Humor Magazine

Ringing in Change: 10 Unexpected Uses for Red Phone Booths

By Russell Deasley @Worlds_Top_10

Once a staple of British streets, red telephone boxes were once the heart of communication before mobile phones became obsolete. But instead of disappearing entirely, these iconic booths have been given a second life in the most surprising ways! From tiny libraries to life-saving defibrillator stations, these repurposed phone boxes are proving that innovation and nostalgia can go hand in hand. Let’s explore ten unexpected ways these classic red booths are being transformed.

Red Telephone Box / Phone Booth turned into an art gallery

Phone Booth turned into an art

Changing these old phone booths into art is quite a recurring theme and these 2 ideas (one filled with paper origami flowers, the other with real ones) are both great and for a small artist to get the chance to have a public art install it is priceless publicity.

Red Telephone Box / Phone Booth turned into a bar / Pub

Phone Booth turned into a Pub

When the small village of Shepreth, Cambridgeshire, had its local pub closed down, they managed to get a license for a pub to be installed in their local phone box! After several years of campaigning, they did indeed manage to get the pub re-opened.

Red Telephone Box / Phone Booth turned into Flower Display

Phone Booth turned into Flower Display

All over London there are several councils that have not got the money to remove these old phone boxes, so many of them have been Turing them into planters! I think they look rather nice like that as well.

Red Telephone Box / Phone Booth turned into Defibrillator Station

Phone Booth turned into Defibrillator Station

The problem with village life is that you are often very far away when it comes to hospitals and, more importantly, fast medical response. So some villages have turned their old phone boxes into mini medical centres complete with a defibrillator!

Red Telephone Box / Phone Booth turned into Post Card Shop

Phone Booth turned into Post Card Shop

there is nothing quite like getting a hand written letter from someone, so why not see if the local village near you has done this and turned the telephone box into a postcard shop! You just pick the one you want and leave 20p in the booth. I have to be honest and say I can’t see this catching on anywhere other than the most trustworthy of places.

Red Telephone Box / Phone Booth turned into Art

Phone Booth turned into Art

Much like me Barry Robinson loves these classic red phone booths and not only decided to save 3 of them, but also made this amazing work of art as well. But sadly it seems the local villagers hate it and want him to take it down. Needless to say, it is still up and can be seen clearly in the village of Hurley in Warwickshire.

Red Telephone Box / Phone Booth turned into Library

Phone Booth turned into Library

I have seen this idea myself in a small village, the idea of turning the old phone boxes into village library’s is a great idea, provided no-one vandalises it and spoils it for everyone.

Red Telephone Box / Phone Booth turned into Art

Phone Booth turned into Art

Only someone as political as Banksy could have come up with this amazing street art installation, and sadly he is right, it really is the death of these phone booths.

Red Telephone Box / Phone Booth turned into Beach Shower

Phone Booth turned into Beach Shower

If there is one thing people used these old phone boxes for it was keeping out of the rain. (well I used them for that reason anyway) and so in a weird twist someone decided to make this amazing beach shower out of one! That will keep the sand out of the car.

Red Telephone Box / Phone Booth turned into Sofa

Phone Booth turned into Sofa

Transform your home, office, or lounge with this extraordinary red telephone box sofa! Designed with a nod to British nostalgia, this one-of-a-kind furniture piece reimagines the iconic red phone booth into a comfortable and stylish two-seater sofa. Whether you’re furnishing a themed room, creating a unique seating area, or simply looking for a creative way to celebrate an iconic piece of history, this red telephone box sofa is sure to impress!

It’s incredible to see how these once-essential phone booths have found new purpose in today’s world. Whether they’re being used for community projects, quirky businesses, or artistic statements, these red icons are far from fading into history. Their reinvention is a testament to creativity, sustainability, and the power of nostalgia.

Which of these transformations surprised you the most? Have you spotted a repurposed red phone booth in your area? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below—we’d love to see how these classic icons are being reimagined! And don’t forget to subscribe for more unique and unexpected stories from around the world.


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