Upcycling Furniture: Give Old Pieces a Fresh Start

Look around your home for furniture with a useful shape and sturdy construction. A side table might provide a spot for a lamp, while a dresser could add storage to a bedroom or hallway. Shelves, chairs, and small cabinets can also be worth refreshing when they fit the space you have.

Before choosing a color or buying supplies, inspect the piece. Gently check whether joints move, drawers slide, and legs sit evenly on the floor. Look for damaged surfaces, loose hardware, and signs that the item may need more than a cosmetic update.

Set aside furniture with major structural damage until it can be assessed or repaired safely. A fresh finish cannot make an unstable chair safe to sit on or turn a weak shelf into reliable storage.

Keeping a useful item in service can also reduce waste. The EPA’s reducing and reusing guidance explains how reuse helps conserve resources and keeps materials out of the waste stream.

Match the project to your room, your time and the piece’s condition. Changing dresser handles may be simpler than refinishing the whole piece; measure the existing handle spacing before buying replacements.

For a side table, cleaning and refinishing the surface may be enough. You could update a removable chair cushion if the frame is sound, or repaint a stable bookshelf and secure it appropriately for its location.

Choose materials and finishes suited to the furniture’s intended use. Leave enough clearance for drawers, doors and walkways.

Measure the furniture and its intended spot, then list the tools and materials you need. Clean the surface and test your chosen finish in an inconspicuous area.

Follow product instructions for preparation, ventilation, protective equipment, application and drying. Protect nearby surfaces, keep children and pets away from supplies, and let the finish cure as directed before using the piece.

Take care with older coatings. If paint may contain lead, do not sand or strip it before consulting appropriate safety guidance. Disturbing it can create hazardous dust; the EPA’s lead renovation guidance can help you learn about lead-safe practices and qualified help.

Our Turn Old Pieces Into Furniture You’ll Love Again is a downloadable guide for DIY furniture makeover inspiration. It’s a starting point if you want to give an existing piece a fresh role in your home.

Consider whether you want inspiration for a manageable project before deciding if the guide is right for you. Start with a piece that meets a real need, and save more involved changes for later.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating explore our upcycling furniture guide.

Place your refreshed furniture where it solves an everyday problem. A small table can hold a reading lamp beside a chair, and a dresser can keep frequently used linens together. Leave room to move around the piece and use its drawers or doors comfortably.

Care for the finish according to its instructions, and store suitable leftover materials for future projects. If your refreshed dresser inspires a wardrobe update, our Women’s Wide-Leg Drawstring Pants are another option to explore. Our team likes the idea of making both furniture and the items you keep in it work for your daily routine.