Just because you're living in the apocalypse, doesn't mean you can't live stylishly. Knowing how to take old, broken material and turn it into functional furniture and art can help you create a comfortable and safe stronghold in the middle of a world turned to chaos.

Wood Scrap Accents

Via hammersandhighheels.blogspot.com

It's safe to say that after the apocalypse wood scraps will be one of the world's most common items. So before the rest of the village hoards the miscellaneous planks and crates and uses them for fire starters, salvage everything you can find and craft it into decoration for a room by building shelves, headboard, and dangling decoration. (Note the sweet suitcase bedside night table.)

Recycled Grocery Bag Rug

Via Homeclick

Even after the apocalypse, those pesky plastic grocery bags are sure to be around. If you know how to crochet and have access to or can create a crochet hook, you can make these recycled grocery bag rugs. This will add a little comfort to your stronghold, and can also be a great place for a nap if no bed is available.

Gourd Lanterns

Via Make Projects

You'll need light to see by in order to read those books, and these gourd lanterns will do the trick. Simply dry out any gourds you find, or locate some previously dried gourds. Cut off the top and scrape the innards out. Drill or poke holes through the gourds in any pattern you want and insert candles or electric-powered lights.

Credit Carb Faux Flowers

Via crookedbrains.net

Credit cards won't matter much once the banks are out of business, but you can still find a way to salute your plastic and add a little color to your life. Cut and create credit card faux flowers to decorate your desolate garden.

Recycled Light Bulb Oil Lantern

You've got to be able to see after the apocalypse, and electricity may not be available. You'll need to find some oil for fuel, and if you can get your hands on wicking and old light bulbs, you can make these recycled light bulb oil lanterns.

Bathtub Coffee Table and Planter

Via hammersandhighheels.blogspot.com

You may not have running water after the apocalypse hits, but at least you can find a good use for that old bathtub. Double the functionality of the antique piece of luxurious bathroom past and fill it with dirt and then top it with a plank. Now it doubles as a perfect planter/coffee table combo. This is a particularly handy DIY tip since your home contents coverage won't cover the cost of replacing your possessions in the event of an apocalypse.

Recycled Window Pot Holder

Via Robo Margo

If you can find an old window, some lengths of chain and hooks, you can create this recycled window pot holder. This will help you keep your cooking utensils off the floor and out of the range of mice or other critters. Simply attach lengths of chain to each of the four corners of the window and place hooks randomly in the wood. You can hang pots or other items on the hooks. The chains will need to be suspended from hooks in strong studs on the ceiling area of your stronghold.

Recycled Forks Hook

Via Permaculture Ideas

Find recycled silverware and you can create a hook to hang wet clothes to dry or simply to organize your clothing. You'll just need a piece of scrap wood to screw or affix the silverware to and then using large pliers, bend the ends of the silverware into a hook shape.

Recycled Garden Hose Chair

Via Urban Garden Casual

An old garden hose may not be much good for anything after the apocalypse, but you can create a great chair for your living area. Simply find some small wood to build a frame and then weave the garden hose around the frame to provide support for sitting. You can tie it off at the end and if you have access to screws, you can use those to strengthen the chair by affixing the hose to the sides of the frame.

Recycled Plastic Bottle Room Divider

Via Catherine Todd Architecture

Maybe your stronghold is open and airy, but you need to separate spaces. Simply gather some old plastic drink bottles and wire or string and you can create a plastic bottle room divider. This can help keep your living quarters separate from the living quarters of the others in your group, or separate different spaces that are used for different things. Simply string them together and hang from the ceiling.

Recycled Cinder Block Planter

Via Warming Trends

Grow herbs or other plants indoors by building a planter from old cinder blocks. You can stack them any way you want, and then gather soil, filling the holes in the blocks. Simply plant your seeds and make sure your planter is in an area where some sunlight can get to it. You can use these to grow food for the survivors, herbs for cooking and more. Sometimes a house plant can cheer even apocalypse survivors.

Recycled Pallet Bench

Via Beyond the Picket Fence

Chances are, you can find a number of pallets lying around unused after the apocalypse. There are a number of great things you can make from them, including this recycled bench. Take the pallet apart and make a simple rectangular frame. Use cut pieces of the pallet for legs and brace them for strength. Then cut shorter pieces to line the top of the bench. This will provide you with seating for you and your family.

Build a House Entirely Out of Tires

Via quantumkool.com

People are already planning for their post-apocalyptic lifestyles today by building Earthships which are completely self-sustaining houses built from mostly old tires. Tires won't have much use once the oil runs out and cars becoming permanently parked, so find a use for the old rubber and build a brand building for your new home.
As you scavenge around, you're likely to find many materials that you can use to create functional items for inside your stronghold. Use these ideas as inspiration for decorating your post-apocalyptic home. Now, if only there were post-apocalyptic Pinterest.

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