Are you tired of looking at the same old furniture day in and day out? If your home needs a makeover, but you don’t have the budget to buy new furniture, consider taking on some do-it-yourself furniture restoration projects. With a little elbow grease and the right supplies, you can transform your tired old furniture into something that looks brand new. Here are three restoration projects that you can do to your home furniture:
Restore an Old Dresser
If you have an old dresser that’s seen better days, consider fixing it. Start by stripping off the old paint or stain with a paint stripper. Once the dresser is stripped down to the bare wood, you can decide whether to repaint it, restain it, or leave it natural. If you decide to repaint the dresser, choose a high-quality paint that will hold up well to wear and tear.
You can use paint such as enamel or lacquer that is made for furniture. If you decide to restain the dresser, choose a high-quality stain and polyurethane combination to protect the wood from scratches and wear. When you’re finished restoring the dresser, make sure to add some new knobs or handles for a fresh look.
An old dresser can also be turned into a multi-function piece of furniture. Add shelves instead of drawers and use them as storage units or display shelves. If you want extra seating, you can also repurpose the dresser into a bench by adding a cushion. Or you can overhaul it entirely by turning it into an entryway table or TV stand.
Refinish a Wooden Table
Another great furniture restoration project is refinishing a wooden table. This project is a bit more involved than restoring a dresser, but it’s still relatively easy to do yourself. Start by sanding down the table to remove any old stains or finish. Once the table is sanded smooth, you can apply a new stain or finish. If you choose a stained finish, choose a stain that compliments the rest of your home’s décor. Once the table is stained, add several coats of polyurethane to protect the finish.
You can also powder-coat wood for a more durable finish. Powder coating is a process that involves sandblasting the wood, applying a powder to the surface, and then baking it, resulting in a durable finish for your wooden table. Since wood is not naturally conductive, the coating may be a bit tricky. First, test the part with a proper ground detector before applying powder. Here’s what you need to know before applying it to your wooden table:
- Before powder-coating your whole table, test it on a small area first. This way, you can ensure you’re happy with the look and finish before moving forward.
- Before you powder-coat your product, use a ground detector to ensure it is properly grounded.
- If the part is not registering as grounded after you’ve attached a grounding cable, improve its conductivity so that it will ground properly.
You can also add drawers or shelves underneath the table for storage purposes. Or, to make it more functional, you can use a sliding tabletop that looks floating above the base of the table.
Recover an Upholstered Chair
If you have an upholstered chair starting to show its age, consider recovering it with new fabric. This project is fairly simple and only requires basic sewing skills. Start by removing the old fabric from the chair using a screwdriver or upholstery stapler. Once the old fabric is removed, measure and cut the new fabric according to the size of the chair seat. Attach the new fabric to the chair frame using an upholstery tacker or sewing machine. And that’s it! You’ll have a new-looking chair in just a few hours without spending much money. You can choose from the following fabrics:
- Cotton: Cotton fabrics provide a soft and comfortable feel, making them ideal for chairs that will be used often
- Leather: This is more durable than cotton and provides a luxurious look and feel. But it can be more expensive.
- Velvet: Velvet fabrics are rich in color and texture, offering a luxurious feel to any room. But they can be more difficult to clean and maintain
- Linen: Linen fabrics are lightweight and airy, making them perfect for a relaxed look. Plus, they’re easy to clean and maintain.
- Vinyl: Vinyl fabric is waterproof and stain-resistant, making it ideal for used chairs. It can also come in various colors and patterns to suit any décor style.
Depending on the size of the chair and the amount of fabric used, recovering a chair can take a few hours to a couple of days. But it’s worth it for the new look you get in return!
Once you’ve finished your project, step back and admire your handiwork. Not only have you saved money by taking on the project yourself, but you’ve also spiced up your home décor with a unique furniture piece that no one else will have. With basic tools, a little knowledge, and creativity, you can easily add something special to your home.
