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Upcycling Ideas to Bring New Life to Old Furniture
You may have some older pieces of furniture that you love, but that don’t quite have a place in the home anymore, as they are. However, that doesn’t mean that they have to be discarded or left unused in storage, either. With a little work and some creativity, you can bring new life to your beloved pieces, keeping them around for a little longer.
Show Wood Some Love
If you have wooden furniture, then there’s a lot that you can do to revive it and help give it a new lease on life. The scratches, dents, and faded finishes don’t have to be a permanent issue. A little sanding, staining, and painting can do them a lot of good. Stripping off old paint or varnish and finishing the surface can give a new freshness to the natural grain of the wood, rejuvenating its character. If it’s a little more old-fashioned, then painting your wooden furniture in bold or muted colors can help you match it to its surroundings more easily.
Upholster Some New Fabric
Fabrics can be a little more difficult to revitalize than wood. Stains, odors, and other marks aren’t easy to remove, and you can’t bring back the color of fabrics that have been left in the sun to fade over time. However, upholstering your furniture can work wonders. You can not only extend its life but give it a whole new look with high-quality options like Chenille fabric. if the padding beneath the fabric has started to wear down, you can also look at replacing it to improve its comfort and support, as well.
Upgrade The Fixtures
Small details like handles, knobs, and hinges often go unnoticed but play a big role in defining a piece’s overall look. Swapping out old, tarnished fixtures for sleek, modern ones can significantly change the furniture’s appearance. Consider replacing outdated brass handles with trendy matte black, antique bronze, or brushed gold options. Decorative knobs with intricate designs or colorful ceramic accents can add a playful touch to cabinets and dressers. Upgrading hardware is a simple yet impactful way to give old furniture a contemporary refresh without spending too much time or money.
Give Them A New Purpose
Sometimes, a piece of furniture isn’t going to be as good as it once was at its old job no matter what you do to it. However, you can still give it new life by repurposing it for a new job, instead. For instance, an old worn-out indoor table can become part of your outdoor oasis if you transform it into a garden bench with some weather-resistant paint and sealant. An old dress could become a kitchen island, a nightstand into a bed for your pet, and much more. Take a more creative approach to older furniture and you can find a place for it with no problem.
In today’s consumption culture, it’s easy to discard the old to bring in the new. However, taking on an upcycling project can show how that’s not always the best answer, teaching you an appreciation for those pieces that have a real history with you.
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Megan Nelson, Owner + Designer
Nest with the Nelsons
nestwiththenelsons.com
nestwiththenelsons@gmail.com
Nest with the Nelsons
nestwiththenelsons.com
nestwiththenelsons@gmail.com
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