Let’s be real—things break. And if you’ve got kids, pets, or sometimes bad luck, stuff probably breaks more often than you’d like. The cabinet hinge gives up, your kid breaks off a leg of the coffee table after using it as a launchpad for an epic superhero jump, and that cute lamp you bought on impulse? It flickers like a haunted house prop. But here’s the thing: not everything that breaks needs to end up in the trash.
In fact, I’ve been inspired lately by what I like to call “MacGyver Moments”—you know, those genius, scrappy little fixes people come up with that are equal parts practical and Pinterest-worthy.
So, whether you’re dealing with a drawer that won’t close or a wobbly chair that feels like a trust exercise every time you sit down, here are some fun, functional, and frugal ways people fixed their homes without losing their minds (or their wallets).
Creative Ways People Fixed Broken Items At Home
The Screwed-Over Cabinet Fix
One homeowner shared how their kitchen cabinet door kept falling off because the screw hole was stripped. Instead of buying a whole new cabinet or calling in a handyman, they jammed in a few toothpicks with wood glue, let it dry, then re-screwed the hinge. Boom. Solid as a rock—and no one’s the wiser.
Broken Tile? Meet Paint + Stencil
Cracked bathroom tile staring at you every morning like a judgmental grandma? One crafty DIY-er covered it up with a custom stencil and some durable floor paint. The result? A cute, boho-inspired floor that looked like it belonged in a boutique Airbnb, not a fixer-upper.
@ebonybasten Replying to @Deborah Khang by tile painting and stencilling! This was a labour of love and so worth it! I am planning on retiling in the next year but i was so tired of that gross room and wanted to get stuck into something so this was the perfect project! Remember that proper surface preparation, careful stencil placement, and patience are key to achieving a beautiful and long-lasting painted and stenciled floor. #tilepaint #toiletmakeover #budgethomediy ♬ Chasing Highs - Sped Up Version - ALMA
Closet Door Drama
Someone I know had a sliding closet door that kept jumping off the tracks. Their solution? Take the doors off completely and hang a chic fabric curtain instead. It added softness to the space and they never had to fight with that evil metal track again. Win-win.
@stefanasilber Would you replace your sliding closet door with a curtain? #homediy #homediyideas #diycurtains ♬ original sound - Stefana Silber | Home•Fashion
The Drawer Slide Savior
Drawers sticking like they’re full of molasses? Try rubbing a bar of soap or a candle along the rails. One guy even used lip balm in a pinch. Weird? Maybe. But it worked. Smooth as butter.
@sawinerywoodworking Unstick with ease! Check out our quick tip for dresser drawers that won't slide – grab some beeswax or an old candle and watch the magic happen. Say hello to smooth glides! 🕯️ #DrawerHacks ♬ original sound - Sawinery Woodworking
Lamps That Don’t Light Up Your Life
One woman shared that her favorite vintage lamp had a busted switch. Instead of chucking it, she grabbed a $4 lamp kit from the hardware store, rewired it in 15 minutes with a YouTube tutorial, and now it works like a charm. Plus, she got to say, “I rewired a lamp” at her next dinner party. Major points.
So next time something in your house breaks, pause before tossing it. Ask yourself: Can I fix this with a little elbow grease and creativity? Chances are, you can—and you might even have fun doing it.
And hey, if you do pull off a clever home fix, tell me about it! I love a good before-and-after story.
@thirsttrapceramics Part 2 comin at ya. Hope you enjoy and try to make your own lamps cause overhead fluorescent lights are of the Devil 😈 #thirsttrapceramics #ceramics #pottery #potterystudio #art #artstudio #clay #artstudio #backyardstudio #diy ♬ original sound - thirsttrapceramics
Runners Slipping? Grab Some Hot Glue
If your rugs or runners slide around like they’re trying to escape, flip them over, grab non-slip material and run some hot glue in squiggly lines on the back. Let it dry—it turns into a DIY non-slip grip. Works great for hallway runners or bathroom mats.
@kouzikrafts Made with 4 strands of scrap yarn with a 12mm hook! #crochet #sustainablefashion #sustainable #rug #crochet #diy #diyproject #diyrug #crochetersoftiktok #kitchenhacks #kitchenrug ♬ Monsters, Inc - Gustav Lundgren & Unit
Paint Chips on Furniture
Got small nicks in your coffee table or baseboards? A matching Sharpie or furniture touch-up marker can disguise scratches instantly. For white furniture, a dab of white toothpaste actually fills in and covers small marks!
@thegoodwrench My favorite furniture repair tip: Use your kids @crayola supplies to spruce up those paint chips and nicks in your furniture… before you know it, it’ll look good as new! #furniturerepair #furniturerepairtip #crayo ♬ original sound - Jessi
There you have it—real solutions from real people who didn’t have time (or cash) to wait around for repairs.
If you’ve got a weird or wonderful home fix, comment away!