Have you ever considered that the beauty for your next home decor project might be sitting in a junkyard? I discovered the untapped potential of discarded auto parts while designing a showcase home with a focus on upcycled and repurposed materials. My goal was to demonstrate how everyday items, even those destined for the scrap heap, could be transformed into stunning furniture and wall art. And let me tell you, the perfect source of inspiration wasn’t far away.
Venturing into a Pick & Pull junkyard for the first time was an eye-opening experience. My advice? Dress in old clothes and sturdy shoes, bring gloves, and prepare for prices that might surprise you – junkyard doesn’t necessarily mean “dirt cheap.”
Walking through rows upon rows of car carcasses, mangled metal, and scattered components was surreal. Each vehicle shell seemed to whisper stories of its past, likely tales of the road less traveled, or perhaps, roads not so kind.
Then, as I rounded a corner, it happened. Like a beacon in a metal wilderness, an incredible sculptural piece of metal sat in the aisle. It seemed to call out, “Here I am! Exactly what you’ve been searching for!” I had no clue what part of a car it was, but it was substantial, with a satisfying weight that I could still manage to carry (remember, you’re your own porter at these places!). The rusty patina was exquisite, and an idea sparked: this could be the base for a unique side table. The only challenge now was lugging it to the checkout.
My junkyard treasure hunt continued, and I stumbled upon what I believe was an air cleaner – a metal piece with fantastic potential for wall art. After wrestling my finds to the checkout, I experienced a bit of price shock. My naive assumption of “pennies per pound” junkyard pricing was quickly dispelled; it’s more like “dollars per pound”! Despite the cost, I was thrilled with my haul and eager to bring my vision of Car Parts Home Decor to life.
Let’s talk about the air cleaner transformation. While I didn’t document the step-by-step process with photos, the concept is straightforward. The air cleaner was already black, but I cleaned it thoroughly and gave it a fresh coat of black spray paint to prevent any future rust. A round mirror from a dollar store fit perfectly within the central opening, secured with glue. Mounted on the wall with the “arm” oriented upwards, it became a unique wall vase. A decorative tassel added the finishing touch. This piece found its home in a client’s entryway, complementing a wall clad in metal siding and a custom-pillowed bench. Being a race car enthusiast, my client was ecstatic; the industrial aesthetic and car-related art were precisely what he envisioned.
Continuing the automotive theme, I repurposed large coil springs from the client’s garage, positioning them on either side of the fireplace. Large glass vases nestled perfectly inside, ready to display floral arrangements or greenery.
The mystery metal piece I discovered turned out to be a crankshaft. Oriented vertically, it became the striking base for a side table. A round glass top was bolted onto a stained dark brown wooden disk (sourced from Home Depot), which acted as a secure and level platform. After degreasing the crankshaft and applying a satin clear coat spray, the transformation was complete. Its simple yet captivating industrial design makes it incredibly versatile. Perfect for a man cave or as an accent table beside a chair, this crankshaft table proves how seamlessly industrial elements can integrate into home decor.
Unleash your creativity with pick and pull parts and “rev” up your home decor! Transform discarded auto components into conversation-starting pieces that reflect your unique style. Explore the possibilities of car parts home decor and bring an industrial edge to your living space.
