Revitalize Your Old Furniture with These Five Upcycling Tips

Just because your favorite furnishings have been around for a while doesn’t mean you have to toss them. 

Upcycling gives old pieces a makeover so they blend in more seamlessly with your new furniture. It’s an affordable, eco-friendly way to extend the life of your furniture. And the best part of all? With upcycling, you can boost your home decor with one-of-a-kind looks that cannot be found anywhere else. 

If you’ve got a few old furnishings that could use a face-lift, read on for our five simple upcycling tips.

#1: Plan Ahead   

Never refurbished a piece of furniture before? No problem! With a little planning ahead, you can add your own personal flair to an old standby.

Start by examining the furniture you’d like to upcycle. Notice if it has any defects, such as missing hardware, cracked wood or scratches in the finish. Consider whether a different color or fresh upholstery would be a better fit with the rest of your space. 

Gather the supplies you need beforehand. This might include paint, primer, stain or sealer, as well as new upholstery fabric and hardware. Make sure you have the right tools, such as paint brushes, sandpaper, hammers, nails, screwdrivers and measuring tape. 

And if you’re working with paints or primers, always do the work in a well-ventilated area.

#2: Repaint or Refinish

There’s no better way to breathe new life into wood furniture than with a fresh coat of paint or finish. 

Painting furniture instantly updates your space and is one of the most useful DIY skills you can learn. It’s also wonderful for concealing minor damage and giving a beloved item your own personal touch.

You can find a wide variety of paints, primers and stains to match your style and type of wood. Choose a paint brush that’s made to go with the paint you’re using and your desired finish, from glossy to matte.

Always sand the wood thoroughly before you paint. This step is necessary to remove old paint and finishes. Then wipe the surface with a soft cloth before applying primer. Next, apply two or more coats of paint or wood finish. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next. Finish with a sealer that’s compatible with your paint. 

And if you want to give your furniture a rustic look, sand one more time after you paint for a cozy, distressed appearance.

#3: Replace Worn Out Upholstery

Have an old chair that’s looking a bit worn out? Perk it up with brand new upholstery! You can find high quality upholstery fabrics in a vast array of colors, patterns and textures. Look for something that complements your new sofa or coffee table.

If you’re completing the project yourself, you’ll need to remove the old fabric before stapling the new swatch into place. You can also make heavy dining chairs and benches more comfortable by adding a quality foam cushion underneath your new upholstery. 

#4: Add Personal Touches

Custom details can transform an otherwise ordinary piece of furniture into an eye-catching focal point. Here are just a few of the many possibilities.

  • Creative patterns: Give any furniture its own unique look with clever stencil patterns. Look for a wide range of styles from large, bold shapes to intricate designs. 
  • New hardware: Got an old cabinet or dresser that could use a facelift? Simply switch out the knobs, door handles or hinges for a quick and easy update. 
  • Wallpaper: Who says wallpaper is just for walls? Apply a favorite pattern to bookshelves, cabinets or drawers for added visual interest. 
  • Wood detailing: Customize your furniture with new wood elements. For example, apply beaded wood to the front of a nightstand or foyer table for an elegant, fluted pattern. If you want your space to look less cluttered, add cabinet doors to the front of a bookshelf. 

#5: Discover New Uses

Yet another great way to get more mileage from your furniture is to repurpose it for new functionality.

  • A fresh stain or coat of paint is all you need for an old dresser to become a new buffet table.
  • A dresser can also double as a powder room vanity. Just add a sink and countertop. You’ll need to hire a pro to install the plumbing fixtures. 
  • Need more workspace in your kitchen? Create a spacious island from a large, sturdy table. You can customize the piece with wheels, shelves and even new countertops to match your space. 
  • A heavy trunk makes a fabulous coffee table and gives you extra storage space to keep your living room neat and tidy. 
  • Attach some wheels, hooks and a wine rack to create a custom bar cart from an old bookshelf. 

Choose Fantastic New Furnishings for Your Home

Lifestyles Furniture is the perfect place to find a variety of quality new furnishings to pair with your favorite older items. From cozy living rooms and elegant dining tables to comfy bedroom sets, we’ve got something for every style and budget. Plus, most items in our store are customizable to match the rest of your decor.

Need more information? Give us a call at 573-874-1550 or contact us online at any time.

 

Jerome Rackers

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