Upcycling For Beginners. How to Keep it Simple But Looking Good

If you are on a mission to declutter, downsize, and simplify your life, then upcycling could be a part of that. While you may not need all of the furniture in your life, you can make what you do have look better, rather than throwing away, especially if it is in good shape. You could always sell it in afterwards, as it will get make more money if you’ve shown it a bit of care.

If you’re new to upcycling furniture, though, you may not be sure where to start. The good news is that there are no mistakes in upcycling. There are only lessons learned that you can improve upon. So here are some ideas and tips for ways to upcycle your furniture so that you can give it a new lease of life.

*This is a collaborative post. 

Plan Ahead

You do need to plan your project ahead of time so that you know what to do and when. It can help you to make sure that you have all of the right tools and equipment in place, and so you can finish in a timely manner. There is nothing worse than wanting to complete a project but then not being able to for a while. Then it is just sat there not being used and taking up space. So plan your project so that it will get completed.

Get Creative

If you are wanting to get upcycling, then you need to get creative with what you have got. What could be considered junk, could be the next masterpiece in your home or garden. If you need new planters in your yard, think about using rain boots, for example, or an old washing machine drum. Old ladders can be made into shelving or storage too. So use your imagination and get creative with what you decide to make.

Look For Bargains

If you have been otherwise using some ‘fast’ pieces of furniture in your home (you know, those flat pack kind), then you might want to look for some sturdier pieces to use. Vintage and antique items can be much easier to upcycle as they are so much better made than more modern pieces. So look out for bargains in thrift stores and charity shops. If you found an old Grandfather clock, for example, then you may need to look for an antique clock repair store to get it working. But once you have, and have worked some magic on it (OK, sanding it and varnishing it), then you could have an amazing piece for the home.

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Match the Original Era

If you have a piece of furniture from the fifties, then when you upcycle it, it is a good idea to do so in a style similar to what it would have looked like originally. It may not look too good as modern shabby-chic dresser, for example, but could look sanded and painted to restore it back to its original glory. When you’re sympathetic to the era, it can make the pieces look so much better in the home.

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