The word ‘upcycle’ seems to be thrown around more and more these days, but what is it actually about? Essentially it’s when you take something old and remake it so it has a better quality - either practically or aesthetically. Lots of people are doing this with furniture. But why should you start thinking about trying it, and how can you go about doing it?

Sanding

Let’s look at how you can upcycle your furniture. Sanding is an important step to follow, even though it can be daunting. You need to ensure you’ve got the right tools for the job. Getting the right sander can help give you just the right finish. Some people prefer to sand by hand when it comes to upcycling, but you need to pick what’s right for you. There are lots of sanding tips online. So if you’re unsure which method to do, or where to even start, be sure to do your research before taking on a task.

Painting

If you don’t feel too confident with your DIY skills, painting can be a great way to ease you into the world of upcycling. Look around your home for inspiration: what colours do you like and how can the piece fit in the room? Painting a piece of furniture, for example, painting it with metallic paints will give it a glam look and a multi-dimensional finish. You can use metallic paint sprays for ease and even coat Eggshell, milk, and chalk paints are most commonly used with old furniture. Make sure to practise before attempting your piece. For a final flourish, you could swap out the doorknobs and handles to complete the look.

Help Environment

So you’ve had some ideas on how to upcycle, but why should you do it? We are living in a time where people are buying so much stuff. Upcycling is a simple solution which can help part of a bigger problem. Instead of feeding into the cycle of chucking something away and replacing it - why not try and reuse your furniture? It reduces waste, as well as the need for new materials. Plus, upcycling can save you money, so it’s a win-win.

Have Fun

Upcycling can help the planet, and you can have fun while you do it. It gives you a chance to get away from a screen and enjoy a creative project. You can make a piece of furniture that is so uniquely yours and truly reflects your tastes. Upcycling lets you be as imaginative as you like. The more you do it, the better you’ll get and you might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of creating.

Transforming old furniture comes with lots of benefits: from improving your DIY skills to helping the environment. You could potentially discover your new favourite hobby. Do you have any upcycling ideas?