Don’t Toss Old Pillowcases — Try These 8 Smart Uses Instead
Don’t be so quick to throw out those old pillowcases!
Chances are, you have some old pillowcases buried at the back of your linen closet. Don’t be so quick to toss them, though. Surprisingly, experts say there are all kinds of creative ways to reuse old pillowcases to give them a second life.
If you know how to sew, have fun transforming mismatched pillowcases into eye-catching patchwork curtains or making a seat cushion for your bar stools. No sewing skills? Don’t worry—you can easily turn pillowcases into garment bags, unique gift wrap, or storage for bulky boots.
And if you still have some old pillowcases left over, consider donating them to a local animal shelter (used bedding can make kennels cozier for animals). You can also check if any homeless shelters and women’s shelters in your area accept used pillowcases. Anything you can do to reduce waste is a good idea.
Laptop Sleeve
While on their own, mismatched pillowcases can feel thin and fragile, the material can be repurposed to create a protective sleeve for your laptop. According to Mike Bowman, designer, furniture specialist, and marketing director at Patio Productions and Harmonia Living, the cotton material can help protect against scratches in a messy work bag. "Fold a pillowcase in half and sew two straight lines to create padded sleeves for laptops or tablets," he instructs. "I love using high-thread-count cases for this. It feels like a luxury dust bag for your most expensive tools."
DIY Tote Bag
Aid the environment and lessen the use of plastic by using your mismatched pillowcases to create a tote bag, May Wang, founder of Linens N Love suggests. Different fabrics and patterns allow for a creative and colorful bag with a personal touch. Seamstress skills aren't needed for the easy project, as you can achieve a durable, washable pillowcase tote with "just a few simple seams."
Garment Bags
Easily store delicate silk dresses or warm wool suits with your mismatched pillowcases. "Snip a small hole in the closed end for a hanger to slide through," Wang instructs. "Drape it over blouses or dresses in your closet to keep them dust-free without using plastic." The material creates a breathable yet protective barrier, keeping your clothing fresh and pristine.
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Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap
Though the holidays are over, mismatched pillowcases make a great option for wrapping or storing a gift. You can get creative and wrap the item Furoshiki style or simply drop it in the case and tie the opening. You'll give Santa a run for his money, with Wang calling it the "gift within a gift that reduces paper waste."
Patch Curtains
Get creative at keeping the sun out and nosy neighbors at bay! Mismatched pillowcases can make great patch curtains, according to Arounna Khounnoraj, textile artist author, and owner of Bookhou. "Cut [them] up and patch them together to create a curtain," she proposes. Pillowcase patch curtains require minimal sewing and are ideal for various rooms due to the multiple finishes and fabrics.
RELATED: Simple Living Room Curtain Ideas to Perfect Your Space
Bar Stool Covers
Add a pop of color or an intriguing texture to your kitchen by using mismatched pillowcases as bar stool covers. Interior designer Ciera Perkins champions the idea, praising them for their easy removal and washing, and their flexibility to be switched out should you not like a design or pattern. They also "add a layer of comfort while elevating the space."
Shoe Storage
Storing winter boots can be a pain, but pillowcases make a great alternative. Instead of cramming them in your closet, placing them in a pillowcase can help prevent delicate leather from scuffs, scratches or light fading. Bowman also adds that the cotton from pillowcases can "absorb any residual moisture and keep the leather supple over time."
Protection for Delicate Items
Out of bubble wrap? Old pillowcases can be used to carefully wrap delicate items like candles or glassware. And if you’re traveling, it can’t hurt to pack one in your suitcase to protect any fragile souvenirs you want to transport home.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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