25+ Creative Ways To Reuse Spindle Ideas

A spindle is a versatile element that can take many forms, from a wooden handle supporting staircases to a spinning wheel’s iconic rod. The term ‘spindle’ often conjures up images of whorls, spherical disks with holes in their centers, typically made from materials like wood, glass, metal, ceramic, or amber. These whorls are commonly found on top of spindles and serve as decorative accents. In the realm of spinning, spindles are used to process fibers like wool, hemp, and cotton into fabric.

The industrial significance of spindles lies in their ability to transform raw materials into usable textiles. Beyond its functional uses, the spindle has evolved into a popular crafting material for decoration purposes. To unlock your creativity, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the various types of spindles available. You can repurpose existing spindles or acquire new ones to suit your design preferences.

This article will explore different spindle types and inspire you to find innovative ways to reuse them in your home or workspace.

Table of Contents

Types of wood spindles

A variety of wooden spindles can be used for spinning fibers like wool and cotton into fabric. Typically crafted from durable woods such as Oak or Pine, these tools play a crucial role in the textile production process. The choice of wood often depends on the specific requirements of the spinner, with Oak’s robust nature making it suitable for heavy-duty use and Pine’s softer texture ideal for finer threads.

#1. Tibetan Style Spindles

#2. Russian Spindles:

#3. Whorl on Top Spindles:

#4. Whorl on Bottom Spindles

#5. Peruvian Spindles:

#6. Akha Spindles:

Spindles Used for Staircases:

Staircase spindles come in a variety of styles to suit different tastes and architectural designs. The most common types are the Straight Square Spindle, which features a straightforward design with no tapering or chamfering; the Square Tapered Spindle, where the spindle gradually narrows towards one end; the Chamfered Spindle, characterized by a beveled edge that adds visual interest; and the Twisted Spindle, which boasts an intricate, spiral pattern.

For those seeking a more ornate look, Edwardian Spindles offer delicate, curved designs reminiscent of the Edwardian era’s architectural styles. Both wooden and metal materials are used to create staircase spindles, offering homeowners flexibility in their design choices.

#1. Metal Spindles

Metal spindles, crafted from a range of materials including nickel, steel, chrome, and black metal, serve as the foundation for many staircase designs. Their primary function is to provide structural support to the entire staircase, starting from its base. This robust component plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall stability and integrity of the staircase, ensuring the safety and durability of the entire structure.

#2. Wooden Spindles

Framing materials typically consist of sturdy oak or high-quality white primed wood, offering a solid foundation for any interior design project.

Industrial Spindles

With the ability to tailor industrial spindles to specific requirements, manufacturers can create customized products that meet the exact needs of their clients. By utilizing a range of materials and offering various size options, custom-created spindles can be crafted to suit unique applications, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

25+ repurposed Spindle Ideas

Transforming your home décor with creative DIY projects is a breeze when utilizing various spindle types. Here are some fantastic ideas that will inspire you to get crafty and create stunning pieces that reflect your personal style. From intricate designs to functional items, the possibilities are endless.

#1. Breakfast In The Bed

Start your day off right with a breakfast-in-bed table that’s as unique as it is charming. To create this one-of-a-kind piece, simply bolt together four short staircase spindles to form the base. Use a plain piece of wood as the foundation and attach doorknobs or door handles on each side to give your table an old-world aesthetic. The result is a priceless piece that’s sure to become a treasured addition to your home.

#2. Beautiful Antique Wall Hanger

Elevate your space with a one-of-a-kind wall hanging created using medium or large-sized wooden spindles. Simply arrange 4-5 straight spindles of varying types, if desired, to add visual interest. Next, attach the spindles to a wall and secure a short rectangular wooden or metal frame onto the center of the spindles. Add a few strategically placed hooks to this frame, and you’ll have a functional piece that also serves as a conversation starter.

#3. Raised Garden

Transform an old wooden drawer from a forgotten cupboard into a unique planter for your garden. Start by removing the drawer from its resting place and collecting four staircase spindles. Use a hammer to secure them together, forming a sturdy base. Next, transport the planter to your outdoor space and add a layer of fertile soil. Reconfigure some of your existing small plants to create a visually appealing raised garden bed.

