Cinder blocks may look plain at first glance, but with a little imagination, they can turn into some of the most useful and stylish pieces for your home.
Instead of spending money on expensive furniture, you can build durable and charming projects with just a few blocks and a bit of effort. Think plant stands, office desks, benches, and even unique storage ideas, all made with this affordable material.
These projects are simple to try and can be customized to match your space. You just need to stack, paint, or add wooden boards to bring them to life.
Once you start experimenting, you’ll see how cinder blocks can add character to every room and even your outdoor spaces.
#1 Cinder Block For Home Office Desk
This clever desk setup shows how cinder blocks can be both functional and stylish. Instead of buying an expensive desk, you can stack blocks on each side and place a sturdy wooden board across the top. The hollow spaces inside the blocks double as storage for books, art supplies, or even décor pieces. To recreate this look, just paint or seal the blocks for a smoother finish and add a cushiony chair for comfort. It’s an easy way to create a unique home office corner that feels creative and personalized.
#2 Cinder Block Used As A Plant Stand
This simple cinder block stand brings a modern, rustic touch to your living room. By stacking one or two blocks, you instantly have a sturdy base to elevate your favorite potted plant. The hollow sections make great little cubbies where you can tuck in smaller plants, books, or decorative pieces. To make it more polished, you could paint the blocks or leave them raw for an industrial feel. It’s an affordable and stylish way to give your greenery a spotlight in the room.
#3 Cinder Block Bench For Porch
This porch bench is proof that cinder blocks can be both functional and stylish. By stacking the blocks on each side and sliding sturdy wooden planks through, you instantly create a durable seat. The patterned boards add personality and make the bench feel more inviting. You can decorate the top with pumpkins in fall, or potted flowers in spring, to keep the look seasonal. For extra comfort, place a long cushion or a few throw pillows across the bench and enjoy a cozy resting spot right outside your door.
#4 A Cinder Block Side Table Blends With a Storage Idea For the Bedroom
This cinder block side table is both practical and creative, giving you storage and style right by your bed. By stacking a few blocks vertically, you instantly get cubby spaces for books, magazines, or even a small plant. The flat top works perfectly to hold a lamp, clock, or a vase of flowers. To build one, just arrange the blocks in a neat stack and make sure they’re level. If you want a softer look, you can paint the blocks to match your room’s color scheme or add a wooden top for a polished finish.
#5 Cinder Block Chair
These colorful cinder block chairs show how easy it is to turn simple materials into cheerful seating. A pair of painted blocks stacked side by side becomes the base, and a soft cushion tied on top makes it comfortable to sit. This design is lightweight, portable, and perfect for small spaces or casual outdoor gatherings. To make your own, choose sturdy blocks, paint them in your favorite shades, then add a cushion or folded blanket on top. You can even switch the covers seasonally for a fresh look.
#6 DIY Shelving And Zen Wall Art
This project blends rustic charm with a touch of minimalism. Sturdy cinder blocks paired with wooden planks create a simple yet stylish shelving unit that works beautifully as a display table. It’s perfect for holding candles, vases, or small sculptures, adding both function and personality to the room. To make your own, stack the blocks evenly on both sides, place the planks across them, and adjust for stability. For a calming vibe, decorate the shelf with natural elements like stones, candles, or bamboo accents.
#7 Cinder Block Bar
Here’s a fun and colorful way to turn plain cinder blocks into a lively bar setup. By painting the blocks in bright shades and stacking them with wooden boards in between, you instantly create a cheerful serving station for your patio or balcony. It’s sturdy enough to hold drinks, glasses, and even a few plants for decoration. To make one, paint your blocks with outdoor acrylics, let them dry, and then stack them with shelves in between. Add your favorite drinks and a tray of snacks, and you’ve got the perfect DIY bar for summer gatherings.
#8 Cinder Block Bed
This clever bed frame made from cinder blocks proves that style doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The sturdy blocks lift the mattress off the floor, creating a simple, modern platform with a clean and minimal vibe. It’s also practical since the hollow spaces can be used to store shoes, baskets, or small items. To build one, arrange cinder blocks in a rectangle that matches your mattress size, making sure they’re evenly spaced for balance. Place plywood or a flat board on top before adding your mattress for extra stability and comfort.
#9 Coffee Table
Here’s a budget-friendly coffee table that still looks chic and modern. The base is made with simple cinder blocks, topped with a sleek glass sheet that instantly elevates the design. This combo adds a mix of industrial and minimalist style, making it a great fit for a living room or studio. To recreate it, stack four or more cinder blocks evenly, then carefully place a tempered glass top over them. You can even paint the blocks white or another neutral color to blend with your décor.
#10 DIY Painted Cinder Block Planter To Place On Tabletop
Here’s a cheerful way to bring color into your garden or patio. This cinder block has been transformed into a planter with a playful checkered pattern in orange and brown, turning a plain block into a fun focal piece. It’s small enough to sit on a tabletop, making it perfect for herbs, flowers, or even succulents. To recreate this, paint the block with outdoor acrylic paint and seal it for durability. Once dry, fill it with soil and add your favorite plants to brighten up any corner instantly.
#11 Cinder Block Sofa For Patio
This outdoor sofa shows just how stylish cinder blocks can be when paired with the right materials. The blocks form the sturdy base, while wooden beams support the cushions, creating a cozy seating spot for the porch. Adding pillows and lanterns makes it both functional and inviting. To build your own, stack the blocks evenly on each side, slide in wooden planks, and top with cushions. It’s a budget-friendly way to get a durable sofa that feels custom-made for your patio.
#12 Cinder Block For Shoe Storage Idea
Here’s a clever way to turn simple cinder blocks into a functional shoe rack. The hollow spaces in the blocks are perfect for tucking in pairs of shoes, keeping everything neat and visible. By stacking the blocks vertically and horizontally, you can adjust the design to fit your space. Add a wooden plank on top, and you instantly have a shelf for candles, plants, or décor accents. It’s an easy project that keeps your entryway organized while giving it a modern, rustic vibe.
#13 Cinder Block Bookshelf
This DIY bookshelf is a dream for any book lover who wants something sturdy and budget-friendly. By stacking cinder blocks on the sides and sliding wooden planks between them, you create multiple shelves with plenty of space for novels, magazines, and décor. The height and width can be adjusted depending on how many books you want to display. You don’t even need nails or glue, which makes it easy to move or reconfigure later. It’s a simple project that blends functionality with a raw, industrial charm.
#14 DIY Cinder Block Shelf
Here’s a smart way to organize your things using just cinder blocks and wooden planks. The sturdy blocks act as the frame, while the planks provide multiple layers of storage. Wooden crates fit perfectly into the design, giving you extra compartments for everything from books to kitchen supplies. To recreate this look, simply stack the blocks on each side, place the planks across, and slide in baskets or boxes. It’s a practical and stylish storage solution that you can build in under an hour.
#15 Cinder Block TV Stand
This clever TV stand shows just how practical cinder blocks can be for your living room. The blocks create a solid frame, while wooden planks form spacious shelves for your books, plants, and décor. You can even slide in storage bins or baskets underneath for extra organization. To make one, simply stack the blocks evenly on each side, place planks across, and balance your items. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought furniture and adds a touch of modern rustic charm.
