The easiest way to add new life to your favorite furniture is with upholstery. Adding new fabric is especially helpful for reviving outdoor furniture that takes a beating. •
Remove existing cushions and measuring their dimensions for your new project.
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Depending on how old your piece is, you may want to replace the actual
cushions as well, instead of simply covering existing padding. •
Look for a new fabric that matches your décor scheme and will resist fading.
It sounds like a no-brainer, but a new coat of paint can make a world of difference for tired furniture. Try painting your favorite wood dining set for a new look, or using paint to give an updated façade to a children’s dresser. One of our favorite ideas is to spray paint metal patio furniture to add fun and color to your outdoor living space.
Stripping paint from a wood piece can also
liven up furniture. •
Invest in a quality chemical stripper.
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Use a scraper or steel wool to buff out any paint left on the surface.
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Use mineral spirits to remove any traces of the chemical stripper.
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Simply use a stain to bring out the natural vibrancy of the wood.
Wallpaper isn’t just for walls anymore! •
Use wallpaper to line the inside of closets or cabinets for a fresh and decorative look.
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Affix wallpaper or contact paper to the front of a chest of drawers or side table to add interest.
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Use a colorful contact paper, such as a design that’s
patterned or metallic, and cut out shapes like stripes or polka dots to make a fun and modern piece of furniture.
Got an area rug that’s lost fringe over the years, or a patio curtain that has a stain in just a single corner? Repurpose the fabric! After a thorough cleaning, trim away any ratty or stained sections and use the fabric as a wall hanging or in your furniture design projects. For example, try using an antique rug to upholster a old bench, or draped artfully over an antique storage trunk. This
repurposing project also gives you the excuse to hang some new custom outdoor curtains.
Card or folding tables are a great way to make a workspace just for kids, whether used for crafts or homework. The only problem? Basic card tables can look out of place in a welldesigned home. Fix up drab craft tables using paint – why not let kids get creative and add their own designs? Another option is to cover the surface of the table with wood paneling or vinyl floor tiles for a decorative look that disguises the original piece completely.
For decades, decoupage has been used in home dĂŠcor and crafts, for example, to add color to a favorite vase. Decoupage, or glued paper cutouts, can also be used on furniture. Use decoupage to cover an old table, or glue cutouts to the front of a plain armoire to add decoration.
A well-kept piece of antique furniture can be refreshed with contemporary hardware.
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Swap out tarnished or gaudy drawer pulls for modern, minimal designs like brass or chrome knobs.
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Repurpose a leather handbag to create custom drawer straps.
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Use a strand of pearls for a drawer pull in a
feminine space, or knotted twine for a more rustic feel.
Outdoor Fabrics sells outdoor draperies and porch curtains in a variety of colors and fabrics to match your home’s décor scheme. As your online Sunbrella® fabric superstore, we have exactly what you need to create the ultimate outdoor sanctuary. To learn more, visit www.outdoorfabrics.com or call 1-800-640-3539.
Summary Breathing new life into an old piece of furniture is not only an inexpensive way to update your home, it’s also fun to get creative. Simple tweaks, like updating drawer pulls or reupholstering patio furniture, can make a world of difference in your home or outdoor space.