Upcycling refers to the practice of “repurposing old, broken, and wasted furniture.” It’s a cost-effective and sustainable option at a time when climate change and environmental degradation are among the most pressing issues faced by the world.
You can reduce waste considerably by reusing old and broken furniture. Lesser waste will certainly have a positive impact on the environment. Besides, if upcycling picks up as a trend, the demand for new furniture will go down. This will impact the number of trees that are cut down every year. Thus, you are reducing waste through upcycling and recycling and also indirectly playing a role in preserving our planet’s already scarce forest cover. So when asking how to upcycle furniture, there are some tips that will make it easier to do.
How to Upcycle Furniture? Follow These Tips
The great thing about upcycling furniture is that there are no mistakes – only lessons. You can let your creativity run wild and free too!
Here are some useful tips for upcycling residential furniture.
Preparation is Key
To start, you need to be well prepared. Get the right tools (paintbrushes, hammers, saws, drill, etc.) and materials (paints, furniture polish, glue, nails, hinges, etc.) in place.
Give Everything a Wipe Down
Dust all the furniture before commencing work. Since you’ll be working with old and previously discarded items, there will probably be thick layers of dirt all over them. Besides, you don’t want an old cobweb sticking to your brand new paintbrush!
Relax and Keep It Simple
We’ve all been guilty of rushing things in our excitement and eagerness to get something done. So, relax and try not to let your enthusiasm get the better of you. Keep it simple and give yourself adequate time to build something the way you want.
Be Imaginative but Realistic
Upcycling furniture is about getting your creative juices flowing and creating something unique with your own hands. So, don’t be afraid to let your vivid imagination guide you. At the same time, be realistic about what is and isn’t possible. This is because you’re likely to have a limited skill set, unless you’ve been into DIY homecare since birth!
