12 Best Recycled Bath Tub ideas

Why Recycle Your Bathtub?

Recycling an old bathtub is not just environmentally smart—it’s a creative opportunity to add charm and functionality to your space. Whether you’re renovating your bathroom or picking up a vintage clawfoot tub at a salvage yard, don’t let it go to waste. Reusing bathtubs reduces landfill waste and encourages sustainable living. With a little imagination, you can turn that heavy, outdated fixture into a Pinterest-worthy statement piece. From garden planters to outdoor lounges, the possibilities are endless. Not only are these upcycled bathtub projects budget-friendly, but they also give your home or garden a unique, artistic touch that can’t be bought in stores. Plus, repurposing materials aligns perfectly with modern eco-conscious trends. Instead of tossing that tub—transform it.

Creative Bathtub Upcycling Ideas

There are countless ways to creatively reuse an old bathtub. For outdoor lovers, a clawfoot tub can become a rustic sofa with plush cushions, perfect for patio lounging. Gardeners will love transforming tubs into raised herb beds or vibrant flower planters. Want to create a relaxing water feature? Repurpose your tub as a pond filled with lilies and koi. For events and gatherings, turn it into a DIY ice bar for drinks. Pet parents can even craft a cozy dog bed from a cut-down tub. Artists and interior designers go a step further, using tub fragments in bold, industrial art installations. Whether you’re aiming for a boho, rustic, or modern look, a recycled bathtub can be the focal point of your design. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, upcycling a bathtub becomes a fun, rewarding project that adds sustainable style to your living space.

1. Vintage Clawfoot Tub Turned Outdoor Sofa

Give your backyard a vintage twist with a clawfoot tub transformed into a cozy outdoor sofa. This recycled bathtub idea combines antique charm and modern comfort, perfect for garden lounging or patio décor. Add vibrant cushions, a throw blanket, and you have a one-of-a-kind seating statement. Great for upcycling lovers and perfect for Pinterest boards focused on DIY patio furniture or boho outdoor décor. Whether you’re restoring an old tub or thrifting one, this trend is budget-friendly and eco-conscious. Reimagine relaxation—your bathtub deserves a second life. Ideal for garden parties, reading corners, or cozy firepit gatherings.

Supplies

• Old clawfoot bathtub
• Angle grinder or metal saw (to cut one side)
• Sandpaper or wire brush
• Outdoor spray paint or rust-resistant primer
• Outdoor cushions or bench cushion
• Throw pillows
• Wood for base (optional)
• Drill and screws
• Rust remover (if necessary)
• Protective gloves and eyewear

2. Bathtub Pond with Water Lilies and Koi

Transform an old bathtub into a stunning garden pond with koi fish and floating lilies. This Pinterest-worthy recycled bathtub idea adds tranquil vibes and natural beauty to any outdoor space. Add pebbles, aquatic plants, and a small solar fountain for a serene water feature that’s both eco-friendly and enchanting. Perfect for nature lovers and upcycling enthusiasts, this DIY pond brings life and motion to your backyard. It’s a budget-friendly way to introduce water elements into your garden. Enhance your landscape while giving a cast-off tub a peaceful second life. Great for rustic, boho, or cottage garden styles.

Supplies

• Old bathtub (metal or acrylic)
• Waterproof pond liner (optional)
• Aquarium-grade silicone sealant
• Pebbles or river rocks
• Aquatic plants (e.g., water lilies)
• Koi or goldfish (optional)
• Water pump or solar fountain
• Dechlorinated water or pond water conditioner
• Decorative edging (bricks, wood, etc.)

3. Recycled Tub as a Rustic Garden Planter

Breathe new life into your garden with a recycled bathtub turned rustic planter. This creative upcycling idea is ideal for growing vegetables, herbs, or vibrant flowers in a quirky and functional way. Just drill a few drainage holes, add soil, and plant away. With a little paint or natural rust patina, your tub becomes an eye-catching focal point. A favorite on Pinterest, this eco-friendly trend is perfect for farmhouse-style gardens or sustainable backyard makeovers. Add vintage flair to your landscape and reduce waste by turning old tubs into blossoming garden treasures. Earthy, whimsical, and 100% Instagram-worthy.

