Cool Things Made from Recycled Vinyl Records
- vinylizeglasses
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read

There’s something undeniably magical about vinyl records—the way they look, the way they feel, and the nostalgia they spark the moment you hold one. But let’s be honest: not every record spinning in grandma’s attic is still playable. Some are scratched beyond saving or simply no longer relevant musically. So what happens to all those unplayable records?
Here’s where things get cool. Instead of tossing them into the trash, creative minds around the world are transforming these groovy discs into stunning, functional, and even eco-friendly items. From fashion accessories to home decor, recycled vinyl records are finding second lives in the most unexpected ways.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the coolest things being made from recycled vinyl—and why it matters more than ever.
Why Recycle Vinyl Records?
Before we dive into the creations, let’s talk about the “why.”
Vinyl records are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic that doesn’t break down easily. While PVC helped music lovers in the past, it’s not exactly a friend to the environment today. Vinyl recycling helps reduce plastic waste, supports sustainable design, and breathes new life into something that would otherwise gather dust or end up in a landfill.
Recycling vinyl isn’t just eco-conscious—it’s also ridiculously creative.
Funky Fashion from Spinning Grooves
Let’s start with what you can wear. Yes, people are literally wearing vinyl records.
Vinylize: Sunglasses with Soul
One of the standout brands in this space is Vinylize, a company that makes eyewear frames from—you guessed it—recycled vinyl records. Each pair of glasses carries a story, often including the grooves from the actual record embedded into the design. They’re sleek, stylish, and 100% unique.
You’re not just putting on sunglasses—you’re wearing a piece of musical history.
Record Jewelry That Rocks
Earrings, bracelets, rings—you name it. Designers are slicing and shaping vinyl into wearable art. Think dangling black disc earrings with flecks of label color or chunky bangles that look straight out of a retro music video. They’re bold, lightweight, and definitely conversation starters.
Home Decor That Hits All the Right Notes
Who says mirrors and clocks have to be boring? Recycled vinyl records are turning everyday home items into funky decor pieces.
The Vinyl Record Mirror
One of the coolest home trends is the vinyl record mirror—a stylish, circular mirror framed by an actual record. It’s part retro, part modern, and fully sustainable. These eco-friendly mirrors fit seamlessly into any music lover’s space. Whether it’s mounted above a record player setup or in a funky hallway, a vinyl mirror makes a big statement with minimal environmental impact.
The best part? The center label often remains intact, adding a splash of color and a hint of the record’s original identity.
Mirror Vinyl as a Material
Some artists go even further, using cut-up vinyl as mirror vinyl—a unique reflective material that has a slightly distorted, artsy vibe. Think mosaic mirrors made from shards of vinyl records. They catch the light in interesting ways and add an edge to modern interiors.
It’s a fresh spin (pun intended) on the traditional sustainable mirror design. And no, your reflection won’t sing back to you—but the mirror might make your guests do a double take.
Artsy and Practical Creations
You’d be surprised how many functional things you can make out of old vinyl.
Bowls, Coasters, and Beyond
By heating up records just enough to make them pliable, DIYers have discovered how to mold them into decorative bowls. These wavy-edged dishes are perfect for keys, candy, or just looking cool on a coffee table.
And let’s not forget vinyl coasters—cut from old records, often with the label in the center intact. They're a great gift for music lovers and a solid conversation starter at any gathering.
Notebooks and Sketchpads
Another clever use? Journals. Imagine jotting down your thoughts in a notebook with a recycled vinyl cover. It’s like writing your ideas into a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history. Some artists even bind the inner grooves into the cover design for extra flair.
Wall Art That Sings (Literally and Figuratively)
Music lovers know: some records are just too cool-looking to be tucked away. That’s why artists are using them as canvases.
Cut Vinyl Art
From silhouettes of famous musicians to city skylines, cut-vinyl wall art is both intricate and eye-catching. Using laser cutters or even handheld tools, artists carve detailed designs into records, turning something once musical into something permanently visual.
And because no two records are exactly the same, every piece of wall art is one-of-a-kind.
Painted Record Portraits
Some artists paint directly onto the surface of a vinyl record, using the black disc as their background. These can range from colorful abstracts to detailed portraits. Imagine a painted image of Prince or Bowie gracing your wall—on an actual record. Now that’s meta.
Why This Trend Matters
Let’s zoom out for a second. Beyond being cool and creative, these recycled vinyl pieces serve a bigger purpose.
We live in a time where fast consumption and disposable culture dominate. Vinyl recycling flips that script. It’s about taking something outdated and turning it into something inspiring. Whether it’s a pair of recycled glasses or a mirror vinyl accent piece, these creations remind us that sustainability can be stylish.
Plus, there’s an emotional connection. Holding (or wearing) a piece of vinyl—especially one that once carried music—is different. It has weight, history, soul. That kind of depth is rare in today’s throwaway culture.
How You Can Get Involved
Feeling inspired? You don’t have to be a professional designer to start your own vinyl recycling journey.
Visit local thrift stores and grab a few scratched records to experiment with.
Try DIY projects like vinyl bowls (just be careful when heating them—ventilation is key!).
Support brands like Vinylize or independent artists who create pieces from recycled vinyl.
Gift creatively—give your music-loving friends something totally original.
And of course, spread the word. The more we appreciate upcycled art, the more demand there is for sustainable creativity.
Final Thoughts
Old records may no longer play music, but that doesn’t mean their story is over.
From sleek sustainable mirrors to bold recycled vinyl accessories, the world is getting more creative—and more eco-conscious—about what we do with the relics of analog sound. Vinyl recycling isn't just about reducing waste. It's about reimagining value, celebrating nostalgia, and proving that style and sustainability can groove together in perfect harmony.
So next time you see a dusty stack of records? Don’t just walk by. Imagine the possibilities—and maybe start a project of your own.
Because when it comes to recycled vinyl, the beat goes on.
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