10 Low-Budget Props Used On “Star Trek”

Have you ever wondered how a sci-fi classic built its futuristic world on a tight budget? Imagination was key, and nothing was off-limits. With some creativity, ordinary objects became part of something extraordinary—helping create one of the most iconic universes ever. Some of those clever low-budget props are on this list.

Salt Shaker Turned Into A Medical Scanner

Repurposing everyday objects into futuristic tools was a hallmark of “Star Trek.” Dr. McCoy’s started as a simple salt shaker, chosen for its sleek, cylindrical design. The prop department modified it by adding spinning internal components and lights to create a convincing diagnostic tool.

Plastic Plants Used As Alien Flora

Alien worlds often needed exotic plants; however, real ones were costly and impractical. As a result, plastic houseplants became the perfect solution. Once spray-painted and cleverly arranged, they seamlessly turned simple greenery into vibrant alien environments, ultimately bringing countless otherworldly settings to life in the original series.

Trash Cans Became Space Capsule Interiors

Thanks to their cylindrical shape and metallic sheen, trash cans blended perfectly with the show’s sleek, space-age aesthetic, giving the starship sets a high-tech touch on a budget. Set designers cleverly flipped them upside down and painted them silver to turn them into futuristic capsules and control stations.

Microscope Parts Used As Control Panels

Laboratory microscope components were cleverly repurposed for the ship’s control consoles. Those tiny knobs and levers added just the right level of futuristic complexity. Sharp-eyed fans might spot these hidden lab parts, as it gave the ship its cool, high-tech vibe that still feels ahead of its time.

Automotive Parts Became Engine Components

These humble automotive parts were essential in bringing starship engines to life. Engineers cleverly dismantled and reassembled these components to simulate futuristic machinery in engineering rooms and control centers. With some metallic paint and strategic placement, these parts turned into power conduits and energy regulators.

Egg Cartons Used For Wall Textures

Set decorators lined walls with foam egg cartons, painted them, and arranged them in patterns to create unique textures for alien environments and starship interiors. Egg cartons were handy for soundproofing, too, helping reduce echo on set while doubling as practical design elements.

Kitchen Utensils Became Medical Instruments

Tongs and spatulas were turned into futuristic medical instruments with a little polish and creativity. Lights or sleek paint jobs made these ordinary items look like advanced scanning devices or surgical tools. These props were often used in sickbay scenes to give Dr. McCoy’s futuristic tool kit a unique and resourceful charm.

Aquarium Decorations Turned Into Alien Technology

Their intricate designs made them perfect for creating otherworldly machines and artifacts that looked convincingly high-tech without much modification. Often placed in alien laboratories or strange environments, these props added texture and realism to build the illusion of advanced civilizations while staying within the show’s modest budget.

Spray-Painted Toy Guns Became Phaser Rifles

Originally inexpensive water pistols and toy cap guns, these props were heavily modified with extra plastic parts and LED lights to mimic futuristic weaponry. Phaser rifles, designed primarily for away missions and security teams, added a tactical element to the show’s ground operations.

Household Lamps Used As Alien Artifacts

The design team added metallic finishes and translucent panels to give lamps an otherworldly feel. For example, desk lamps were reshaped into alien beacon lights, while floor lamps with altered shades became alien power sources. Some props were reused across multiple episodes, appearing as different types of futuristic technology.