Budget DIY
Tips for putting a little life back into your old furnishings – budget DIY
Upcycling is a great way to make use of those old and tired furnishings, giving them a whole new lease of life. There are no limits to your creativity and not only is it cost-effective, it’s sustainable too. Even the smallest little uplift can make such a difference.
The starting point is obviously to have a proper think about the furnishings you would like to upcycle and the kind of look you would like to achieve. To help you out in the process, the team at www.Hillarys.co.uk have put together some handy tips for successfully upcycling items around your home.
Preparation is key
Preparation is the first step to a successful upcycle. It is so important to plan ahead and ensure you have all of the tools and equipment you’ll need along the way. The last thing you want is to get halfway through the project, only to realise you need one more screw or a paintbrush. Remember to wipe down all of your furniture before you start to strip off the dirt and dust.
The little touches make a big difference
Whether it’s replacing a door, cupboard or perhaps drawer knobs, these simple touches will uplift your furniture and, believe it or not, make a difference to the whole room.
Why not opt for something that is unusually shaped and catches your eye or even a slightly larger knob than previously.
A lick of paint
Paint is the easiest way to breath some new life into your furniture, it can make a dramatic difference for little effort and money. A lick of paint can completely transform a dated piece of furniture into something modern, creative and stylish. Don’t be afraid to use multiple colours either and turn it into a real statement item to lift up your room.
Consider the original style
It’s great to be creative and have some fun with your design but remember to examine the room as it is. We want the upcycled furniture to be transformed but in such a way to give the room an overall more stylish look, not clash with existing furniture. This ties back in with the first tip, it’s good to plan the updates you’d like to make and map out exactly how you’d like to upcycle the furnishing.
Wax/varnish
Once you are happy with your work of art, be sure to give the furniture an even longer life by adding a layer of wax or varnish. Not only will this give your furniture an added shine, but it will protect it from knocks and fading. You’ll have a finished product that will span generations.