Easy Ways to Give Old Furniture an Updated Look

Do you have old pieces of furniture lying around that have seen better days? Don’t throw them away just yet! In this post, we’ll explore some of the easiest ways to give old furniture an updated look, from simple DIY projects to more elaborate furniture makeovers.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure policy and privacy policy.

A simple fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or a new purpose can quickly give a piece a fresh start. You can transform these outdated furniture pieces into beautiful statement pieces that bring new life to your living space.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY-er or just starting out, these tips and tricks will help you breathe new life into old furniture and give your home a fresh new look.

Before You Get Started: Make a Plan

I’m always excited to jump into a project and sometimes do so without proper planning. But after years of doing things in the wrong order I have learned the right order to proceed. Doing things in this order prevents a lot of wasted time, effort, and supplies!

How to Make simple easy repairs

Sometimes all a piece needs is to be repaired to give it a new purpose and life. Maybe you purchased it already broken. Or maybe through use joints became weak and it just needs a little help to be useful again. Here are a few ways to repair old furniture:

1. Fabric Problems? Reupholster damaged fabric.
2. Loose Joints? Glue, clamp, and reinforce wobbly joints with nails or screws.
3. Limbs detached? Re-attach legs or arms that have broken off.
4. Holes or Missing Veneer? Fill in damaged or missing veneer with Bondo wood filler.

Cleaning and Preparing Your Furniture for a Makeover

If you’re looking to update an old piece of furniture, cleaning and preparing it properly is the first step to a successful makeover.

Whether you’re repurposing an old dresser, updating an outdated bathroom vanity, or giving an old coffee table a whole new look, cleaning and preparing your furniture is an essential step to achieving the results you want.

#1 Replace or Add New Hardware

Swapping out the hardware on old furniture is an easy way to give it a new lease on life.

The right hardware can completely transform the look of a DIY project, and there are countless options available to suit any style or taste.

Whether you’re going for a modern update or a vintage look, swapping out the hardware can add the perfect finishing touch to your furniture makeover.

There is a pretty good chance when you purchase a piece of vintage or antique furniture it’s missing at least some of its original hardware. Or the hardware is caked in about 100 years of paint and is wooden and can’t be salvaged.

I’ve had this happen many times. Thankfully with a bit of training your eye, you will be able to pick out hardware that fits old furniture pieces or even new pieces.

The best part of changing out hardware on a new piece of furniture is you can give it a more modern look or keep it true to its original style with all the amazing options.

When a piece is more ornate I tend to lean more simple, when it’s simple I can go with a more ornate set. But it’s fun to experiment as well!

#2 Refinish it: Restore the Wood

Refinishing a wooden finish is a great way to update old furniture and give it a fresh new look.

In fact, it’s far easier to refinish a bare wood finish than to paint it and then decide later on to refinish it. So, this is where I’d start.

The great thing is that if you still decide to repaint it, starting with a fresh clean surface gives the best-finished project.

Whether you’re working with an antique piece or a modern design, refinishing the wood can restore it to its former glory and give it a new lease on life.

In this section, we’ll cover some easy and effective ways to refinish wooden furniture and achieve professional-looking results.

When I take on an Antique or Vintage piece of furniture my entire process is set to try to restore it back to the way the original piece would have been. However, sometimes damage throws a wrench in that plan.

It’s good to be flexible when making plans to make beautiful pieces live again. It’s a lot of work, but always worth it.

How to refinish wooden furniture

This is the general idea of the steps you’d take to start refinishing a piece of furniture.

1. Clean the furniture: Remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the surface of the furniture using a soft cloth or brush and a mild cleaner.
2. Remove the old finish: Strip off the existing finish using a chemical stripper or sandpaper.
3. Sand the furniture: Sand the surface of the furniture with progressively finer sandpaper until it is smooth and free of any rough spots or scratches.
4. Stain the wood (optional): Apply a wood stain to the furniture if desired, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Apply a sealer: Apply a sealer or topcoat to the furniture to protect the wood and give it a finished look.
6. Reassemble the furniture: Reattach any hardware or components that were removed during the refinishing process.

#3 Paint Furniture: Adding a Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the most effective diy furniture makeover ideas. And probably the most fun way to take an older piece and make it look like new furniture is to paint it.

The best thing is you can go with a bold color to add a striking new modern look. Or go with a more neutral color and let it fit into more settings.

While I personally love painted furniture, I am never quite a fan when I have to paint a piece. But sometimes it’s necessary and can be a really rewarding experience.

When I was working on my dining room table paint came to the rescue. I was stuck with cut marks from removing the leg supports but loved the original dark stain. It’s a good example of how you can strategically paint some of a piece and not paint it all if you want to keep some originality and still update the look.

To Prime or Not to Prime?

If you’re planning to paint the piece, there are two real options. I personally never choose to prime a piece. But that’s because I like to distress pieces slightly to keep them looking older.

The first option is to prime it before applying the paint. This will help your average paint adhere better, but I don’t consider it necessary. However, I don’t use latex paint.

The Second option is to use paints that are naturally meant to be used without priming like Milk Paint or Chalk Paint.

Let’s talk about the benefits of each.

#4 Distress it: Achieving a Vintage or Shabby Chic Look

One of my favorite ways to add charm and character to a piece is the distressed look. But I’m never trying to make a piece look new, either.

If you love the vintage and shabby chic look then distressing is the perfect way to achieve this well-loved look.

#5 Repurpose it: Giving Old Furniture a New Use

One of my passions is finding beautiful old pieces that maybe have lost their purpose as their uses become a part of history. Finding beautiful old furniture to give a new updated purpose is a fun way to get a conversation piece as well.

Repurposed furniture can be as simple as using it in a way it wasn’t necessarily made. You don’t have to alter the structure to repurpose it! I use dressers for all sorts of uses besides clothing. In fact, I have a dresser in my entry that holds all of our shoes, hats, and gloves.

Ideas to Repurpose an Old Piece with an Updated Function

Make old pieces feel like new pieces by giving them a new updated use in your home!

Here are some fun ways to repurpose old furniture:

1. Turn an old dresser into a TV console or media center.
2. Convert an old bookshelf into a bar or beverage station.
3. Transform an old headboard into a unique bench or coat rack.
4. Repurpose an old chest of drawers into a stylish and functional kitchen island.
5. Use an old door as a tabletop or headboard.
6. Turn an old ladder into a bookshelf or plant stand.
7. Convert an old coffee table into a cozy pet bed.
8. Transform an old sewing machine table into a unique desk or vanity.
9. Use old suitcases as decorative storage or seating.
10. Repurpose an old crib into a charming and functional bench or daybed.

#6 Add or Replace Your Furniture Legs

If you want to give your old furniture a new look without spending a lot of money, consider swapping out the legs.

Hairpin legs are a popular choice for a modern update, and they can be an inexpensive way to give your furniture a fresh new look. You can also choose from a variety of furniture legs to match your style and needs. By simply changing the legs, you can transform an old piece into something unique and stylish.

#7 Contact Paper or Wallpaper

Another fun way to upgrade a piece in a simple way is to use contact paper or even wallpaper.

Both materials can also be used to line drawers and shelves, adding a pop of color or pattern to the inside of the piece. They are affordable, easy to apply, and can transform an old piece of furniture into a unique and stylish addition to your home.

FAQ

In Conclusion

In conclusion, updating old furniture pieces can be a fun and creative way to breathe new life into your space without breaking the bank.

With a little bit of creativity and some DIY know-how, you can create a fresh new look for your home while also being kind to the environment by repurposing and upcycling old pieces. So why not give it a try and see what magic you can create?

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Julie