Last Updated on 6th January 2024
If you are looking for a way to make the most of your creative vision, upcycling furniture might be the right project you can invest your time in. It’s all about breathing new life into unwanted items so that they can become more useful and valuable than before. As a result, there are many benefits of upcycling you should consider.
You will also have the chance to create something beautiful that will transform your home and help you add character to your rooms. Not only can this help the environment, but it’s also a great way to save some money and use your imagination to create something no other home has. Today we will share our top beginner tips to achieve great results with your upcycling projects with minimal effort.
Learn What Is Involved
Firstly, it’s important to understand what is involved in this process to ensure you know exactly what you are doing. For example, it may be helpful to learn the difference between recycling and upcycling. Recycling focuses on breaking down materials and using resources and energy to reform them into something new.
In comparison, upcycling doesn’t involve breaking down the materials, which makes it more energy-efficient. Instead, objects are repurposed, which increases their value and quality. This means that anyone can upcycle furniture as long as they have a bit of imagination and the right equipment.
Get Expert Help
Depending on the type of project you want to start, you may benefit from expert help. For example, you may want to focus on matching your handles, hinges, and doorsteps to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. These brass door handles from Corston can help you achieve a seamless feel in your rooms and make the most of your upcycling projects.
Corston also provides high-quality front door handles, interior door handles, and other door furniture, that make the process of upcycling much easier to complete. Their team of experts can help you unleash your creativity and achieve a timeless design.
Look Out For Items In Your Home
There are many items that you might have overlooked in your search for the perfect upcycling project. For example, you may be able to breathe new life into old mirrors and frames with a fresh coat of paint. Also, you can transform old tyres into backyard swings or flower planters.
Old wine barrels might be used to make a bar stool or a table. If you are looking for an easy introductory project, you can try transforming your dining table. You can paint the legs a different colour to get rid of the signs of wear and tear.
Shop Around For Items
Sometimes, you may need to shop around for the perfect items to repurpose. To find inspiration, you can walk around a few high-street furniture stores to see if there is anything you like, such as a nice vintage-style piece. If you want to keep your expenses low, take a look at other places, such as charity shops or car boot sales.
How much you choose to spend will depend on the quality of the item and what you plan to do with it afterwards. For example, if you are looking to sell it once it’s complete, you will need to stay on top of your finances to make a profit.
Search For Inspiration Online
When you are first starting out, it’s best to gather as much inspiration as possible, as the options are endless. Looking for inspiration online will help you find upcycling projects for beginners and get you excited to try new things.
Therefore, it may be helpful to look for upcycling ideas on social media and explore different blogs and websites that offer step-by-step guides. This will also help you gain some DIY experience and learn useful techniques and hacks.
Determine What Paint To Use
It’s important to choose the right paint for your project, but this will depend on the look you want to achieve. For example, if you are looking to create a luxury feel in your home, it may be best to go with a matte paint finish.
To ensure these results, it’s best to choose eggshell paints. If you want your surfaces to look shiny, you should go for a high-sheen finish. One of the best ways to ensure you can make the right choice is to experiment with different styles from your local DIY store.
Prepare Your Furniture
To ensure a successful makeover, it’s key to prepare your furniture well. During the initial stages of your project, a little effort can help you achieve quality results. Firstly, make sure that the surface you are going to work on is clean and free from dust, dirt, and oil.
If the object is mouldy, it’s important to use a good mould-removing product, which you will need to rub over the furniture with a soft brush. You may also want to tape any areas that you don’t want to paint to protect the item.
Get The Right Tools
Getting halfway through your upcycling project and realising that you don’t have some of the tools you need can be frustrating. Therefore, you should think about the type of equipment you will need beforehand, such as paint brushes, foam rollers, paint, varnish, a brush cleaner, and a few hand tools.
It’s important to choose a quality brush that won’t leave stray hairs on your work surface. If you lack experience, remember to be careful not to injure yourself in the process. Nevertheless, the more experienced you get at upcycling, the more tools you will have in your kit.
Try Different Techniques
You may want to try different painting techniques to get the results you want. For example, you can try whitewashing when you want to upcycle something like an old coffee table. This technique will help you retain the character of the wood without losing its natural beauty. It will help you achieve a softer look and create an airy feeling.
Another technique to try is distressing, which is easy and fast. All you need to get is some paint and sandpaper to make sure your furniture looks like it has been passed down from generation to generation.
Protect Your Work
Once you have finished any upcycling project, it’s crucial to preserve your new piece. After all, since you have put so much effort and time into reviving an old piece of furniture, you should be prepared to go above and beyond to protect it. To increase the longevity of wood, you can use wax or varnish.
If you need to get rid of any unpleasant smells that old wood might have, you can apply baking soda or simply expose the piece to fresh air for some time. As a result, your upcycled furniture can be used to make your place feel more homely and make a statement.
Take Your Time
Lastly, when you are first starting your upcycling journey, it’s possible that you may encounter some challenges along the way. However, you shouldn’t allow any mistakes to discourage you from trying again.
Most of the time, you will see that trial and error is what will help you get better and create stunning pieces of furniture. Instead of trying to impress anyone, focus on expressing your personality and perfecting your skills. Take your time to learn and appreciate your progress as you go.
