Keep Those Treasures – Tips to Upcycle and Repurpose Old Furniture
Do you have old things lying in storage that you simply can’t bare to part with? Items from travel, old pieces of furniture and sentimental keepsakes, all tucked away until we find a place to showcase them again.
Well if you’re looking for a little motivation or a fun side project, here are a few creative ways to repurpose and upcycle some of your favorite treasures.
Upcycle an old dresser into a stunning bench
Whether you have an old dresser in storage, need to upgrade your current dresser, or you recently found an excellent piece at the antique store, repurposing an old dresser into a bench is the perfect way to enhance your seating arrangement.
Start by removing the top of the dresser and the top drawers. What’s left? A bench! Next, add some plywood for extra seat support, a few stylish and comfortable cushions, and voilà, you’ve created extra seating for your entryway, front porch, or mud room.
The remaining drawer on the bottom functions as a bonus storage area.
Unique display shelf
When you think an object has no purpose, think again. You’d be surprised how many items can be repurposed into one-of-a-kind shelving units which are perfect for showcasing your favorite sculptures and pictures.
For example, you can add a bright coat of paint to an old stepladder to create an interesting display shelf that’s an instant eye-pleaser.
Adding a weathered finish will pair nicely with crisp white frames on the adjacent wall, lending the room a classic cottage look. Additionally, an old ladder placed on a wall also create an intriguing bookshelf.
Salvaged home office
A chic home office doesn’t always need to have to brand new items. You can create a functional and rustic desk with just a few items and a little love and attention.
Use sawhorses for the legs of the desk, place an old ladder across for sturdy framework, and top it off with a wood pallet to create a spacious workstation that is sure to create a stunning focal point with very little investment.
To complete the look, consider using an old garage storage unit with wood pallets as a back support to create industrial-style shelving for additional storage space. Fill the shelves with vintage-inspired objects, and you’ve created the ultimate chic home office.
Cabinet door mantle décor
After a remodel, we are often left with extra material. Instead of tossing the extra items in the trash consider the possibilities. After a kitchen remodel, take that leftover cabinet door and place it above on the fireplace mantel as decor.
Paint the door to match the room’s color scheme and lean it against the mantel lending this item an entirely new purpose. Finish off the look with an antique decorative plate and candles, and you’ve created a stylish and unique decorative mantel.
Bright bold focal point
Sometimes the only thing a piece of furniture needs is a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into a space. Add a fresh coat of paint in a bold color to an old end table or coffee table to create an eye-catching focal point.
A bold color creates a fun focal point to liven up any room in your home or office.
What to do with that old bathtub
Unlike upcycling, repurposing means that the original object is not modified, or very minimal modifications (i.e. re-painted). This provides a great opportunity to turn your whimsical creativity into thrifty pragmatism!
For example, you can make an intriguing and functional herb garden out of an old bath tub. Simply clad it with wood to turn the basin into a planter box, fill it with soil and plant your favorite herbs.
Not only will this create a unique enhancement for your backyard but you’ll also reap the additional benefits of fresh herbs for next meal!
From tired to stylish, anything can be revitalized with a little love. If you have a little time and a some creativity you can turn your old items into treasures.
If you don’t have the time but you want to create the look, contact the designers at Milestone and we can do the work for you!
Photos courtesy of Pinterest.