To bring it all together, add a touch of personality with a beautiful coat of paint, infused with love.

#4. Sofa Table

Transform your bedroom into a cozy retreat by creating a unique reading nook. Start by constructing a bespoke book table that serves as a beautiful display space for your favorite volumes or decorative trinkets. To create this haven, begin with a long rectangular piece of wood and secure it to the wall using sturdy spindles at the top, effectively elevating your books and treasured items into a visually appealing focal point.

#5. Table Lamps

When it comes to crafting unique table lamp bases, wooden and metal spindles offer endless possibilities. For a truly one-of-a-kind design, consider repurposing a weaving spindle to match the length of your table lamp. This creative approach can add an authentic touch to your handmade lamp. To complete the look, attach a bulb to the top of the whorl, ensuring it’s securely positioned.

You can also get creative with additional embellishments like tablecloths, wires, or other decorative items to cover the bulb, adding texture and visual interest to your overall design.

#6. Spindles as handles

To add an extra layer of functionality and visual appeal, consider repurposing small wooden or metal spindles as handles for various household items. In the kitchen, attach a spindle to the top of shelves holding plates and other dinnerware, transforming them into convenient and stylish storage solutions. Similarly, give photo frames, signboards, and blackboards an instant makeover by attaching spindles to their sides, elevating their aesthetic appeal.

#7. Candle Stands

Transforming industrial or staircase spindles into unique candle stands can be a fantastic DIY project. By giving these spindles a fresh coat of paint, you can turn them into stunning holders for your candles. The process is simple: just paint the spindles to match your desired aesthetic and then place a candle on top. The result will be a beautiful, one-of-a-kind decorative piece that adds a touch of industrial chic to any room.

This creative repurposing of materials not only gives old spindles new life but also helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability.

#8. Christmas Decorations

Transform your home’s entryway into a winter wonderland by adorning it with wooden spindles, cleverly repurposed as decorative elements. The classic Christmas staple is elevated to new heights when painted in festive hues or adorned with whimsical designs. Imagine Santa’s iconic red hat perched atop a spindle, its face beaming down from the whorl. Alternatively, use spindles to craft reindeer legs, their wooden limbs adding a touch of rustic charm to your holiday decor.

Let your creativity shine and create one-of-a-kind masterpieces that will delight friends and family alike.

#9. DIY 3 tier stand

#10. Repurposed quilt rack

#11. Spindle ladder

#12. Jewelry display

#13. Entryway table makeover

#14. Barn Board Bricks with Spindle Wall Sign

#15. DIY lamp from table

#16. Reclaimed wood reindeer

#17. A chalk board

#18. Spindle wind chimes for outdoor

#19. Spindle crate

#20. Repurposed table leg wreath holder

#21. Spindle chandelier

#22. Baby room

#23. Rustic clock using spindles for the hour and the minute

#24. Plate holder

#25. DIY spindle Christmas tree

Conclusion

When it comes to decorating your home, wooden spindles offer a wealth of creative possibilities. With their natural charm and versatility, they’re an ideal material for crafting one-of-a-kind decorative pieces that reflect your personal style. From rustic accents to sophisticated embellishments, the uses for wooden spindles in home decor are virtually endless.

When it comes to precision woodworking, having the right tools is crucial. For woodworkers seeking top-notch performance in 2024, our expert panel has curated a list of the best dowel jigs on the market. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, these expert picks will help you achieve precise results. But before we dive into the world of dowel jigs, let’s explore two other exciting topics: how to become a carpenter and how to become a DIY instructor.

Aspiring craftsmen will find valuable insights on starting a woodworking career, while those looking to share their passion with others will discover the secrets to teaching craftsmanship skills. In related news, garden enthusiasts might enjoy our latest collection of unique pebble garden ideas and designs, as well as creative DIY wheelbarrow garden projects. For bedroom space savers, we’ve got you covered with 20+ free DIY bed frame design plans.