Quick and easy ways to update furniture
I love a furniture transformation project. One that is unrecognisable from its original state. I’ve upcycled and updated several pieces that were in a sorry state when they came to my workshop. Thankfully, their owners and I had the vision to see past the exterior and appreciate what it could become. A recent piece that springs to mind was a retro kitchen cabinet from the 1950s. It had been used to store paint and DIY materials in a garage for years, and despite its appearance it was a thing a beauty. It took days to remove the paint splatters, dirt and sticky-back plastic, but when it was done it looked amazing once more!
While big changes have huge impact, subtle tweaks can be just as effective. Not everyone has the time or skills to undertake a complete transformation, and not every piece of furniture actually needs that full-scale upcycle. Sometimes you only need to change one thing to make a big difference and give your furniture a new lease of life.
Change one thing to make old furniture look like new
With that in mind, I’ve created a list of low-budget ideas to quickly and easily make your old furniture look new again. I hope it gives you the inspiration and impetus to have a go yourself.
1. Change the handles
Old hardware quickly dates a piece of furniture. Look at cupboard and drawer handles from a distance. Are they in proportion with the unit? Do they match the style you’re looking like to achieve? If you opt for new handles, look for ones with a similar fitting to your current ones. That way, you will avoid having to fill and drill new holes.
Cleaning up hinges, handles and knobs can give them a new lease of life and save you having to replace them. Try soaking rusty hinges in white vinegar and watch the rust dissolve before your eyes - very satisfying! Just don’t leave them too long, or they might disintegrate!
2. Replace, add or paint legs
Chunky, wooden legs can be replaced with modern alternatives to update their look and feel. Choose metal hairpins for a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Source reclaimed for an environmentally friendly option. You can also add legs to lift furniture off the ground. Take another look at that boring cupboard that could become a drinks cabinet!
With the right kind of paint, you can update most furniture legs. If you fancy something a little more creative and glamorous, look into gilding. Gold, rose gold, copper or silver gilding are great for adding sparkle and shine, and highlighting important details.
3. Recover chair seat pads
Reupholstering worn out seat pads on kitchen and dining chairs is a quick and effective way to update their look and keep them going for another few years. This also works well for headboards. Take a look at my step-by-step guide to learn how to recover chair seat pads yourself.
4. Add some wallpaper
With so many beautiful wallpaper designs on the market, it would be rude not to use some in your home. Wallpaper can be expensive, so using it on furniture is cost-effective alternative to using it on the wall. One roll can go a long way!
Use wallpaper to add pattern, texture and an element of surprise to the interior of cupboards and drawers. Add to drawer fronts if you prefer to have the paper on view. If you have any paper left, you could frame your favourite sections and pop them on the wall to create an interesting artwork.
5. Swap out cushions and throws
When I’m working on upholstery projects, clients often request extra throw cushions to match the design of their refreshed piece. Armchairs, rocking chairs and sofas all benefit from a seasonal swap - lighter colours in spring, darker for a cosy vibe over winter.
If your chair has a patterned fabric, choose one or two colours from the pattern to use in your cushions. These will either contrast or complement your existing chair to transform its look. Alternatively, if your chair is plain, go for a pattern on your cushions.
6. Swap a painted top for natural wood
Most tables, sideboard and drawer units can be transformed by focusing on the top. Start by sanding back the top to see if the original wood can be reused. If it’s in good condition, give it a good clean after sanding, then apply several coats of wax to protect it. I love the finish of Polyvine wax varnish.
If there’s too much damage or the wood grain is unattractive, think about replacing it with a new piece of wood. Most timber yards will cut to a specific size for a small fee, so you may not necessarily need to invest in any power tools to complete the job.
7. Change the use of your furniture
If you have furniture you don’t use or that isn’t practical, think about changing its purpose. Transform a side table into a bedside table, upgrade a boring bookcase into a cocktail cabinet, or a cupboard into a useful pantry. Simply using it differently could make you love it once more.
Some of these options might be a little more complicated to achieve on your own. Please get in touch if you need help completing a project or would like someone to do the legwork for you.
Looking for more furniture design inspiration?
For lots more ideas and inspiration for your home upcycling projects, please take a look at my own furniture designs and Pinterest boards (I have more than 100!). It’s a great place to start collating your thoughts and planning your design. Clients often send me pins to share the results they would like to achieve.
If you’ve already reached that stage and would like to commission a furniture design or transformation, complete the enquiry form and let’s discuss your project.