, a squirrel, for example. Instead of using suet fat balls, just put another snack down the spring for your furry friends.
Disposing of Your Old Mattress
If creative upcycling isn't your thing, just do the old-fashioned thing and dispose of your mattress traditionally.
Some people try selling or giving away mattresses, but not many people want an old, used mattress as they do not believe them to be hygienic. Most charity shops will not accept mattresses either.
The best bet is with your local council, who can dispose of mattresses in an environmentally conscious way. Prices depend largely on the council in question, with some offering a free service whereas others carry a charge.
Find out how much it will cost to have yours collected with our mattress recycling tool - simply enter your postcode to discover your options.
Will you be trying these ideas?
If creative upcycling IS your thing, we'd love to see how you get on! Do you have any creative ideas for an old mattress of your own? Or are you eager to try an idea from our list?
Show us your creations by getting in touch with us via, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!Find out how much it will cost to have yours collected with our mattress recycling tool - simply enter your postcode to discover your options.
