How to Update Colonial Furniture

This colonial house represents the type of house in which colonial furniture would have been found.

Colonial furniture typically signifies American tradition. These furniture pieces have some Victorian elements of style, since the colonial revival of furniture came after the Americans broke away from English rule. Many colonial pieces today still have the same traditional style. If you currently own colonial furniture, you might choose to update the pieces to modernize the look.

Things You'll Need

• Knobs
• Drawer pulls
• Sanding block
• Paint
• Screwdriver
• Urethane

Instructions

1. Remove existing hardware on the furniture piece.

2. Sand down the furniture using the sanding block.

3. Paint the piece a modern color. Paint colors like white, black or taupe keep it neutral, yet modern.

4. Use a spray urethane to seal the paint. Let dry.

5. 

   Wrought iron hardware gives colonial furniture an update.

   Add modern hardware found in your local home store. Wrought iron hardware will fit the feel of the furniture but update it at the same time.

Tips & Warnings

• If changing the paint is too dramatic a step for you, consider only changing the hardware. It will update the piece with just a little work.

• Use spray urethane in a well ventilated area, preferably with a mask.

• Since colonial furniture usually is a high glossed product, you may want to check with your home store about using a product strong enough to remove the varnish if the sanding block is not doing the trick. Liquid sandpaper is a strong product that will remove the urethane but needs to be used according to directions to prevent destroying the furniture.

References

• Vintage Designs: The Colonial Revival in the United States: 1900-1940