Cymbals are built to crash, shimmer, and punctuate rhythms with power. On stage, they add drama to every beat but once cracked, bent, or retired, most get left behind or tossed aside.
Yet these beautifully aged discs still hold a raw, metallic charm that’s hard to ignore. After years of playing backup in bands and practice rooms, old cymbals deserve a comeback of their own in your home, garden, or even gallery wall.
Whether you’re a former drummer or just someone who loves upcycled art, these 14 ideas will show you how to turn forgotten cymbals into statement pieces that sing a new, quieter song.
#1. Cymbal Garden Mushrooms
You can almost imagine fairies jamming to a drum solo beneath them. If you’ve got old cymbals lying around, these mushrooms are perfect for this playful, artsy garden addition.
Materials Needed
- 3 used cymbals (varying sizes: 8″, 10″, 12″)
- 3 metal rods (approx. 24-30″ each)
- Spray primer (optional)
- Epoxy adhesive
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean the cymbals with a soft cloth to remove dust and old grime. You can keep the patina for charm or polish for extra shine.
Step 2: Select sturdy rods and spray with rust-resistant primer if needed.
Step 3: Drill a centered hole into each cymbal if it doesn’t already have one that fits snugly onto the rod.
Step 4: Push the rods into the soil at your chosen garden spot, varying the height for a natural mushroom look. Then, you slide the cymbals down onto the rods and secure with epoxy.
#2. Cymbal Waterfall Fountain
Who knew an old cymbal could sing even without a drumstick? This tiered fountain turns those retired percussion pieces into a mesmerizing cascade of water and rhythm.
Additionally, this one’s for you if you’re drawn to industrial art, meditative garden design, or simply want something that feels alive in your outdoor space.
Materials Needed
- 9-12 cymbals (graduated sizes: smallest ~6″, largest ~18″)
- 1-2 steel rods (3-4 ft tall)
- Submersible fountain pump
- Basin or hidden reservoir
- Water tubing (½-inch clear vinyl)
- Rubber washers, nuts, and spacers
- Metal drill bit & drill
- Waterproof sealant
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean each cymbal and drill a center hole wide enough to fit the main rod.
Step 2: Stack cymbals upside-down on the rod, spacing them with rubber washers or cut PVC pipe rings. You should seal each one in place with nuts if needed.
Step 3: Run the water tubing up the center pipe from the basin, then secure it at the top so it releases water evenly downward. You can tweak water flow at this point.
Step 4: Insert your structure into the basin. You continue to connect the tubing to the submersible pump, then fill the basin with water and plug it in.
#3. Cymbal Pendant Light
This project turns a cymbal’s golden shimmer into the perfect industrial-chic pendant lamp. It’s one of those pieces that makes people pause and ask, “Wait, is that a cymbal?” and yes, it is.
Materials Needed
- 1 used cymbal (preferably 12-16” wide)
- Pendant light cord set with socket
- Edison-style bulb
- Drill with metal bit
- Rubber grommet
- Wire stripper (optional)
- Ceiling hook
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Start by cleaning the cymbal thoroughly. If it doesn’t already have a center hole wide enough for the socket, use a drill with a metal bit to enlarge it just slightly.
Step 2: Thread the pendant cord through the cymbal’s center hole. Then, place a rubber grommet between the socket base and cymbal for a snug, safe fit.
Step 3: Secure the light socket according to your pendant kit’s instructions.
Step 4: Install the ceiling hook or fixture mount and hang your cymbal lamp. Now, you screw in the Edison bulb, plug it in or wire it to your switch.
#4. Cymbal Side Table
If you’re a music lover with a flair for unconventional design, this cymbal side table hits all the right notes.
Also, you can top it with your favorite drink, a plant, or maybe a stack of old band flyers, whatever makes it feel like you. It’s budget-friendly, no-nonsense, and seriously cool.
Materials Needed
- 1 used cymbal (14-16″ recommended)
- 1 old drum stand
- 1 vinyl record (optional)
- Strong adhesive
- Soft cloth
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Wipe down the cymbal and drum stand with a damp cloth. You need to remove dust, stickiness, or oxidation so your setup shines.
Step 2: Adjust the drum stand to your desired height and ensure the legs are stable.
Step 3: Place the cymbal on top. If you want it more secure, fasten it using the stand’s original tension knob or center post.
Step 4 (Optional): For a quirky touch, glue a vinyl record to the center of the cymbal.
