Replacing furniture is expensive, but you can revive your current furniture for a fraction of the cost.
Whether your furniture is outdated or you just like changing your décor regularly, refreshing your current furniture or a garage-sale find is a great way to get an updated look.
Painting furniture
One of the easiest ways to update a piece of furniture is by painting it. Painted furniture isn’t limited to wood furniture; you can update metal, wicker and even upholstery with paint.
Painting furniture lets you personalize any piece you own to match your style perfectly. Add a funky design or go with a classic antiqued look.
A simple new coat of paint can update an old, damaged piece of furniture. (Photo courtesy of Ursula Carmona/Homemade by Carmona)
Best paint for furniture
The furniture you are updating will determine the paint you use.
• Stain – Wood stains are an ever-popular choice to update furniture and come in a variety of hues, from cherry red to dark espresso. Stains are best on wood surfaces.
• Spray paint – Spray paint is a great option for furniture with details or lots of curves, nooks and crannies. You can choose various colors and finishes, include matte, satin or metallic finishes. Spray paint is great for various materials, such as metal, wicker or wood.
• Chalk paint – Chalk paint is becoming increasingly popular. Very little prep work is required, and chalk paint (plus a finishing wax) gives furniture a nice antique look. True to its name, chalk paint provides a matte, chalky finish on your furniture, and it comes in a variety of colors.
• Latex – You can buy latex paint in a wide variety of colors from many hardware stores, allowing you to choose a vibrant color or a specific shade. Latex paints offer a variety of finishes, from a shiny satin to a flat matte.
• Acrylic – Acrylics are available at craft stores and work for many different pieces of furniture, making it an almost universal option.
• Fabric medium – Fabric medium is mixed with an acrylic or latex paint for painting upholstered furniture.
When deciding between paint, make sure you consider the final look you are going for, the amount of work you’re willing to put into the piece, and the material you are working with.
Slipcovers are a simple, fast way to refresh any furniture. You can switch colors and patterns for the season, or simply choose a new neutral color to hide an outdated floral or plaid piece of furniture.
If you feel up to the task, you can try making your own slipcovers to match your home’s décor and your furniture’s specifications. Otherwise, you can buy a slipcover that ties on, snaps on or has an elastic band.
Slipcovers allow you to change the color of your comfiest couch. (Photo by Summer Galyan)
Reupholstering
Reupholstering furniture is a bit more expensive than painting, but it’s much cheaper than buying a new chair or couch.
By reupholstering that ugly wingback chair, you can choose the fabric you want, add some updated elements like tufting or nail-head trim, and make sure you have the exact look you want.
Some furniture may be sturdy, but otherwise unattractive. (Photo courtesy of Rebekah Dempsey/A Blissful Nest)
Updated, trendy drawer knobs and new paint add some glamour to otherwise out-dated furniture. (Photo courtesy of Rebekah Dempsey/A Blissful Nest)
Accessorize furniture
Some old furniture just needs a bit of a touch-up to give it a fresh look.
• Swap old handles and pulls for updated pieces
• Paint outdated gold handles and hinges
• Add a nail head trim to the arms or backs of chairs and couches
• Use peel-and-stick contact paper or wallpaper in your favorite colors and patterns to accent the back of a bookshelf or the insides of drawers
• Recover pillows and cushions on couches and chairs, or buy new ones
These simple furniture updates can give your favorite pieces new life without breaking the bank.