If you’re tired of looking at your old, outdated furniture but don’t want to spend a fortune on new pieces, DIY projects are the perfect solution. With just a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can transform your furniture into something fresh and stylish that fits your personal aesthetic. Here are some easy and affordable DIY ways to update outdated furniture.
1. Paint it
One of the simplest and most effective ways to spruce up old furniture is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Whether you want to add a pop of color or stick with a neutral shade, painting can instantly update the look of a piece. Before you start, make sure to clean and sand the furniture to ensure a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Choose a high-quality paint in the color of your choice and apply two to three coats for maximum coverage. You can also add a coat of varnish or wax for extra protection and durability.
2. Add new hardware
Replacing the hardware on a piece of furniture can make a huge difference in its overall appearance. Whether you choose sleek modern knobs or vintage-inspired pulls, updating the hardware can give your furniture a whole new look. Hardware is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making it a quick and simple way to refresh outdated pieces.
3. Reupholster it
If you have a piece of furniture with outdated or damaged upholstery, reupholstering can give it a whole new lease on life. You can choose from a wide variety of fabrics and patterns to suit your style, and with some basic sewing skills, you can easily re-cover cushions, chairs, or even headboards. If sewing isn’t your thing, you can also use a staple gun to attach new fabric to the furniture piece. Reupholstering can be a bit more time-consuming than other DIY projects, but the results are well worth the effort.
4. Decoupage
Decoupage is a fun and creative way to update furniture with little more than some glue and paper. You can use patterned paper, fabric, or even old maps or book pages to cover the surface of furniture like tabletops, drawer fronts, or even the entire piece. Decoupage is a great way to add a personal touch to your furniture and can be easily customized to match your decor. Once the decoupage is dry, seal the surface with a clear coat of varnish or polyurethane for added protection.
5. Distress it
If you love the look of rustic, weathered furniture, distressing is a great way to achieve that aged appearance. You can use sandpaper, steel wool, or even a hammer and chain to distress the surface of your furniture and give it a worn, vintage look. Pay special attention to edges, corners, and areas that would naturally wear over time. Once you’re happy with the distressed look, you can add a coat of stain or glaze to enhance the effect and seal the surface.
6. Stencil it
Stenciling is a simple and inexpensive way to add a unique design to furniture. You can use pre-made stencils or create your own custom designs to paint onto the surface of your furniture. Stenciling works well on tabletops, drawer fronts, or even the sides of bookshelves. Choose a contrasting color to make the design pop, or stick with a subtle tone-on-tone effect for a more understated look. Stenciling is a versatile technique that can be used to add anything from geometric patterns to intricate florals to your furniture.
7. Wallpaper it
If you have leftover wallpaper scraps or rolls that you’re not sure what to do with, consider using them to update your furniture. Wallpaper can be applied to the surfaces of dressers, cabinets, or even the backs of bookshelves for an unexpected pop of pattern and color. Simply cut the wallpaper to size, apply a thin layer of wallpaper paste, and smooth it onto the furniture surface. Once the wallpaper is dry, seal it with a coat of clear varnish or polyurethane to protect it from wear and tear.
8. Add legs or feet
Adding new legs or feet to a piece of furniture can completely change its look and feel. You can choose from a variety of styles and finishes to complement the existing design of the piece. Adding legs to a dresser or chest of drawers can give it a more modern and streamlined look, while tapered or turned feet can add a touch of elegance to chairs or sofas. Legs and feet are easy to install with just a few screws or brackets, making this a quick and simple way to update outdated furniture.
With a little creativity and some DIY know-how, you can easily transform your outdated furniture into something fresh and stylish. Whether you choose to paint, reupholster, stencil, or distress, there are endless possibilities for updating your furniture on a budget. So roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, and start transforming your space with these DIY ways to update outdated furniture.
