The furniture in our homes not only plays a practical part in our lives, but may also hold indelible memories for us. While we may be reluctant to let go of worn furniture, sometimes we are left with no choice but to revamp our living space in order to breathe some new life into our home or to accommodate adjustments, such as welcoming a new baby or moving in to a new house. Creating a new look for your home does not have to involve new furniture as there are plenty of ways that you can take an old piece of furniture and give it a complete facelift. Here are three (3) of the coolest and most practical ways that you can refurbish your old and beloved furniture, as well as some tips on maintenance and upkeep.

1. Repainting wooden furniture

Wooden furniture adds a sophisticated and homely mood to any space and is a favorite of many homeowners and interior designers. One advantage of wooden furniture is how durable it is and the ease with which you can give it an overhaul to make it look like a new piece. Whether it is that television console that you have relied on for years or the dresser that has seen many summers, a simple repaint will have it looking fresh and extend its shelf life.

Tips on painting on wood:

• Sand all surfaces of the piece with sandpaper prior to slapping on the paint. This will make it easier for the paint to “stick” onto the wood.
• Use a primer as a base coat to conceal any inconsistencies on the wood. An oil-based primer is recommended for use on furniture.
• After applying the primer, sand the wooden piece a second time.
• Be sure to apply at least 3 coats of paint to ensure an even finish.

2. Reuse furniture for another purpose

Just because you bought that table to be used in the dining room, doesn’t mean that it should forever be used as such. When it comes to repurposing old furniture, the possibilities are endless! Some of the more innovative and fun ways to repurpose furniture include replacing the drawers of a dresser with racks to use as a wine holder (photo 1); making adjustments to an old keyboard to have it reused as a handy coffee table (photo 2); turning an old headboard into a lovely bench for your balcony or backyard (photo3).

Repurposing furniture is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to breathe new life into your favorite pieces. All you need is to hire a skilled carpenter to bring your new creations to fruition or you can make it a fun, educational activity and have everyone in the family help out with the repurposing.

3. Adding wallpaper to furniture

Wallpaper does not have to be limited for use on the walls of the house and can instantly make any piece of regular furniture truly pop. With a little creativity and a roll of your favorite wallpaper design, you can add a brilliant flair to your dresser, cabinet, dining table and even coffee tables.

Tips for adding wallpaper to a dresser:

• Be sure to thoroughly wipe and clean the area of your designated surface with a dust cloth. Let it dry completely.
• A brayer (small hand roller used in printmaking) will make it easier for you to have a neat and smooth overlay of the wallpaper on the surface of the furniture.

Now that you have an idea on how to refurbish things, you don’t have to worry about throwing away your old furniture when you move in to your new home in Suntrust. With a little bit of creativity and a ton of imagination, you can turn your old stuffs into hot stuffs in no time!