You don’t have to replace your vintage furniture simply to keep up with a modern style. Besides, purchasing new furniture can be expensive, especially if you are fond of redecorating on annual basis. So, instead of purchasing new furniture, take advantage of the ideas listed in this article to breathe new life into your vintage furniture.
Following are some top ideas to breathe new life into vintage furniture:
Give it a Good Cleaning
Sometimes restoring vintage furniture can be as easy as giving the piece a good cleaning. Use an oil-based commercial wood cleaner to cut through the layers of wax and dirt on the surface of your vintage furniture. If the furniture is not brought back to its original lustre via wood cleaner, then switch to a solution of liquid detergent and warm water. Apply the mixture with a cloth but make sure the wood does not get too wet. Rinse the area thoroughly and dry with a clean, soft cloth to avoid potential water damage to the wood. Solvent cleaning is another solution you can take advantage of if neither of these methods cleans your vintage furniture. This solvent might be denatured alcohol, turpentine, or mineral spirits.
Stain, Repaint, or Reupholster
For furniture items such as shelving, drawers, wardrobes, or even wooden chairs, a new coat of paint is often all that is needed to transform old-looking pieces into exciting and fresh pieces of furniture. Repainting is one of the easiest ways to breathe new life into vintage furniture. Wood furniture isn’t the only furniture type you can paint – you can get paints specially made for other furniture materials as well, such as laminate, metal, and even fabric. Another way you can breathe new life into vintage furniture is by having it reupholstered. If a piece of furniture has faded fabric, stained fabric, or ripped fabric, then reupholstering is the perfect option. It is recommended that you find a carpenter for such purposes.
Repurpose and Upcycle
Repurposing and upcycling are all about transforming the vintage furniture and making it into something new. For example, you can upcycle a vintage item such as a suitcase and reinvent it as a table. You can use modern and retro pieces to decorate the vintage furniture and give it a personalized look. Combining vintage and modern elements can breathe new life into your space. You can find the decorative pieces for vintage furniture in posh antique shops and thrift stores. Furthermore, you can have custom-made pieces to suit your preferences and needs as well.
Donate
When it comes to vintage furniture, not all pieces are meant to stay in your home forever. If you are thinking about upgrading your furniture and can afford the new pieces, then consider donating your vintage furniture. Someone else might still want it and by donating the vintage furniture to that specific someone, you will give it a second lease on life. There are a number of charities and nonprofit organizations that will gladly take furniture donations.
All in all, there are many different ways to breathe new life into vintage furniture. Cleaning, staining, repainting, or upcycling can all transform the furniture and make it look as good as new once again. Then, you can also find a carpenter, who can help to transform your vintage furniture into a custom piece you’re sure to love.
