What could be better than bringing an old piece of furniture back to life while also creating something with added wow factor for your home? Well, that’s exactly what upcycling’s all about and you know I love any excuse to get out that paintbrush!
Whether this is your first attempt at creating a standout piece or you’re looking for some extra tips on how you can improve your projects, here are some great pieces of advice:
Getting Started
Start by thinking about upcycling as a way of transforming worn, unloved items into gorgeous new pieces for your home and you’ll be able to see exactly where these improvements can be made before you throw anything out. Next time you go to throw an old chair in the skip or take a desk to the charity shop, consider how you could inject some life back into it first. Also, be sure to have the right supplies with you for the best results. For instance, having washers to fix things together will keep them tight and long-lasting.
It’s also a good idea to make sure you’ve got all the equipment you’ll need to get your project off to a good start. DIY stores like Travis Perkins are perfect for getting those all-important tools and will make sure you’re achieving a professional finish at all times.
Finally, if you’re worried about ruining a piece of furniture you use regularly, it’s worth starting on a piece of junk or something cheap you’ve picked up from a car boot. This will allow you to practice your techniques and new tools on a piece you’re happy to throw away before you move onto the better items.
The Distressed Look
A popular technique for upcycling is creating a distressed look on a piece of furniture, and even though this looks fantastic when it’s done, it isn’t that hard to do.
To restore furniture in this way, try starting with an old cabinet or some drawers. Give the piece a thorough sand before you apply paint, or use chalk paint to cover up the bumps and imperfections.
Once you’ve applied this paint, go over certain areas with a piece of sandpaper – the shelves and corners are best – and this will help you achieve that designer distressed look. Not only will this add plenty of charm and character to your furniture but you can also go one step further by adding another colour under the main finish to create a gorgeous contrast.
The Vintage Look
On the other hand, if you want to create a vintage look without the item looking ‘shabby chic’, all you need is a good tin or two of paint. Once you’ve sanded your furniture down, try using a few different colours of paint to rejuvenate the piece. For example, worn-out bookcases look great when you opt for greys and duck eggs, while bathroom furniture looks fabulous when you choose a nautical blue and white theme.
There’s no limit to the possibilities available when you’re upcycling furniture, so what are you waiting for?
XOXO
Debbie
