When it comes to reusing old materials, shelves can be one of the easiest items to work with. While thrift store shelving may be nicked and damaged aesthetically, the simple design of shelving tends to keep it structurally sound.

Shelving made of anything from metal to wood can make a room more functional or help you display your art and collectibles  Here are two ways to use the same recycled shelving I purchased on an impulse buy from a thrift store in Holland, Michigan. For a total of $12, I brought home three industrial-looking metal shelves.

Use Recycled Shelving to Increase Function in Smaller Rooms

I first put these recycled industrial shelves to use in the kitchen of a Wicker Park apartment. As with many older Chicago apartments, the kitchen was small and lacking in shelving. By combining these metal shelves (which were hung using anchors and screws) with an under-the-cabinet mug rack, I was able to save a lot of cabinet space by displaying a few items in plain view. This is not only a space saver, but visually appealing.

Use Recycled Shelving to Display Art and Collectables

After moving to another, more spacious apartment in Chicago, I went from having a kitchen nightmare to a kitchen blessing. As a result, I no longer needed the industrial shelving in our kitchen. Where I did need it, however, was in the living room.

Here, I hung all three industrial shelves in an otherwise empty corner of wall space. I then topped it with some of my favorite visual items – a vintage vase with tall flowers, an antique camera and flash, miniature ceramic Dutch clogs, a green and pink cactus, and an oversize green watering can.

Have you used any recycled items in your home recently?

This is a guest post from Carly Taylor. Carly blogs at Createlive, where she writes about living creatively through food, fitness, home improvement and DIY decor.