Upcycling has taken a front seat in home improvement projects across the world and there are endless ways to upcycle a simple furniture piece. Looking to transform your mundane furniture into a modern piece which is almost as good as new? Discover more about which furniture you could turn into a home DIY project in 2024.
What Is Upcycled Furniture?
Upcycled furniture is the process of taking old, used, or discarded furniture and revitalising it into something beautiful and functional. This eco-friendly trend is gaining popularity as it not only breathes new life into furniture but also adds a bespoke charm to our homes. It’s about creating a piece that’s not just ‘new’ but one that is also full of character and creativity.
How To Paint Upcycled Furniture
Refreshing your wood furniture only takes a fresh splash of paint to make it look as good as new. Whether you want to use spray paint for a smooth finish or chalk paint for a rustic look, upcycling can be an opportunity to experiment with a range of paint types and creative effects.
But there are other key steps involved that work towards making it look that good and making sure it stays that way. Making sure you take your time going through each stage of painting furniture can make your upcycle project more high-quality and long-lasting:
1. Prep & Prime – Before painting your furniture, you need to have a clean and smooth surface to work with. You don’t want dust or cracks interfering with your painting. Priming is particularly useful for absorbent wood surfaces as paint alone might not adhere well.
2. Painting – This can be a quick and easy job to do but you still need to be careful when painting coats. Strokes need to be even and you need to make sure one coat has dried before starting on a second coat. Be careful of any drips that might mark your surface as you let it dry too.
3. Protect – Lastly, it’s crucial to protect your masterpiece with a suitable sealant or topcoat. It not only protects the paintwork from chipping but provides an easy to wipe clean surface too. If you want your paint to last longer then sealing it can protect it from damage.
Upcycled Furniture Ideas For The Rooms In Your Home
Where: Bathroom
What: Bathroom cabinets
How: Add colour to your bathroom storage
While a splash of colour can go a long way with your bathroom tiles, you can also add splashes of complimentary colour to the rest of your bathroom. You can easily upcycle your bathroom cabinet with a splash of paint that pairs with your bathroom towels, bath mat, or home accessories. Rather than throwing out an old worn-down cabinet, you can modernise one by using a splash of paint and upgrading the cabinet handles.
Cabinets are often exposed to moisture and steam in a bathroom so it’s important to utilise moisture-resistant paints to withstand the humid environment. Cabinets may absorb splashes of water from the sink and the shower which can affect its quality or warp the wood. Therefore, using sealants can help properly finish and protect your DIY work.
Where: Kitchen
What: Kitchen cabinets
How: Add a modern touch to your old cabinets
Kitchen renovations can be expensive and not everyone can afford to update their kitchen cabinets and worktops. Upcycling your cabinets instead not only saves costs but also allows you to imprint your personality onto the heart of the home. It’s your chance to experiment with your kitchen canvas and change cabinet handles for a contemporary look or use bold paints to make a striking visual impact.
There are many decor colours taking kitchens by storm right now, with green, black, and blue predicted to be popular in 2024. Black is a particularly striking colour for cabinets but green is a popular colour for its versatility, with shades of olive and sage being a go-to colour for kitchens. So, why not try out such colours on your kitchen cabinets?
Where: Living room
What: Coffee table
How: Create a striking tabletop
As a coffee table is often the centrepiece of a living room, upcycling one for a more modern look can do wonders for your space. You could get creative with masking tape to create geometric patterns on the tabletop, making your coffee table both a functional item and a conversation starter.
For a quick and even layer of paint, spray paints are a great and inexpensive option to paint old furniture in your home. If you want to add new life to an old coffee table, Montana spray paint can be used on furniture such as coffee tables, whether it’s glass, wooden, or plastic. With a wood coffee table, a primer is a must to get an even coat and a more vibrant colour.
Where: Dining room
What: Sideboards
How: Experiment with bold paint effects
If you don’t want to experiment with your dining table, turn your attention to the sideboards for a creative DIY project. This piece offers a perfect opportunity to experiment with the latest trending colours or even with effect paints.
Using spray paint is a quick and effective way to paint home furniture and the options are endless with the variety of colours and effects available. For a sideboard top, marble or even metallic effect, spray paint can upgrade your old sideboard with a bold and eye-catching effect. Add new or creative handles for any drawers and you will have a unique and personalised DIY project to show off in your home.
Where: Bedroom
What: Bedside tables
How: Revamp old furniture with new hardware & a colour update
Upcycling your bedside table can be an easy and budget-friendly upcycle project. With this furniture piece, you can always experiment with a ‘dipped’ legs effect by painting the legs a different colour to the tabletop. You can even save time and effort with 2-in-1 paint formulas (paint and prime) for a fuss-free application.
You could even add a unique surprise to your bedside table by painting the inside of the drawers in a bright colour. This personal touch can transform your bedroom, creating a harmonious yet exciting space.
Unleashing Your Creative Side With Home Diy
By embracing upcycling, you’re not only crafting unique decor but also contributing to a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. Rather than throwing furniture out, there are many quick, easy, and budget-friendly ways to upcycle them and make them look as good as new. With a fresh lick of paint and new hardware, unleash your creative side and experiment with your next home DIY project.