We all have pieces of furniture that are a little lacklustre, a little tired around the eyes and wrinkled at the edges. From outdated items that we’ve inherited which hold a certain sentimental value, to those pieces we bought way back when and no longer reflect our style, it’s possible to make interior design shame a thing of the past by bringing past projects into the present. As spring heralds the start of new life, now’s the perfect time to resurrect your old, outdated pieces and bring them back to life. So, if you want to make your belongings wow-worthy again, here are 5 IDEAL ways to give your old furniture a modern makeover.
REUPHOLSTER IT
Is your drab armchair on its last legs and calling out for a makeover? Unfortunately, over time armchairs, sofas and anything else covered in fabric tend to fade and lessen through everyday wear and tear. This goes especially for the softest, most loved pieces, for with every parked bottom comes the danger of damage. So, revive old pieces by removing their old covers and updating them with stylish new fabric. If you’re a dab hand with the sewing machine simply follow the original covers pattern and you can create modern chairs in a moment. For sofa covers, you could even have a go at unpicking the original and following the pattern with your new and fabulous fabric. However, for more complicated jobs, such as redoing springs and stuffing, it’s wise to call in the professionals.
PAINT IT
This one may seem obvious, but so many people throw away a perfectly good piece of furniture just because it doesn’t fit with their colour scheme anymore. However, you can make anything look fresh and fit for purpose with just a lick of paint. Simply arm yourself with a tin of paint and a brush and you can create a trendy statement piece in any colour you wish. And if you’re worried about the colour going out of fashion, well, you can always repaint it next year.
Should you be nervous about the undertaking involved – both effort and style wise – in painting the whole thing, consider stencilling, which has gained popularity in the last few years and serves to dress up your old furniture in sexy new threads in a matter of moments. Don’t be afraid to go bold with a vibrant shade or pattern and remember; never underestimate the power of paint – it’s the easiest way to give new life to old wooden furniture.
CHANGE ITS FINISH
Let’s take a step back for a moment. Has your dresser or bedside table suffered from a previous bad paint job (possibly from an over enthusiastic owner who read an article such as this)? Why not strip it back to its original form or change the finish on the painted piece? A simple sanding down of bad paintwork or adding of varnish to tired looking wood could be all you need to elevate the knackered to the knockout.
REPURPOSE IT
Don’t give up on old pieces of furniture that you no longer use. They’re not destined for the scrap heap just yet. Consider giving them new purpose and transforming them into functional pieces. Think outside the box (there are only squares inside the box, after all) and get creative. We love the idea of using an old wooden step ladder as a bed stand – think a row of books on the bottom step, an alarm clock and some flowers on the next and your bedside lamp on the top step.
Or what about deploying an old, single pole ladder as a stylish magazine rack? Stacking sturdy garden benches indoors and using them as a shelving unit is an excellent way to repurpose them, too. And don’t give up on that wooden table that has one wobbly leg; simply cut it in half and use it as a console in your hallway. Job done.
DRESS IT UP
A bit like throwing on an old dress with some new trendy accessories when you thought you had nothing to wear, and suddenly you’ve got a whole new wardrobe; it’s amazing how some new hardware or accessorising can immediately bring the redundant into the regenerated.
A great way to dress up your furniture is by using couch covers. Nolan Interior has a range of modern couch covers that work with most sectionals. Using their covers is a perfect way to give your furniture a makeover, and protect it at the same time.
On top of that, shiny new item like a brass door knob can renew an old chest of drawers in one fell swoop. Line those drawers with fabric or wallpaper and suddenly you’ve renewed two elements of an almost obsolete functional piece, and brought it roaring back from oblivion. Ah, the power of upcycling… Is there anything it can’t do?