#5. Cymbal Wind Chime Mobile
Suspended from an upcycled cymbal, random metal parts, gears, and colorful beads create a whimsical sound sculpture that dances with the wind. It feels industrial, playful, and oddly meditative.
You can easily hang it under your porch or in a garden nook or anywhere you want to add a little melodic charm.
Materials Needed
- 1 old cymbal
- Assorted metal pieces (gears, springs, washers, etc.)
- 10-15 colorful beads
- Nylon thread
- Small hand drill or nail + hammer
- 2-4 screw-in hooks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean the cymbal with a damp cloth and polish if desired. Then drill in several evenly spaced holes around the edge.
Step 2: Attach screw-in hooks to the top to create hanging points. Next, you use fishing line to loop through each hole.
Step 3: Thread your chosen metal parts and beads onto the strings. You continue to tie secure knots to space them out.
Step 4: Finally, secure the top of each string to the cymbal.
#6. Cymbal Cuff Bracelet
This sleek, minimalist bracelet was once part of a drummer’s soul. Now it wraps around your wrist with quiet strength and just the right amount of edge.
You can feel the history in the weight of the metal, polished to a soft shine. It’s one of those projects that feels deeply personal.
Materials Needed
- Cymbal scrap (~1 inch wide, 6 inches long)
- Metal file
- Rubber mallet
- Bracelet mandrel
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut the cymbal into a rectangular strip (1×6 inches works well). Then smooth the edges with a metal file to avoid any sharp spots.
Step 2: Slowly bend the strip around a bracelet mandrel or any solid round form. You should go gently by using a rubber mallet for a more even shape if needed.
Step 3: Keep shaping until it fits comfortably around your wrist. You want a slight opening so it can slide on and off easily.
#7. Hand-Painted Cymbal Wall Clock
This project proves time really can rock. An old cymbal gets a second life as a wall clock, with hand-painted strokes that feel both earthy and abstract.
Materials Needed
- 1 used cymbal (medium size)
- Acrylic paint (2-3 colors, matte or metallic)
- Foam brush
- Clear sealant spray (optional)
- Clock mechanism kit
- Power drill
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Wipe down the cymbal. If it’s too shiny, lightly scuff it with sandpaper so the paint will grip better.
Step 2: Use a brush to dab on your chosen paint. Let the metal’s natural texture show through, then you can use stencils for patterns if you like.
Step 3: Once dry, seal it with a clear coat if you’d like to preserve the design.
Step 4: Drill a hole in the center if it doesn’t already exist, then install the clock mechanism through it and attach the hands.
#8. Cymbal Lady Idea
Wow, this cymbal-crafted character takes center stage with her warm metallic sheen and undeniable charm. Made entirely from repurposed Zildjian cymbals, she brings elegance to the playful drum duo.
Bonus, her face is sweet and expressive, pieced together with simple shapes that give her personality without needing words.
Materials Needed
- 3 cymbals
- 1 snare stand
- Pink doll hat
- Black yarn, wig fibers, or ribbon strands
- 2 foam hearts
- Small round felt
- Double-sided tape
- Optional: faux flowers or bouquet
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Choose three cymbals in descending size and clean them well to remove any dirt or grime.
Step 2: Stack and secure them vertically on a drum stand, with the largest cymbal at the base for stability.
Step 3: Attach the foam hearts and a round sticker nose on the top cymbal to create her sweet face.
Step 4: Add yarn or wig hair, gluing or tying it securely around the top cymbal’s edge so it drapes naturally.
Step 5:Now you can place the hat slightly tilted on top for a stylish flair, and nestle a few faux flowers between the cymbals for extra charm.
#9. Cymbal Wall Art Gallery
Who said cymbals belong only on stage? Here, a bold arrangement of vintage and worn cymbals becomes a statement piece above the couch, reflecting light, stories, and the soul of rhythm.
Materials Needed
- 5 or more used cymbals (various sizes)
- Wall anchors (rated for at least 5 lbs each)
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Optional: LED uplighting, soft wall washers
- Drill and mounting screws
- Level
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Choose five cymbals in varying sizes and tones to create a balanced visual arrangement.
Step 2: Mark the desired layout on your wall with pencil, making sure spacing and height feel visually even.
Step 3: Install wall anchors or sturdy hooks where needed, based on the cymbal’s center hole or with added hanging hardware.
Step 4: Hang each cymbal, adjusting placement and tilt for best lighting and reflection.
#10. Cymbal Lamp with Vintage Base
Using a weathered candlestick base and a glowing filament bulb, the cymbal becomes a bold, industrial-chic lampshade for a cozy reading nook.
