How to Update Old Furniture

Use your imagination and a little paint to make old furniture look completely different.

You don't have to buy all new furnishings to get a new look. Use simple, inexpensive materials to create furniture that may not be new, but is new to you. Whether your goal is to make your old-looking furniture look sleek and modern or take your modern furniture and make it look old, a little creativity plus some paint, fabric, accessories and a little glue here and there. The key is to not be afraid to experiment. You can always make over a makeover.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Knobs
• Sandpaper
• Stain
• Fabric

Instructions

1. Paint your furniture to get a new look. Take an old kitchen chair for example, sand it down and repaint it in a funky color--or maybe a classic white to change the look of your dining room from Victorian to modern.

2. Add some new knobs. Old cabinets, dressers or doors will look brand new once they are painted a fresh color and the old knobs are replaced with new ones from the hardware, kitchen design or craft store. Knobs come in all different styles now from classic pewter to blown glass.

3. Reupholster that couch, chair or ottoman. If your couch, for example, is comfortable and sturdy but the covers are looking tattered and torn, either learn how to reupholster it yourself or invest in a professional job. The cost of paying someone else to reupholster your sofa will still be less than purchasing a whole new couch.

4. Slip a cover over it. You can make or purchase slipcovers to go over dining room chairs, couches, loveseats and other furniture. You can either have a slipcover custom made, sew one yourself -- there are many simple patterns available -- or purchase a pre-made one.

5. Beat it up a bit. If your furniture looks sleek and modern and you would prefer a more antique look, try beating up your furniture a bit. You can use black or brown paint in uneven brush strokes or sand various spots once your paint job is dry. Adding a coat of dark stain over the paint and wiping it down with a soft cloth will also add "weather" to your piece.

References

• Firehow: How to Update Living Room Furniture on a Budget
• Real Simple: Simple Updates for Old Furnishings
• Skimbaco: The Second Step in Green Decorating--Buy Used