15 Genius DIY Inventions You Can Make with Everyday Household Items

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We rarely notice the hidden treasures in our homes. Those mundane things can become remarkable DIY inventions with just a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of ingenuity. According to CNN, research has shown that engaging in arts and crafts has more incredible mental health benefits than employment. For the DIY enthusiast, this isn’t an exercise in making; it’s one in creating, innovating and inspiring. 

Here are some genius DIY inventions using everyday household items and instructions. Some expert tips and trends are also included so you can brainstorm independently.

Discover the Magic of a DIY Smartphone Projector

Have you dreamed about a mini movie projector on the cheap? The DIY smartphone projector is an innovation of surprising simplicity. You can turn your smartphone into a cinema using a shoebox, basic crafting materials, and a magnifying glass.

First, use scissors to cut a hole big enough for the magnifying lens on one end of the shoebox. It will be your lens for the projector. Create a slot to hold your phone in the box. Interior painting is an excellent way to increase the contrast of your images. Crafting provides tactile experiences that, according to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, improve sensory perception, making this project practical and a feast for the senses.

Amplify Your Sound with a Homemade Speaker

This is a win-win for music lovers who want to improve the sound quality without investing in new equipment. With just a paper towel roll and a ceramic bowl, you can make a homemade speaker amplifier that will do just that. Then put it in the bowl and cut a slit in the roll to cradle your phone.

The ceramic will naturally amplify your phone’s audio to sound like a concert instead of a podcast. ‘Sound propagates much better through denser materials, which is why you want a ceramic bowl,‘ say experts at The Acoustic Society of America.

Craft the Perfect Phone Stand with Binder Clips

In the digital age, you must have a sturdy phone stand that is hands-free. You can make your adjustable phone stand to watch video calls or stream content using binder clips combined with a small piece of cardboard or wood.

You must attach two large binder clips to one end of the cardboard and fit your phone’s middle (width-wise) at the other end. According to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency, the same project can also reduce the amount you dump into landfills, as DIY projects often lead to eye‐popping drops in household waste.

Create a Stable Tripod with a Plastic Hanger

It is well known to photography enthusiasts that stability is essential for the ideal photograph. It’s not so fancy, but a plastic hanger and a few rubber bands can create a makeshift tripod for your phone or small camera.

The bottom bar of the hanger must be cut off, and the remaining wire bent to form a tripod. Rubber band your device to secure it and ensure it is in a position to take crisp and clear images. This DIY project is about one of the major trends among DIYers: eco-repurposing ideas to recycle items.

Organize Your Cords with a Simple DIY Solution

We need a solution to avoid the nuisance of cable clutter when we already have so many gadgets. A homemade cord organizer can make your workspace cleaner and more efficient. Use an old sunglass case or even just a tiny box, cut slits in the lid, and thread the cords through so they are easy to grab and easy to store.

Not only is it more clutter-free, but by preventing tangling, it increases the life of your cords, something that tech maintenance experts have emphasized. Why do we see millennials using DIY for organizational purposes? It concerns nicely organized spaces’ practicality and aesthetic appeal for many individuals.

Upcycle a Cutting Board into a Tablet Stand

A tablet stand is necessary for those who like cooking or working in the kitchen. An old cutting board can quickly turn into a chic and functional stand. 

Paint and sand your cutting board to match your adorable kitchen. Last year, the Upcycle That community reported that the upcycling trend is the new recycling and is one more step towards being more sustainable and saving money by giving new life to old things.

Design a Homemade Whiteboard for Creativity and Planning

A homemade whiteboard can be used for brainstorming or as a reminder. Paint one side of a white shower board, available at hardware stores, frame it, or use a picture frame with the glass as your writing surface.

According to productivity experts who champion visual planning tools, this simple project can boost productivity and organization. Having a whiteboard can also save money and allow you to tailor it to your style and needs.

Build a Portable Charging Station from a Lotion Bottle

In our increasingly connected world, you never have enough chargers. Turn a lotion bottle into a wall phone holder and charging station. Place your phone and charger through a cut-out in a bottle and mount it next to an outlet.

This intelligent hack prevents your device from staying on counters and escaping spills, making a room cleaner. The growing number of such innovative solutions is part of a broader trend toward minimalism and space savings, expressed in a recent report by the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals.

Create an Artistic Desk Organizer from Toilet Paper Rolls

Everyone needs a desk organizer; crafting your own can be fun and functional. Reuse empty toilet paper rolls, decorate them with paper of your choice, and glue them together in a pattern as a pen and pencil holder to hold stuff in the office.

This project is eco-friendly and reuses materials that would otherwise be discarded. Interest in sustainable crafts is rising. A Craft Industry Alliance survey revealed consumers are looking for environmentally responsible products.

Keep Your Laptop Cool with a Homemade Cooling Pad

Laptops are necessary for work and play but can become too hot. A DIY laptop cooling pad can help keep your device performing well. Place a shallow baking pan of frozen water bottles or ice packs covered by a thin towel.

This simple solution prevents overheating and extends your laptop’s life. Tech experts say proper ventilation is critical, and this DIY method is one cheap way.

DIY a Projector Screen for Outdoor Movie Nights

Outdoor movie nights are great fun for spending time with family and friends. A white shower curtain or sheet will work great as a large projector screen. Tear it and hang it on a wall or between trees for a clean viewing surface.

In addition, this project brings fun to your backyard and discusses the tremendous rise in outdoor leisure activities mentioned in recent leisure industry reports. Such experiences can be crafted at home, and they are rewarding and economical.

Make a Touchscreen Stylus from Common Household Items

Homemade styluses are an easy way to improve your interaction with touchscreen devices, which are now necessary for work. Using a cotton swab and aluminum foil, you can make a super precise stylus. Wrap the foil around the swab so it’s tight, exposing the tip. 

Fashion a Unique Phone Case from an Old Book Cover

You don’t need to spend money on expensive purchases to personalize your phone case. Make a one-of-a-kind case with an old book cover. Cut the cover to size, then add elastic corners to hold your phone, and you’re all set.

This project is a participation on topic personalization, where you can personalize how you protect your device. The trend of DIY phone accessories appears to be on par with people’s interest in affordable but fashionable things.

Elevate Your Workspace with a DIY Laptop Stand

More and more people are working from home, and having a laptop stand can help posture and comfort. Lowes or Home Depot has a strong cardboard box you can use to cut, reinforcing it with other cardboard for support.

This simple project’s extra productivity and some ergonomic workspaces increase productivity and make work more ergonomic, per expert health instructions. As remote work culture becomes more popular, according to HR Morning, it’s no surprise that more people want to enhance their home offices.

Enhance Your Lighting with a Makeshift Ring Light

Good lighting is essential if you are using video calls or creating content. Make a DIY ring light from a hula hoop and string lights. Mount it behind your camera or phone.

This project aims to demonstrate the strength of DIY in enhancing digital communication quality. As virtual events and content creation trend upward, so does the demand for affordable lighting solutions. Future Market Insights projects the content creation market to grow at a CAGR of 12.4% between 2023 and 2033. The market is anticipated to record US$1,66,11.5 million in 2023 and reach US$5,36,23.3 million by 2033.

These are 15 DIY inventions that show how much everyday household items can do with a touch of creativity and little effort. Repurposing items you own saves money and helps make the earth more sustainable. The DIY projects above are perfect for DIY enthusiasts who want to advance their crafting skills, as DIY projects inspire creativity and innovation and encourage problem-solving using hands. So, the next time you encounter a problem, your solution could be under your roof. Continue experimenting, and join a DIY community or workshop to expand your skills with many other like-minded creators. 

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.