If you want to decorate your living space without spending a fortune, upcycling is a great way to breathe new life into old furniture. By getting creative, you can turn worn-out pieces into practical decor items for your home. Here are 21 tips on how to achieve this:
A Lick of Paint
A simple lick of a fresh coat can work wonders with old furniture. Choosing a bold color for a statement piece will make a big difference to your living space or opt for calming neutral for if you’re trying to achieve a more serene vibe.
Reupholster
Reupholstering furniture is an effective way to give it a makeover instead of buying new sofas or chairs. You don’t need expert sewing skills, but some knowledge of fabrics can be helpful. Using fabric glue and staples will reduce the need for sewing, but make sure to set aside ample time for the project to ensure the best results.
Embrace Natural Wood Grain
If your wooden furniture looks worn on the surface but is structurally sound, consider highlighting its beauty. Sand down the wood, then apply a stain to showcase its authenticity. This natural look works well on dressers, tables, and chairs.
Add Small Touches
Sometimes, making changes can breathe new life into your furniture. Switching out drawer pulls and knobs for contemporary or stylish options can elevate the overall look of your space. Get creative with your choices incorporating linings and quirky knobs to add a unique touch to your furniture.
Place Strategic Mirrors
Strategically placed mirrors can change up your room, adding depth and dimension to it. Adding mirrored panels to cabinet doors or a dresser for a touch of glamor will give your room the quickest form of TLC.
Embrace Distressed Chic
If you don’t feel like you can achieve perfection with your makeover, don’t worry. You can opt for the vintage look. A shabby chic look can be achieved by lightning sanding your furniture with sandpaper or a chemical stripper until it looks like the peeled-off paint is blended in. You can also use chalk paint to achieve this look, and it usually works well on solid wood pieces.
Repurpose Furniture
Revamping furniture through reupholstering is a way to give it a new look without buying brand-new sofas or chairs. You don’t need sewing skills, but having some knowledge about fabrics can be beneficial. Using fabric glue and staples can simplify the process, though dedicating time to the project is crucial for the most durable finish.
Add Light
Repurpose an old lamp base by adding a new shade or completely revamping it with paint, or fabric for a unique look. There’s lots of cheap lampshades in thrift stores so it doesn’t have to cost too much to brighten up your home.
Metallic Accents
For an extra bit of bling you can give an old dresser or table a touch of luxury with metallic paint or spray. Gold, silver, or copper can add instant glamor to your furniture for just a few dollars.
Washi Tape Creations
Decorative washi tape comes in a variety of colors and patterns and is perfect for adding a modern touch to furniture. You can create patterns on wardrobes and dressers or even the linings of drawers or the backs of bookshelves for smaller pops of color.
Retro Decoupage
Retro decoupage is a creative and budget-friendly way to breathe new life into old furniture. By using vintage-inspired paper or fabric cutouts, you can transform plain pieces into something more fun when you feel a room is looking tired.
Revamp Tiles
Revitalize your backsplash by decorating it with broken tiles for a mosaic effect or mix and match tiles, for an eclectic vibe. Opting for mismatched tiles can be cost effective especially if you’re able to find samples in local homeware stores. You can also ask friends if they have any leftover tiles from their renovation projects.
Stencil with Style
Another retro design that’s making a comeback is stenciling. In the 90s people were adding a touch of pattern to furniture and walls using stencils and paint and, with a focus in decorating within a budget, people are bringing stenciling back, so it’s time to get creative.
Genius Seating
Old wooden crates can be transformed into stylish side tables, ottomans, or even bookshelves. With a little creativity and some basic materials, you can save crates from the scrap heap and add a quirky look to your room.
Recycle Your Headboard
Instead of throwing out your old headboard, you can repurpose it by turning it into a unique bench or even a mudroom coat rack. In fact, you may not need to think of another use for it as you may be able to recover it so it can look as fresh as new on your bed.
Create a Book Nook
Transform a bench or daybed into cozy window seats or reading nooks by reupholstering them and adding custom made cushions and pillows. Not only will you create a relaxing spot for yourself but also impress your visitors with your distinct decorating style.
Creative Shelving
Instead of discarding an old ladder, consider repurposing it into a stylish and functional bookshelf or towel rack for your bathroom. This upcycling project is eco-friendly and adds a unique, rustic touch to your home decor.
Original Ottomans
Transform an old footlocker or a vintage suitcase into an ottoman for storage with style. Think about what you will use the ottoman for as you may need a sturdy base for items such as plants and heavy vases.
Garden Relaxation
There’s also lots of options for you to upcycle in your garden if it’s feeling neglected. Give an old chair or bench a fresh look with a coat of weatherproof paint and some colorful throws and pillows. If you don’t have old furniture, look at local listings for neighbors giving away free items.
Light it Up Your Garden
Adding lighting to your garden creates a nice ambiance making it more inviting of an evening. This look can be achieved spending little money by drilling holes in a metal bucket and inserting fairy lights for a whimsical touch.
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