3 Ways to Repurpose Old Furniture
Do you have old furniture lying around that you no longer use, but don’t know what to do with? You may think the only option is to throw it out, but there is actually a wide range of things you can do by repurposing it. It’s a straightforward way to help make your home sustainable and gives you the chance to show off some unique pieces. There are many creative and easy ways to give old furniture an update, from simply making a few changes to turning it into something completely new. Find out how you can bring new life to your worn-out furniture and enjoy it for years to come.
Turn the Furniture into Something New
It’s the most obvious way to repurpose old furniture, but you can take one piece and transform it into something new. An old door can be converted into a stylish table, while an old dresser can become a new kitchen island. You can also repurpose an old dresser into a bathroom vanity by adding a new countertop and sink. Or, if you’re feeling creative, why not turn an old armoire into a home bar?
Repurposing furniture can also be a great way to add additional storage to a room, helping you maximize space where you really need it. An old dresser or entertainment center can become a new bookshelf or space for displaying favorite decor.
For those with carpentry skills, wood furniture can be converted into something completely unique. For instance, an old door can be turned into a headboard or a bench. Even old chairs can be crafted into stools. With some tools and a bit of imagination, old furniture can be transformed into something totally different. For additional inspiration and materials, such as wooden legs for your projects, visit The Hairpin Leg Company.
Separate the Pieces
Another way to repurpose old furniture is to separate the pieces and use each in a different way. An old bed frame can be used to create a bench or seating area. The frame can be painted and a cushion added for comfort. The headboard and footboard can also be used to create wall art, or hung to create a unique shelf. Additionally, the mattress can be cut up and used as padding for a pet bed or cushions.
Another common example is a dresser; its drawers can be used as a planter by adding soil and plants, and then the dresser and its empty drawer slots could be used for open displays. This helps both your home and your landscaping be more eco-friendly.
Similarly, you can take the legs from an old chair, paint or stain them, and use them as a new base for a side table. The back of the chair could have hooks added to it, and then hung on the wall to store coats or keys.
Easy Updates
If you’re looking for something less intensive than completely changing a piece of furniture, making simple updates is a great alternative. Painting is a low-effort way to help furniture look brand new. Applying a Toluene free wax polish afterward can enhance the finish and provide long-lasting protection. If you don’t want to paint the entire piece, you can just paint a side or two—or don’t bother with the paint at all, and simply change out the knobs or handles to give the piece an updated look. Adding a bright or contrasting color to the hardware is a great way to make furniture pop.
Another idea is to use contact paper or wallpaper to give furniture a unique pattern or texture. If you have furniture with fabric upholstery, consider recovering the piece with a new fabric. This type of update is relatively inexpensive and can be done in no time. It’s also a great way to make a functional piece of furniture look like a unique statement piece.
For a more custom look, you could replace the legs of a table or add trim details. This type of update requires a bit more effort but can have a big impact, and can be done with basic tools and some DIY knowledge.
New Life for Old Furniture
Next time you find yourself looking at an old piece of furniture, don’t just throw it away—consider transforming it into something one-of-a-kind. Repurposing old furniture is a great way to reduce waste and add a unique touch to your home. A bit of creativity is all you need to create something new with old furniture, whether you’re looking to just update some fixtures or create the new statement piece in your living room.
