Upcycling Old Furniture: Tips for a Creative Makeover

If you have old, tired furniture lying around that you plan on throwing out, don’t. Giving new life to a mobile that could otherwise end up in the landfill is upcycling—and it’s a great way to get completely personalized, completely unique pieces for your home, and make a sustainable choice at the same time. upcycling furniture means you can take your old dresser, your dusty coffee table, or your unwanted bookshelf, and transform the ugly, worn out objects into chic, functional pieces again. What’s more, it’s a pretty fun and rewarding DIY project that saves money and reduces waste. If you still have some old furniture that’s not vintage enough for your liking, here are some tips to help you give it a creative makeover:

  1. Begin with a Good Cleaning and Check a Good First Step

Before we jump into any upcycling project, we have to begin with a blank canvas. Clean the piece thoroughly with dirt, dust, and grease to remove. For items like kitchen tables or dressers that can hold a stain or a grime, this is especially important. Most often a simple soap and water will work, however if having more difficult stains then try mild cleaner or mix of vinegar and water.

Clean the furniture and once done, check out the furniture, if there is any damage on it. Loose joints, wobbly legs and broken parts are all things to look out for. If there is something structural wrong consider using some wood glue, nails, or screws. If the damage is minor, it’s actually quite easy to do some small repairs, but if it’s going to take a lot of work, you might want to think twice about whether or not you want to upcycle the piece.

  1. Get Creative with Paint

One of the easiest, most dramatic ways to transform an old piece of furniture is with paint. A tired item can feel modern, vibrant or rustic depending on you style, with a fresh coat of paint. The surface can be finished in matte, gloss or satin and each gives a slightly different look.

Chalk Paint: It doesn’t take too much work to achieve and chalk paint is so popular for upcycling as it gives furniture a distressed, aged look. If you’re going for that shabby — chic or farmhouse style, then this is perfect. It also doesn’t normally need to be primed and sanded before application.

Color Blocking: Further than that, if you’re feeling bold, consider using colour to have a modern take on a traditional piece. Painter’s tape can allow for areas of your furniture to be sectioned off and painted in distinct color contrast or complement. Take a dresser, like bold geometric blocks of navy blue and mustard yellow and even that doesn’t look quite so avant garde.

Metallic Finishes: Metallic paints such as gold, silver or copper can give any piece a touch of glamour and glitz — it’s all a matter of how you paint it! You can apply it to the legs of a table, the handles of a cabinet or make it an accent on a chair’s frame, for an eye catching effect.

  1. Add New Texture or Pattern with Fabric

If your old furniture has an upholstered portion, such as your couch or dining chair, then consider swapping the fabric to give it a new look. You’d be surprised how easy it is to reupholster (although there are so many fabric options to choose from to suit your style, from loud patterns to luxurious velvets to simple, timeless linens).

Choosing Fabric: When you select fabric, also consider how sturdy the fabric is, particularly if for instance you are purchasing a sofa or a chair that will be used quite a lot. Casual fabrics like cotton, linen and canvas are perfect for your casual clothing while fabrics like velvet, faux leather and brocade bring the luxe.

DIY Reupholstery: In fact, reupholstering doesn’t always need a professional. Simple pieces, like a dining chair or a small ottoman, you can do yourself. You just need your new fabric, scissors, a staple gun and possibly some foam in case the cushion requires padding. If you haven’t done this before, you can find tutorials on the web to help you do it.

Slipcovers: If you don’t want to tackle a full reupholstery project, slipcover are one of the quickest and easiest ways to update your furniture. Buy a pre made slipcover or sew one yourself out of you fabric that coordinates with your rooms decor.

  1. Update the Hardware

If you cannot afford that, then a small hardware update sometimes can turn an old piece new. A dresser, case piece, nightstand for example, the look of the piece can be greatly effected by knobs, handles and pulls. Changing the style of a piece is cheap if you swap out the hardware.

Choosing New Hardware: Remember, good hardware can help complete the overall style of the room. Bronze, brass or ceramic knobs will give you a rustic or vintage look. Sleek stainless steel or matte black hardware for the modern touch works here. Even artistic knobs with complex designs for giving a personality touched to a piece.

Simple DIY Hardware Update: There’s no need for hardware replacement, simply unscrew the old knobs or pulls, then screw the new ones in. The process is easy and makes a surprising difference in the end result.

Conclusion

When you upcycle old furniture, for better interior designs . you’re saving money and cutting down on waste, and it’s your opportunity to bring your personal style into your home. Make a worn out piece functional, stylish and with a bit of creativity, paint, fabric and new door hardware, unique. Likewise, before you throw away an old chair or couch, think about getting creative with new life for that old furniture – it’s rewarding and can save you money and the earth.