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How to upcycle or reuse an old silk saree

Last year we were hired to do the styling of a 4 BHK Villa. There was a large wall in the dining room on the ground floor; “A focal or highlight wall “you may call it. While discussing different design ideas with our client, he made a statement “I want something different, something rich, at the same time, inexpensive too”. We started focusing our design ideas around “Rich” and “Voila!” We asked, “How about framing pallu of your wife’s rich old saree to create a wall art”? Client instantly loved the idea and asked us to make not one but 2 pieces for two different walls. The second piece went into the upstairs lounge.

We decided to go with their beautiful wedding saree framed in teak wood. A piece which has memories and stories to share and talk about. Finally, all elements fell in place “Something different, looks rich and yet pocket friendly”.

In one of our earlier projects, we had built a Pooja door using rich silk sarees. While working for another client on the same lines, I got the idea of writing this blog; in how many ways we can upcycle or reuse beautiful silk sarees which are lying in the wardrobe for ages and which can be a perfect conversation piece.

A typical Indian woman has all the silk sarees collected over the years locked up and rarely used. Some of them will not even see light of the day. Well, you can play with these sarees and come up with multiple products which are easy on pocket and at the same time gives a glamourous look to a house. Some of the products I would like to walk you through.

# Pooja Room Door

We all have a pre-conceived notion that a Pooja room door should be carved to get that rich, traditional look. Carved Pooja room door can be pretty expensive since carving is only possible in teak which is an expensive wood. Reusing a rich silk saree to make a door frame can achieve the same traditional look. The rich weaving tells a story by itself and the vibrant color and luster of the silk can add character to the unique master piece which you can definitely call “unique” to your home.

# Framed Saree

“Something different – Something unique” is what we always desire in our home interiors. Reusing a silk saree by framing its rich pallu or body of the saree gives a personal touch to the piece. Border of the same saree around pallu or different color border elevates the piece further. The piece goes well on top of a console, behind the sofa, above crockery unit or any plain wall, which becomes a style statement.

# Window Treatment

Small ideas like changing the window treatments brings freshness and newness to the room. Especially if they are made from reused sarees. Upcycling or reusing a product always feels light on your pocket and yet gives the desired look.

# Cushion Covers

Change the cushion covers on a sofa, bed, divan or settee the whole look of the room or a space changes. Pick different color sarees, some light and some bright ones to create a coordinated look and the change is magical. You can try adding a punch of color or create a dramatic look by throwing just 2 or 3 brightly colored cushions. These bright colored cushions made from sarees definitely work well during festive season.

# Bench

A bench, be it in a balcony, living room, bedroom (end of the bed) adds a sense of style and yet it is functional for a seating. You can go ahead and spice it up by adding a silk saree layering of your choice on top it.

# Table Runners

Runners makes a striking difference to any dining table when you are setting the table for dinner. If theses runners are made from reused saree there is an added drama to the whole table and becomes a beauty factor for your home.

# Wall hangings collage

If you are bored of same old wall hangings, you can change the look and get a wall which is colorful and stands out. All you have to do is frame different pieces of saree in different shapes and sizes and create a collage with family photographs and voila you have “A wall which has many stories” to talk about.

Stools

Small stools are very handy when you have guests at home. Existing furniture may not be enough for seating. Pull out those stools and extra seating is taken care of. And if these stools are adorned with colorful sarees it gives that extra touch to the overall interiors.

# Floor Cushions

Floor cushions are a great way to beautify a space. They can be used as seating or throw couple of cushions to rest your arms or use as a pillow to lie down and read a book. Pullout some colorful sarees from your cupboard and drape them – Look casual and chic.

You can also use your sarees to furnish your furniture, ottomans, table mats. The list is endless. Keep your creative juices flowing I am sure you can come up with many more ideas. Please share with us if you come up with any new idea.

On that note, we bid you adieu!