Whether you’re decorating with paint or creating innovative new pieces, repurposing old furniture is an eco-friendly way to breathe new life into your home decor. Try turning a dresser into a kitchen island or converting a ladder into a bookshelf.
While almost any type of furniture can be repurposed, some items are ideal candidates. Turn those forgotten tables in your basement into chic centerpieces or reimagine that crib into a bench.
1. Repurpose a Dresser
A dresser can be a stylish addition to any room, and the options for repurposing them are endless. Whether you have an antique or vintage piece or a modern-style one, with the right paint color and a few embellishments, it can become an eye-catching focal point.
A tall dresser can make a nice TV stand, and the drawers can be used to hold baskets to store DVDs and video games. Melissa from Number 2 Pencil painted this dresser a cheery yellow, and she added unique knobs to complement her decor.
A simple stencil can give a dresser a whole new look. DeDe from Designed Decor used a leaf stencil to decorate the drawer fronts of this old dresser. Removing the drawers allows you to install shelves for open storage. My Repurposed Life’s Gail sawed this dresser in two and turned it into a LEGO-inspired table for kids.
2. Repurpose a Bed
Whether it’s called revamping; upcycling; reclaiming or reimagining, it’s an eco-friendly way to give your furniture a new lease of life. And it’s pretty simple too. All you need is a little bit of creativity, and of course some great DIY ideas.
A pair of bedside tables can go from boring to beautiful with just a quick coat of paint. Ideal Home Editor Heather Young did just that with her bedroom set, turning it into a vision in on-trend Dusky Blush pink.
Repurpose a divan bed’s frame to make an eye-catching garden bench. Just remove the headboard and footboard, sand the frame and paint it in weather-resistant paint. Add a comfortable cushion and you’ll have the perfect place to relax in your garden. Alternatively, use an old foam mattress to create a cosy pet bed.
3. Repurpose a Cabinet
The key to successful upcycling is seeing potential in the mundane. Old wooden tables that would otherwise be discarded can become chic central pieces for living rooms with a little modification. Textiles like bed sheets and vintage scarves can be turned into stylish throw pillows, reducing waste while supporting sustainable shopping habits.
Cabinet doors make a great base for wall decor, simply sanding and adding paint or stenciling a favorite saying to create a piece of art. They can also be used as mail holders or apply chalkboard paint to hold reminder notes. Other ideas include turning cabinets into entertainment centers, desks or even playhouses for kids. They can even be moved into the garage or basement as a workspace or storage area for holiday decorations and yard work tools.
4. Repurpose a Headboard
Whether you have a collection of old frames lying around or you come across a quaint crib at a flea market, it’s easy to turn a piece of furniture into a unique home decor item. This rustic wooden headboard by My Repurposed Life makes an excellent wall hanging that can be personalized with names, pictures and other decorations.
The best part about this DIY upcycling project is that it keeps old furniture out of the landfill and gives new life to items that may otherwise be thrown away. Plus, it’s a fun and economical way to express your personal style. Other great DIY upcycling ideas include painting furniture a fresh color, replacing hardware and adding new upholstery to old chairs. These projects are perfect for anyone with a bit of creativity and basic materials.
5. Repurpose a Table
If you have an old table that is no longer in use, sand it down and paint or stain it for a new look. This can be an easy way to give your home a natural and rustic feel that will impress guests.
Another option is to turn the top of a table into a chalkboard surface and add a chalk holder for easy use. This is a great idea for those who work from home or need a dedicated workspace for crafts and hobbies.
One of the most popular and easiest ways to repurpose old furniture is by repainting it. You can choose from a variety of colors and styles that will match your decor. Stencils are also a great option for changing the look of classic pieces.
