Old Pillowcases Can Find New Uses Around the Home

Do you have mismatched pillowcases sitting in a drawer? According to Good Housekeeping, they can be given a second life around the home.

Mike Bowman, a designer, furniture specialist, and marketing director at Patio Productions and Harmonia Living, says that cotton pillowcase material can help protect against scratches in a messy work bag. Mismatched pillowcases can also be used as protective sleeves for a laptop or tablet.

Pillowcases can be made into a tote bag that reduces plastic use. May Wang, founder of Linens N Love, says a pillowcase tote needs just a few simple seams and no seamstress skills. Pillowcases can also be made into garment bags by snipping a small hole in the closed end for a hanger. Wang says these garment bags are breathable and avoid the use of plastic.

Wrapping gifts is another option. Mismatched pillowcases can be used to wrap gifts, including in Furoshiki style. Wang describes pillowcase gift wrapping as a way to reduce paper waste.

Arounna Khounnoraj, a textile artist, author, and owner of Bookhou, suggests cutting and patching pillowcases together to create curtains. This kind of patch curtain requires minimal sewing.

Interior designer Ciera Perkins suggests using mismatched pillowcases as bar stool covers. Perkins says these covers are easy to remove, wash, and switch out.

Old pillowcases can also help care for winter boots. They can be used to store boots and help prevent leather from scuffs, scratches, or light fading. Bowman says cotton pillowcases can absorb residual moisture and keep leather supple.

Finally, old pillowcases can be used to wrap delicate items such as candles or glassware. Monique Valeris, home design director for Good Housekeeping, joined the magazine in 2020 after working as digital editor at Elle Decor.