Step 1: Finding the furniture
In this day and age, upcycling or renovating furniture instead of spending a fortune on a new item may be easier and certainly cheaper.
The residential cleaning experts at MOLLY MAID suggest revamping old pieces of furniture by scouring antique stores, auction houses, friends and family’s homes or online buying and selling networks such as eBay. All that is need is a little bit of inspiration and basic DIY skills.
Furniture Finds
When upcycling furniture you first need to decide what it is that you’re looking for. Antique fairs and stores can be fascinating places to wander around in but they can be very overwhelming. Make sure to go in with a specific idea or item in mind in order to conduct a much more structured search.
The most sought after item for restoration is often a dresser or bureau. People often look for are an item with history with a modern finish. Vintage and antique dressers or bureaus have practical storage, yet the advantage of interesting carvings, ornate details and elegant handles that distinguish them from the mass produced pieces today.
You want to look for a piece with individuality, for example turned legs, scrolled backs and detailed woodwork. This does not mean that you have to spend a fortune though!
Don’t be put off by orange stains or dark veneers; this can all be transformed by a coat of paint or some sanding before painting. Detailing will look pretty and less overbearing once painted a lighter colour. Take some paint chips with you for inspiration!
Minor surface scratches may also reduce the price of furniture – as long as they can be sanded out you may be able to get a good bargain. Before purchasing a wooden item, be sure to check that the item is stable and sound and is not infested by woodworm. Look for out of the ordinary dust in drawers and tell-tale holes. Ask the dealer if the piece has been treated if you do spot these signs.
Look for damage that might be difficult to repair and be realistic about your limits with regard to renovation. If you wish to paint pine furniture, look for the darker or stained pieces of wood. Also keep a realistic end result in mind for repairs and reupholstering.
Stay tuned for Fridays blog to learn how you can uniquely paint and finish your piece of furniture!
