11 Useful Ideas on What To Do With Old Computer Monitors

Old computer monitors can take up a lot of space in your home or office, and you may be wondering what to do with them.

Fortunately, many creative ways to repurpose or recycle your old monitors can help reduce waste and save you money.

In this blog post, we’ll explore 11 useful ideas on what to do with old computer monitors that you might find helpful.

What Can You Do With Old Computer Monitors?

Here are the eleven (11) creative ways to repurpose them;

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1. Donate Your Old Monitor to a Local Charity or Nonprofit Organization

If your old monitor is still in good working condition, you might consider donating it to a local charity or nonprofit organization.

Many schools, libraries, and community centers may be in need of monitors for their computer labs or educational programs.

This is a great way to give back to your community while also reducing e-waste.

2. Recycle Your Old Monitor Properly

If your old monitor is broken or outdated and can’t be donated, it’s important to recycle it properly to prevent harmful materials from ending up in landfills.

Many electronics retailers and recycling centers offer free e-waste recycling programs. You can also check with your local government to see if they offer e-waste disposal services.

3. Repurpose Your Old Monitor as a Secondary Display

You can repurpose your old monitor as a secondary display if you have a desktop computer or laptop.

This can be especially useful if you’re a gamer, graphic designer, or multi-tasker who needs more screen real estate.

Simply connect your old monitor to your computer using an HDMI, VGA, or DVI cable, and adjust your display settings to extend your desktop across both screens.

4. Turn Your Old Monitor into a Digital Picture Frame

Another creative way to repurpose your old monitor is to turn it into a digital picture frame.

You can display your favorite photos, artwork, or even videos on your old monitor by connecting it to a media player or computer.

Also, software programs can turn your old monitor into a slideshow display. This is a great way to showcase your memories and add a personal touch to your home or office decor.

5. Convert Your Old Monitor into a Television or Gaming Display

You can also convert your old monitor into a television or gaming display.

This is especially useful if you have an old monitor with a good display resolution and you want to watch TV shows or movies or play video games on a bigger screen.

You can do this by connecting your old monitor to a TV tuner or gaming console using an HDMI or VGA cable.

You can turn your old monitor into a high-quality entertainment center with the right connections.

6. Create a DIY Standing Desk with Your Old Monitor

If you want to improve your posture and reduce sitting time, you can create a DIY standing desk with your old monitor.

All you need is a standing desk converter, an adjustable desk riser, and a mount or bracket to attach your old monitor.

With your old monitor mounted at the right height, you can work, browse, or game in a comfortable standing position.

This is a great way to improve your health and productivity while repurposing your old monitor.

7. Transform Your Old Monitor into a Smart Mirror

Another unique and tech-savvy way to repurpose your old monitor is to transform it into a smart mirror.

You’ll need a two-way mirror film, a Raspberry Pi, and a smart mirror software program to make this happen.

With a few technical tweaks, your old monitor can display your calendar, weather updates, news feeds, and more while functioning as a regular mirror.

This is a great way to add a modern touch to your home or office while also reusing your old monitor.

8. Use Your Old Monitor for Home Security Monitoring

You can use your old monitor as a dedicated home security monitoring station if you have an old monitor and a home security system.

Simply connect your old monitor to your security camera system using an HDMI or VGA cable, and adjust your display settings to view your camera feeds.

This is a great way to keep an eye on your home and property without having to purchase an expensive new monitor or security system.

9. Sell Your Old Monitor Online or Locally

If you don’t want to repurpose or recycle your old monitor, you can also sell it online or locally.

There are many online marketplaces, such as eBay or Craigslist, where you can list your old monitor for sale.

You can also check with local electronics stores or computer repair shops to see if they buy used monitors.

This is a great way to earn some extra cash and make sure your old monitor is put to good use by someone else.

10. Turn Your Old Monitor into a Retro Gaming Console

If you’re a fan of retro games, you can turn your old monitor into a retro gaming console.

This will require technical know-how and additional equipment, such as emulator software and gaming devices like Raspberry Pi or PC.

Once set up, you can play classic arcade games and console games on your old monitor.

This is a fun and nostalgic way to repurpose your old monitor and enjoy some old-school gaming.

11. Use Your Old Monitor as a Digital Whiteboard

If you’re an educator, business professional, or someone who enjoys drawing and brainstorming, you can turn your old monitor into a digital whiteboard.

You’ll need a stylus and a software program that allows you to draw on the screen, such as Microsoft Whiteboard or OpenBoard.

With a few adjustments to your old monitor’s settings, you can start sketching out ideas, collaborating with others, and creating digital presentations or diagrams.

This is a great way to repurpose your old monitor for professional or personal use.

Conclusion

Many creative and useful ways exist to repurpose or recycle your old computer monitor.

Whether you choose to donate it to a local charity, repurpose it as a digital picture frame, or turn it into a retro gaming console, you can give new life to your old monitor and reduce e-waste in the process.

With these 11 creative ideas, you’re sure to find a solution that fits your needs and helps you get the most out of your old monitor.

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