Repurposed Furniture: Turning Old into New and Unique
Bringing home a new decor item is always thrilling, but there’s something special about repurposing old furniture to create a one-of-a-kind piece. Not only is it affordable, but it also allows you to exercise your creative muscle and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2018, there were approximately 12 million tons of furniture and furnishings waste generated, with around 9 million tons ending up in landfills. Old furniture made of wood was the largest waste material generated in this category.
The Benefits of Repurposed Furniture
Repurposing furniture is not just about giving old items a new life; it’s also about reducing waste and promoting sustainability. “It’s doing your part to combat the climate crisis, but in a way that’s not only practical and beautiful but feel-good too,” says Whitney Frances Falk, founder and CEO of ZZ Driggs, a New York-based furniture rental service.
When you repurpose furniture, you’re not only creating a unique piece, but you’re also telling a story. “Repurposed furniture is often a DIY project, and it turns into a sentimental piece that’s a conversation starter,” Falk continues.
What is Repurposed Furniture?
Repurposed furniture is furniture given a second lease on life, whether it’s reupholstered, refinished, repainted, or redone. “Think of this makeover as more than something cosmetic for a coffee table or an old dresser, but, in some cases, a complete functional transformation,” Falk explains. For example, turning a coffee table into a huge planter or adding doors to a bookcase to create an organized kitchen pantry.
Getting Started with Repurposed Furniture
So, where do you start? The short answer is: anywhere you want. “Creativity has no limits when it comes to DIY furniture,” says Grace Baena, interiors curator for Kaiyo, a used furniture marketplace. You can start by rummaging through garage sales, thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, and swap meets or flea markets.
For beginners, Baena recommends starting with simple projects like reupholstering, painting, or staining. “There are tons of video tutorials on TikTok and Instagram to get inspiration,” she says. Wendy Smit of Wendy Smit Interiors in Nashville suggests starting by looking around your own home for items that no longer serve you, could use an update, or need a new function.
15 Stellar Repurposed Furniture Ideas
Here are 15 innovative and easy repurposed furniture ideas from upcycling experts:
- Convert a Cabinet into a Bar: Take the doors off an old cabinet, sand and paint it, and add some fun glasses and your favorite spirits.
- Transform a Dresser into a Sink Vanity: Choose a dresser that’s wide enough to accommodate your sink and faucet, and cut holes in the top and back for the water pipes.
- Powder Coat Steel Furniture: Give your rusty patio set a new life by powder coating it. This DIY project requires special tools, so it’s best to seek a professional.
- Repaint Side Tables in a Bright Color: Sand off the old paint, clean the debris, and apply two coats of bright, glossy paint.
- Update Hardware on a Dresser: Swap out old hardware for new ones that fit your aesthetic.
- Repurpose an Old Door as a Coffee Table Top: Sand down the door, apply a light blue semi-gloss paint, and attach it to a pair of affordable wood outdoor side tables as legs.
- Refinish or Stain Wood Furniture: Sand or apply a paint stripper, clean it up, and apply prestain wood conditioner and stain.
- Add Wheels to a Small Table: Attach caster wheels to a small table to turn it into a bar cart or a mobile storage unit.
- Add Fringe or Trim to Upholstered Furniture: Use contrasting colors or tone-on-tone trims to add flair to your upholstered pieces.
- Elevate Mirrors: Update a mirror frame or create a new mirror out of an old picture frame.
- Turn a Table into a Kitchen Island: Attach a butcher block to the top of a table to create a ready-made kitchen prep surface.
- Reupholster Stools in a New Fabric: Choose a new fabric and reupholster your stools to give them a fresh look.
- Change a Dresser into a Changing Table: Add a short-sided box to the top of a dresser to create a changing table.
- Slice a Coffee Table to Make a Bench: Slice a coffee table lengthwise and reposition the legs to create a bench.
- Make an Ottoman from a Low Table: Attach cushioning to the top of a low table to create a comfortable ottoman.
Tips and Tricks
- Start with simple projects and gradually move to more complex ones.
- Exercise caution when working with sharp objects or power tools.
- Measure twice, cut once to avoid mistakes.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
Repurposing furniture is not just about creating something new; it’s about giving old items a new life, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability. With these 15 stellar repurposed furniture ideas, you can get started on your next DIY project and create a unique piece that’s both beautiful and functional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is repurposed furniture?
Furniture given a second lease on life, whether it’s reupholstered, refinished, repainted, or redone.
Why is repurposing furniture beneficial?
It reduces waste, promotes sustainability, and allows you to create a unique piece.
Where can I find old furniture to repurpose?
Garage sales, thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, and swap meets or flea markets.
How do I get started with repurposed furniture?
Start with simple projects like reupholstering, painting, or staining, and seek inspiration from video tutorials.
What are some easy repurposed furniture ideas for beginners?
Repainting side tables, updating hardware on a dresser, or adding wheels to a small table.
Is repurposing furniture cost-effective?
Yes, it’s an affordable way to create a unique piece.
Do I need special tools for repurposing furniture?
Some projects may require special tools, such as powder coating steel furniture.
Can I repurpose furniture with no DIY experience?
Yes, start with simple projects and gradually move to more complex ones.