What’s more, you don’t need to be a drummer to appreciate its vibe, just someone who sees beauty in the beat-up and repurposed.
Materials Needed
- 1 cymbal (18-22″)
- 1 sturdy lamp base (at least 12″ tall)
- 1 exposed-filament lightbulb
- 1 lamp kit with socket and cord
- Power drill with metal bit
- Washer and nuts
- Sandpaper or polish (optional)
- Paint (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Choose a cymbal in good condition and drill a small centered hole if needed to fit over your lamp socket.
Step 2: Remove the original lampshade holder from your lamp base and slide the cymbal into place on top of the bulb socket.
Step 3: Secure the cymbal with a washer and nut underneath so it stays level and doesn’t wobble.
Step 4: Install your Edison bulb and plug in the lamp to test; you can adjust angle or wiring if necessary for safety and symmetry.
#11. Cymbal Ring Sun Catcher
There’s something quietly magical about catching sunlight with something that once caught sound. This cymbal-turned-sun-catcher does just that.
In addition, a small cut-out circle from an old cymbal becomes a frame for a delicate turtle charm, dangling gently in the breeze, reflecting light, and bringing a little peace to your porch.
Materials Needed
- 1 used cymbal
- Rotary tool
- Metal file
- Small turtle charm
- 2-3 gold or brass jump rings
- Hanging chain (12-18 inches)
- Small drill
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Use a rotary tool to cut a ring out of the cymbal, approximately 4-6 inches in diameter, smoothing the edges with a file or sandpaper.
Step 2: Drill a small hole at the top and bottom of the ring to attach hanging chain.
Step 3: Attach the turtle charm to the center of the ring using a jump ring or thin wire.
Step 4: Connect a short chain to the top hole for hanging, and another to the bottom if you’d like to add more elements like crystals, bells, or another charm.
#12. Snare Drum Side Table with Cymbal Base
You can see the drum shell becomes the tabletop, fitted with a transparent acrylic top that lets you peek at the fairy lights inside, while the cymbal base gives it that unmistakable rock-and-roll foundation.
Whether you’re sipping cocktails or setting the vibe for an evening in, this piece adds both glow and groove to any corner.
Materials Needed
- 1 snare drum shell (14″ diameter or similar)
- 1 transparent acrylic or glass circle
- 1 used cymbal (minimum 16″)
- 1 metal pipe (approx. 18-24″ height)
- 1 wooden round
- Warm white LED string lights
- Power drill + screws
- Epoxy glue
- Sandpaper (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean the snare drum thoroughly and remove any old hardware you don’t need.
Step 2: Drill a centered hole through the cymbal and attach the metal pipe vertically using bolts or epoxy glue.
Step 3: Mount the drum on top of the pipe, securing it tightly with screws or strong adhesive.
Step 4: Finally, place LED string lights inside the drum and install the transparent acrylic as a top cover.
#13. Garden Gong Alert Bell
This upcycled cymbal adds both flair and function to your backyard. Hung from a curved metal rod, it sways gently in the breeze or rings out when tapped.
Specially, the bronze tone contrasts beautifully with lush greens, and the whole setup feels delightfully rustic without trying too hard.
Materials Needed
- 1 old cymbal
- Metal bracket (approx. 18-24 inches long)
- S-hook
- Drill with metal bit
- Mounting screws and anchors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean the cymbal to remove dirt or patina unless you want to keep its weathered look.
Step 2: Secure the bracket or hook to a sturdy fence post or wall, you should make sure it extends far enough to let the cymbal hang freely.
Step 3: Use a carabiner to hang the cymbal by its center hole. If your cymbal doesn’t have one, drill a hole carefully with a metal bit.
#14. Cymbal Music Note Earrings
If your love for music runs deep, why not wear a piece of it? These elegant earrings are handcrafted from worn-out cymbals, shaped into charming eighth notes.
Moreover, they strike a perfect chord between edgy and graceful, perfect for music lovers, performers, or anyone who wants to carry a little rhythm into their day.
Materials Needed
- 1 small section of used cymbal (about 3×3 inches per earring)
- Fine metal saw
- Music note stencil or template
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Drill with small bit
- Earring hooks
- Jewelry pliers
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Trace or stencil music note shapes onto the cymbal sheet and cut them out carefully using a fine metal saw.
Step 2: Smooth out any rough edges with sandpaper or a small file to ensure comfort and shine.
Step 3: Drill a small hole at the top of each note shape.
Step 4: Use pliers to attach each note to an earring hook using a jump ring, ensuring secure closure.
