Your furniture doesn’t need to be brand new or pricey to make a statement looks-wise and be well-arranged, either. Even the most tired pieces can look revitalised with a bit of imagination and effort. If you love having a beautiful home but are living on a budget, want to inject some personality into your decor, or just enjoy a good weekend project, here are 10 DIY furniture makeovers just for you.
Ranging from simple paint jobs to more complex restorations, the guide shares creative and practical ways to make your space your own.
Why DIY Furniture Makeovers
DIY furniture makeovers are not just about saving money (though that is a nice side benefit). You can design unique pieces that are exactly your style. And upcycling old furniture is an environmentally friendly way to recycle, by creating something new out of something that would otherwise be thrown away.
Not sure where to start? The following ideas run the gamut from beginner to expert-level, and you’re sure to find something on this list that fits your level of experience, and what you aspire to accomplish.
Prepare for Your DIY Makeover
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you get started:
- Evaluate Your Desk: Verify that the piece is worthy of being structurally restored. Look for rot, wobbles or cracks, particularly on furniture that you’ll use to bear your weight, like chairs or tables.
- Budget Your Plan: Save up for items, such as paint, tools, and new hardware. DIY doesn’t mean free.
- Get Your Tools and Materials Together: From sandpaper, to paintbrushes and fabric, make sure you have everything you need to start with, so you don’t have to pause in the middle of the project.
- Stay Safe: Work in well-ventilated areas and wear the appropriate safety gear when working with tools, chemicals or paints.
- AND we’re off to the transformations!
1. Paint It New
One of the simplest ways to revamp any piece of furniture is with paint. A bright coat of color can turn a flea-market chair or old nightstand or coffee table into a star. Choose neutral colours for a classic look, or select more current shades, such as deep greens or muted pinks, for a modern edge.
Pro Tip: Use sandpaper to distress the edges after painting for a rustic farmhouse finish.
2. Reupholster a Chair or Stool
If you own a chair or stool with a padded seat, changing the fabric can give your furniture an entirely new look in an instant. You can pick a material that matches your decor, staple it snugly around the seat.
What You’ll Need:
Staple gun
Fabric scissors
Fresh fabric (look for uphosltery-grade fabric for a more durable hold)
Skill Level: Beginner
3. Stain and Seal Wooden Pieces
If paint is not your preference, try staining wooden furniture to bring out its natural grain. Removing old finishes and staining with a rich wood stain can achieve a refined look. Finish with a coat of a clear sealant to protect the paint.
Pro Tip: Choose water-based wood stains for staining newbies. They’re less faff to use and clean.
4. Decoupage for a Unique Look
Uniqueness is what you really want? Decoupage unlocks the potential to beautify surfaces using patterned paper or fabric. Adhere a design of your choice to the tabletop, drawers or shelves, and seal it with a clear topcoat for added protection.
Perfect For:
Side tables
Drawer fronts
Bookshelves
Skill Level: Intermediate
5. Swap Out Hardware
Every now and then, the little things really do turn out to be the big things. Replacing knobs, handles or drawer pulls can lend basic furniture a high-end feel. Play around with brass, ceramic or leather options to change up your piece.
What You Need:
Screwdriver
New hardware (hardware stores or online market places)
Ruler (for precise alignment)
Skill Level: Beginner
6. Add a Pattern With Stencils
Stenciling is a simple way to introduce a chic pattern to tabletops, drawer fronts or cabinet doors. Search for stencils online — whether you want florals, geometric prints, or designs specifically for your space.
Pro Tip: Keep your stencil in place and smudge free with artist’s tape.
7. Turn a Bookshelf Into a Bar Cart
Turn a small bookshelf into your own bar cart by installing wheels and champagne racks. Give it a glossy metallic or matte finish, and fill it with your barware, spirits and ébénisterie.
What You Need:
Casters (wheels)
Screwdriver
Paint
Skill Level: Intermediate
8. Create Storage With Baskets
For those stuck with an outdated console table or entertainment unit missing some drawers, this can easily be transformed with the addition of baskets. It makes for chic storage and makes the piece functional once more.
Best For:
Entryway tables
Open shelving units
9. Frame It
Have a plain-edged mirror or a canvas that isn’t framed? Make a frame out of scrap wood. Also you can paint or stain the frame to match the piece and use brackets or adhesive to attach. A little indeed can go a long way.
Skill Level: Intermediate
10. Give New Life to Old Cabinets
You can take the doors off of an old cabinet or dresser to give it a more open display look.” Paint, the frame and shelves, and you’re ready to employ the piece as open shelving for books, plants or dinnerware.
What You Need:
(for taking the doors off) Screwdriver
Paint and brushes
Sandpaper
Pro Tip: Hang puck lights to light the shelves and you’ll create a warm glow, that says welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Furniture Makeovers
How much is it to make your own furniture?
It varies. A quick paint change may cost less than $20, while more involved projects like reupholstery or repurposing might be $50–$100.
Are there any power tools which you would recommend for a person interested in undertaking DIY furniture projects?
Not always. For most projects, basic tools — such a screwdriver, hammer, sandpaper and paintbrushes — will suffice. For some more complicated DIYs, you might want to invest in a staple gun, power sander or drill.
Can DIY furniture be environmentally friendly?
Absolutely. You can give new life to old furniture by repurposing it. For an even greener option, opt for non-toxic paints and sealants instead.
How to I get/purchase furniture to redo?
Search thrift stores, yard sales, and online, including social media marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. You would frankly be shocked at the treasures lurking out there that are ripe for a refurb.
How can I tell if something is worth restoring?
Seek out good construction and stay away from those with too much damage that is unfixable, such as heavy duty rot or missing bits in the structure. This quality solid wood is a great investment in restoration.
DIY With Your Next Objective
With these 10 do-it-yourself furniture makeover ideas, refreshing your space has never been so easy or rewarding. You will not only make practical, customized items for yourself, but also you will be proud to know that you’ve done everything.
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