50 Cool And Interesting Photos That Show How Time Affects Things (New Pics)

Thinking about the unstoppable flow of time and how it changes everything in its path can be unsettling. People have no choice but to grow old, and non-living things get worn down just the same. However, there’s a lot of beauty in being able to stand the test of time and having many stories to tell afterward.

To remind us what time is capable of, Bored Panda compiled a list of things that got graciously worn down over the years. Scroll down to find them, and don’t forget to upvote the ones that got the best transformation.

While you’re at it, make sure to check out a conversation with environmental educator and blogger at Zero Waste Cutie, Elizabeth Teo, who kindly agreed to share a few tips on how we can make our belongings last longer.

Eroded rock formation by the sea, showing the effects of time on natural structures.

Worn-down statue of a dog at a well, showing the effects of time on its once shiny surface.

Two teddy bears side by side; one worn-down by time, the other new and plush.

I had this bear my whole life, he was my best friend for a very long time. He got loved and very abused. I searched for one good as new to give it to my child one day!

Allcappa Report

Environmental educator and blogger at Zero Waste Cutie, Elizabeth Teo, tells us that she started her journey toward a more sustainable way of living after she realized how much waste she was producing and how little was being recycled.

Worn-down brick structure on a rocky beach, illustrating the effects of time on man-made objects.

Worn-down stone steps carved into rock, illustrating the effects of time and erosion.

Workers in yellow suits cleaning a worn-down building facade, illustrating effects of time.

“It was overwhelming to think about the impact, not just on the planet but on future generations. The more I learned about environmental issues, the more I realized how small changes in my daily habits could make a huge difference. So, I decided to shift toward a more sustainable lifestyle, one step at a time—focusing on reducing waste, reusing items, and making conscious choices about what I buy and how I consume.”

Worn-down wooden chair leg beside two dog bowls, illustrating effects of time.

A dog hanging out of a car window has worn down the red paint around it, illustrating how time works.

The amount of time this dog has leaned out their window...

fa53 Report

Worn-down clipboard showing effects of time, with faded surface and visible wear, illustrating how time works.

With a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, Elizabeth blends her academic knowledge and professional experience in environmental nonprofits to raise awareness and offer practical solutions to environmental challenges people often face, like fast fashion, waste management, and climate change, focusing on various social implications.

A worn-down brick church being repaired with a blue lift under a clear sky.

Worn-down knife with a yellowed handle, illustrating the effects of time.

Worn-down stone stairs show the effects of time and frequent use, illustrating how time works through gradual erosion.

A great way we can reduce waste and be more environmentally friendly is to take care of our belongings and fix them when they get worn down instead of retiring them to a landfill. Elizabeth suggests we can start doing that by shifting our mindset. “Instead of seeing items as disposable, we can treat them as investments,” she said.

Worn-down ping pong table with faded blue surface illustrating the effects of time.

Worn-down floor spot in a convenience store shows how time affects surfaces.

Worn-down concrete path showing erosion and exposed gravel, illustrating how time works on surfaces.

“Regular maintenance is key,” Elizabeth noted, “whether it's cleaning things properly, repairing them when needed, or storing them in ways that prevent wear and tear. For example, wash clothes in cold water, patch up small holes in clothing before they get worse, and regularly oil wooden furniture to keep it from drying out. When you love and care for your belongings, they last much longer and often work better!”

Worn-down utility pole covered in old, rusted nails, illustrating the passage of time.

Worn-down door with paint chipped off, displaying signs of aging over time, with hanging bells on a rope.

These bells have been hanging on this door since 2011 and their dogs ring them to go outside.

SuperNotit Report

Worn-down blue bollard with peeling paint, illustrating the effects of time and weather.

When it comes to fixing, mending, reusing, or repurposing things that might’ve been worn over time, Elizabeth advises to embrace your inner DIYer. “There are so many simple fixes that can breathe new life into worn items. If clothes are getting frayed or torn, learn to sew (take a class or ask a friend—my brother is so skilled at this!). Patching up holes or adding fabric patches can make them look unique and stylish. Old jars can become planters, and fabric scraps can be transformed into quilts, bags, or even reusable gift wrap.”

Worn-down wooden railing showing effects of time over water.

Worn-down stone steps in front of a brick house entrance, illustrating how time affects surfaces.

Rusty, worn-down metal sign shaped by time, surrounded by trees and foliage.

I don't even know what's happened here, but it looked gross, I love it.

Countbook Report

“For things like furniture, a fresh coat of paint or new hardware can make them look brand new,” she added. “The key is to get creative and see the potential in what others might discard. A little effort can turn something old into something functional and beautiful again!”

Hand touching a worn-down statue with a shiny belly, illustrating how time affects objects.

Takayama Japan, not sure who this water spirit is but he seems to get a lot of tummy rubs.

Marchus80 Report

Worn-down stone steps revealing erosion over time, illustrating the effects of prolonged use and natural wear.

Worn-down floor showing a ring pattern around a salon chair, illustrating the passage of time.

For more ideas that can help us live more sustainably, make sure to check out our previous article on small ways we can help our environment or this piece on zero waste tips and tricks that might inspire you to produce less waste.

Trees bending towards a building, illustrating effects of time on growth in an urban setting.

Worn-down parking lot with visible faded tire marks, showcasing the passage of time in an urban environment.

Worn-down concrete block in the sand, illustrating the effects of time.

Worn-down path in grass showing the passage of time in an urban setting with buildings and pedestrian signs.

Worn-down tiles with visible wear patterns illustrating the passage of time.

Worn-down basketball showing the effects of time and use on a textured outdoor surface.

Worn-down Batman logo door handle inside a comic book store, illustrating time's impact on objects.

Worn-down stone surface illustrating the effects of time, with visible indentations and weathering.

Worn-down door with layers of paint showing the effects of time.

Worn-down floor tiles with visible paths of foot traffic in front of a row of vending machines.

Worn-down blue train seats with visible fabric deterioration showing the effects of time.

Worn-down stop sign illustrating the passage of time, with street signs in the background at an intersection.

Worn-down swings with chains and frayed seats illustrate the passage of time in a park by the water.

Why are we using plastic turf? It heats up to really high temperatures in the sun (especially dark colours like BLACK), it gives horrendous carpet burns, and it can’t be repaired. What happened to wood chips?

lldaffodill Report

A twisted, worn-down wooden post in a grassy field illustrating the effects of time.

Worn denim jeans with faded areas near the pocket, illustrating how time affects fabric.

Two scoops on a marble surface, one worn-down and dark, the other shiny and new, illustrating how time works.

Worn-down door with metal latch and handle, showing passage of time through scratches and marks.

Two worn-down Iron Man keychains showing signs of wear over time.

Had this on my keychain for a long time. The old one lost its last leg today, so it's time to replace it. The new guy has been waiting in the drawer for years now.
It's interesting (at least to me) to see how not only the printing, but the material has worn off over time, for example on the helmet.

woollyllama Report

Worn-down seats on concrete pillars at a transit station, illustrating the passage of time.

Two plush penguin keychains show signs of wear, illustrating the passage of time.

Was gifted the penguin on the left 9 years ago by my girlfriend, it’s been on my keys every day sense, just got the one on the right for my birthday. His name is waddles

one2tree1 Report

Worn-down wall with marks above metal seating in a subway, illustrating the passage of time.

A worn-down hammer with a textured metal handle, illustrating the effects of time and use, lying on a scratched workbench.

Worn-down parking area with faded "Post Office Customer" paint, illustrating the passage of time.

Note: this post originally had 111 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

What makes an old object captivating to you?

The visual changes it undergoes

The mystery of its origin

The contrast with new items