Antique furniture restoration has become a huge hit. Some love the charm that mass-produced furniture lacks. Others want to save some money by shopping at their local thrift store. And let’s not forget that it is an amusing treasure hunt. No matter your reason, there are so many antique furniture restoration ideas out there. I share some fantastic examples from which you can grab your inspiration!
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Any mid-century modern piece you find at the thrift store is a valuable treasure. I really love that you can find them in so many styles. Its vintage charm becomes the main focal point in this boho-chic home office. The slender legs and neutral color make it the perfect fit for this space.
Photo by Catherina Schürmann on Unsplash
Mixing the old and the new is the secret designer formula to add character to your home. And this curated TV unit is the perfect example of style. The vintage piece is finished with a proper stain in a warm tone to preserve its charm. The wall gallery and plant help anchor it, creating an accent feature in the living room.
Photo by Catherina Schürmann on Unsplash
The retro cabinet gets a modern makeover, becoming the perfect side table for the living room. And it really fits the retro color scheme. All those warm colors fit the story of creating a space that speaks of its owner.
Photo by Catherina Schürmann on Unsplash
A warm tone dress with clean lines and slender legs is like a chameleon in the designer world. You can literally blend it in any style and color scheme. And I have fallen in love with this charming boho corner! The leaning photography adds a personal touch to the whole arrangement. And the abundance of greenery brings the much needed freshness. Anchored with wall art and styled with the precious keepsakes, this piece perfectly fits the puzzle.
Photo by Catherina Schürmann on Unsplash
Just because a piece shows signs of wear and tear it doesn’t have to mean it is bad. This means that the item was well loved, and the scuffs and scratches add special charm. And this retro chair is a unique find. If you happen to spot one in your thrift store, don’t hesitate to grab it. All it needs is reupholstering and a bit of stain to restore its shine.
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Sometimes, you don’t even need to go to the store. Check your relative’s inventory and see what you can find there. Maybe Grandma’s chair would be the perfect fit for your living space! The retro design in this photo, completed by the sleek lines of the sofa, creates a playful story.
Going second hand shopping? I want you to consider one thing before you commit to that gorgeous piece. Take some time to find out if the purchase pays off or not. Some furniture restoration ideas might end up being too costly. Not every upcycle is cheap! Research a little bit about the prices for refinishing and reupholstering services. Or, be the DIY hero and do it from scratch to save some bucks.
Did you fall in love with that cute chair, but the smell deters you? In that case, it would be better to let it go. Unpleasant odors are difficult to get rid of. Even if you do your best and find out all the odor-removal hacks. And I know that you might think about reupholstering the piece. But remember that the filing itself absorbs the odors as well.
Also, I recommend you skip:
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Furniture restoration pros would advise you to keep the natural color if possible. Adding some stain will restore its shine. But in some cases, adding a fresh coat of paint is a must. The wood damage might be extensive and a simple stain won’t do the job. In such cases, you can go forward and strip the finish before painting.
And yes, if the furniture doesn’t fit your current color scheme, you can always paint it. You can see how these old nightstands were damaged. Plus, their warm color wasn’t the perfect fit for what the owner had planned. The top is refinished with a darker stain. On the other hand, the nightstand is refreshed with a modern gray. With this, it becomes a great fit for contemporary styles.
Switching the hardware is one of the simple steps to give your furniture a makeover. These show signs of wear and tear, so a new set would be appreciated. The chest of drawers comes in a rich deep green tone. The brass handles complement the luxury vibes, resulting in a high end lok.
Only real thrifting enthusiasts will spot the potential in this piece. With a little bit of love, the bar cart restores its previous shine. With some styling, it becomes a main focal point in the living room.
One of the tips I would give to thrifting beginners is always seeing the piece in person. Youmght have spotted an excellent find at facebook marketplace. But the photos might sugarcoat the current condition. Therefore, be sure to see it in person before buying.
With antique furniture restoration, you are free to use your imagination. If you’re creative enough you can find new uses for ordinary items. This antique ice box becomes a unique bathroom vanity. The designer completed this project within two days, which is very impressive. And the fresh color makes it stand out. If you are wondering about the name of the paint, you will find it here: Grape Green by Benjamin Moore.