Supplies

• Used bathtub
• Drill (for drainage holes)
• Potting soil or compost mix
• Seeds or starter plants
• Outdoor paint or metal primer (optional)
• Gravel for base layer
• Gardening gloves
• Trowel
• Trellis or support stakes (optional)

4. Bathtub Converted to a Chic Outdoor Ice Bar

Turn your next backyard party into a Pinterest dream with a repurposed bathtub ice bar. Simply fill your vintage tub with ice and load it with drinks—instant cool points. Whether it’s for BBQs, weddings, or brunches, this recycled tub idea adds charm and utility. Decorate with fresh greenery or lights for a boho or rustic touch. Guests will love the quirky twist, and you’ll love how easy and sustainable it is. A perfect DIY for entertainers and eco-conscious creatives. Elevate your hosting game with this standout bar hack that combines function, flair, and upcycled brilliance.

Supplies

• Vintage or modern bathtub
• Power washer (to clean tub)
• Ice bags
• Drink buckets or containers (optional)
• Decorative garland, lights, or labels
• Folding tray table or wooden board (for serving)
• Bar tools (tongs, bottle opener)
• Optional paint for personalization
• Drain plug (to retain ice)

5. Freestanding Tub Fire Pit Lounge

Create a cozy retreat with a freestanding bathtub transformed into a unique fire pit lounge. Cut the tub lengthwise, add fireproof materials, and you’ve got a rustic-industrial seating solution for evenings under the stars. Pair with throw pillows and chunky blankets for a hygge-inspired vibe. This recycled bathtub idea is a favorite among DIY lovers on Pinterest for its originality and bold aesthetic. Ideal for patios, backyards, or cabin retreats. It’s the perfect mix of comfort, sustainability, and edge. Plus, it reclaims an item destined for the dump into something totally extraordinary. Stay warm, stylish, and eco-smart.

Supplies

• Old metal bathtub
• Metal cutting tools (angle grinder)
• Heat-resistant paint
• Fireproof bricks or stones (for base)
• Fire pit insert or metal bowl
• Fireproof insulation (optional)
• Outdoor cushions and blankets
• Protective goggles and gloves
• Welding equipment (if reinforcing structure)

6. Painted Bathtub Bench with Cushions

Add a pop of color and creativity to your garden or porch with a painted bathtub bench. Cut the tub down, paint it in bold or pastel tones, and add soft cushions for a comfy and artistic seat. This recycled bathtub idea is great for bohemian or eclectic outdoor spaces. DIY enthusiasts on Pinterest love the mix of practical seating and artistic flair. Whether you’re furnishing a balcony or backyard, this eco-friendly bench stands out. It’s budget-friendly, easy to customize, and a total conversation starter. Reuse with purpose—and a lot of personality. The more colorful, the better!

Supplies

• Old bathtub
• Metal or tile saw (for side cut)
• Rust-proof outdoor paint
• Primer
• Sandpaper
• Drill and screws
• Wood base or legs (optional)
• Upholstered bench cushion
• Throw pillows
• Measuring tape and marker

7. Cutout Tub Daybed with Canopy

Repurpose an old bathtub into a dreamy cutout daybed with a soft mattress and sheer canopy. This recycled bathtub idea is all about luxury and sustainability rolled into one. Perfect for reading nooks, garden hideaways, or balcony escapes, this Pinterest trend brings cozy relaxation to another level. Paint the tub in soft whites or metallics, and add plush bedding for maximum comfort. Ideal for upcycled boho décor, glamping vibes, or artistic interiors. This is DIY magic at its finest—salvaged style meets serene lounging. A recycled tub never looked (or felt) this good.

Supplies

• Vintage bathtub
• Angle grinder or jigsaw
• Sanding tools
• Cushioned mattress or foam pad
• Fabric canopy or mosquito netting
• Curtain rods or PVC frame (for canopy)
• Outdoor paint
• Bolster pillows and throw blanket
• Heavy-duty fabric glue or upholstery tacks
• Safety gear (gloves, goggles)

8. Bathtub Used as a Raised Herb Garden

Grow fresh herbs the sustainable way by turning an old bathtub into a raised herb garden. This recycled bathtub idea is a gardener’s dream—practical, charming, and totally Pinterest-worthy. Fill it with nutrient-rich soil, plant your favorite herbs, and let the vintage aesthetic shine. Elevated growing makes harvesting easy and adds a touch of rustic charm to your patio or yard. Paint or leave it natural for added character. Great for urban gardening, sustainable living, and anyone wanting a touch of green without the cost. It’s functional, eco-smart, and stylish—a win for you and the planet.

Supplies

• Old bathtub
• Potting soil
• Organic compost
• Herb seedlings (basil, thyme, mint, etc.)
• Gravel for drainage
• Drill (to make bottom holes)
• Optional wood planks (to create dividers)
• Paint and stencil (for labeling herbs)
• Garden gloves and hand tools

9. Industrial Bathtub Coffee Table with Glass Top

Merge industrial chic with eco-design by transforming an old bathtub into a stunning coffee table. Cut and clean the tub, add a tempered glass top, and finish with metal legs for a dramatic centerpiece. Perfect for lofts, man caves, or rustic-modern homes, this recycled bathtub idea is a bold conversation starter. Pinterest loves it for its edgy aesthetic and functionality. Customize with paint or leave the original patina for an authentic feel. Upcycled furniture never looked so strong or stylish. Reclaim, redesign, and repurpose for a coffee table that’s anything but ordinary.

Supplies

• Cast iron or steel bathtub
• Angle grinder or metal saw
• Measuring tape
• Sandblaster or sanding tools
• Industrial wheels or metal legs
• Tempered glass top (custom cut)
• Paint or metal sealer
• Drill and screws
• Heavy-duty adhesive (for securing top)

10. Reclaimed Tub Turned Dog Bed with Custom Padding

Pamper your pet with a reclaimed bathtub turned luxury dog bed. This recycled idea is both eco-conscious and adorable. Cut the tub down, sand it smooth, and add custom-fitted padding or a mini mattress. Your furry friend gets a cozy retreat, and your home gets a stylish statement piece. Ideal for pet-friendly interiors, this Pinterest favorite combines comfort with creativity. Paint the tub to match your décor or let its vintage charm shine. A perfect project for dog lovers who want to spoil their pups sustainably. Upcycled love and design, all in one bed.

Supplies

• Small metal or acrylic bathtub
• Jigsaw or cutting tool
• Sandpaper (smooth edges)
• Paint (non-toxic, pet-safe)
• Foam mattress or memory foam
• Upholstery fabric (durable, washable)
• Sewing machine or hot glue gun
• Pet-safe wood or rubber feet
• Blanket or dog toys (optional)

11. Boho Bathtub Flower Bed with Macramé Accents

Give your garden serious boho vibes with a recycled bathtub flower bed adorned with macramé hangings and cascading blooms. This idea blends texture, color, and eco-conscious style into one dreamy outdoor feature. Paint the tub in earthy or pastel tones, and let your flowers overflow. Add hanging macramé or dreamcatchers for that free-spirited Pinterest charm. Great for backyards, patios, or even balconies, this design adds depth and whimsy. It’s sustainable gardening with a hippie twist. Perfect for plant lovers and DIY decorators looking to stand out and grow green creatively.

Supplies

• Old bathtub
• Flowering plants (petunias, marigolds, etc.)
• Potting mix and compost
• Drill (for drainage)
• Macramé hangers, ropes, or nets
• Boho-style paint colors (earth tones or pastels)
• Gravel or pebbles
• Outdoor lighting or fairy lights
• Decorative planters (optional for layering)

12. Modern Art Installation Using Fragmented Tubs

Elevate your outdoor or indoor space with a modern art piece made from fragmented bathtubs. Arrange cut pieces into sculptural designs, paint them in bold tones, and mount for a gallery-worthy statement. This recycled bathtub idea transforms waste into abstract wonder. Popular on Pinterest for avant-garde DIYers, it’s great for garden walls, urban patios, or creative interiors. It’s not just décor—it’s a conversation piece that challenges perceptions of waste and beauty. Bold, edgy, and eco-forward, this is where art and sustainability collide. Upcycle like a modern artist and redefine what design can be.

Supplies

• Several old bathtubs (metal or fiberglass)
• Heavy-duty cutting tools
• Paint (spray or acrylic)
• Metal primer
• Mounting hardware (brackets, concrete screws)
• Protective gear (goggles, gloves, mask)
• Measuring tools
• Canvas or board backing (optional)
• Sealant for outdoor installations
• Sketch or layout plan