Go eco-friendly - how to give a second life to old furniture and refresh your interior?

22.02.2024

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Go eco-friendly - how to give a second life to old furniture and refresh your interior?

Feeling bored with the decor of your apartment, or perhaps, with the upcoming spring, you're in need of a breath of fresh air? Your neighbors, parents, or friends are getting rid of an old dresser that caught your eye, but doesn't quite fit your interior? Don't give up, don't discard - we'll guide you on how to give furniture and accessories a second life.

Paint the furniture

Wooden chairs, dressers, bed frames love to be paired with paints.
This will require preparation and time commitment, but it will give your space a completely different, new dimension.

First, pay attention to choosing the right type of paint.
Acrylic and latex paints are the most versatile and easy to use; you can paint wood, metal, and most plastics with them.
Oil-based and varnish paints require more preparation and very good ventilation during application and drying, as they emit a strong odor and a lot of fumes.
Chalk paints are an interesting option, giving furniture a rustic and retro look.

Remember to prepare the surface before starting to paint.
Wash the furniture thoroughly, preferably with a solution containing alcohol.
Some surfaces may require gentle sanding with sandpaper to increase paint adhesion.

Applying the paint itself is not the end - pay attention to the proper drying conditions.
Leave the furniture on the balcony or in a well-ventilated room.

It's best to choose this treatment in spring, summer, or early autumn when the air outside is warm and not too humid.

Buy the right brushes, don't forget about the smaller one, especially for hard-to-reach places, and a roller that will work well for painting the fronts or sides of the cabinet.

Don't forget to protect the surface on which the painted furniture will stand - cover the floor with a thick painter's plastic, cardboard, or newspapers.

Most Novisa Development homes have a garden - it's the perfect place for creative activities, painting, or tinkering.

Cover furniture with veneer

In addition to painting, you can also give your cabinets a new look with veneer.
This is easier than painting because you don't have to prepare and protect the workspace extensively - working with veneer is cleaner.

First, measure all the surfaces of the furniture you will be covering with veneer, keeping in mind that the veneer must always be cut lengthwise, so you'll need more material than the combined surface of all the walls, sides, and countertops.
You will always have some scraps left.

For cutting, you can use an upholstery or wallpaper knife.
Remember to place OSB board, furniture board, or a regular board underneath to avoid damaging the floor!

Replace the upholstery

Replacing the upholstery of a sofa or a large armchair can be quite costly, but it is still a more cost-effective (and, above all, eco-friendly) option than buying new furniture.

There are many upholstery workshops in the market that will diligently and professionally handle the renovation of your furniture.
In addition to replacing the outer fabric, they will assess the condition of the foam and frame, ensuring that the restored furniture will serve you well.

For smaller, simple-shaped furniture (e.g., ottomans, footstools), you can replace the upholstery yourself.
Simply remove the old upholstery, usually attached with metal staples to the wooden frame, and attach the new fabric in the same way.
Remember to stretch the material tightly and evenly and create neat folds around protrusions and folds.
Use a wood stapler to secure the fabric to the frame.

If upholstery seems too abstract for you and the current upholstery is not damaged, consider painting.
Special fabric paints are available on the market designed as an alternative to upholstery.
The principles are the same as painting furniture - remember to prepare your workspace to avoid staining the floor or grass in the garden, choose the right paint and brushes, and provide suitable drying conditions for the furniture.

Small changes

Sometimes, you need a change and a sense of refreshing your environment, but you're not ready for a renovation, furniture painting, or applying veneer.
No worries, small changes can also bring joy!

Replacing handles on a wardrobe, dresser, or kitchen cabinets is relatively inexpensive and straightforward, instantly giving them a new character.
All you need is a tape measure and the right screwdriver.

Before heading out to shop, measure the distance between the holes where the handles are attached and take note of how many screws secure your current "handles" so that you can choose the right model in the store.

Changing curtains, pillow covers on the sofa, or seat covers on chairs is also a fairly inexpensive and easy way to add a new character to your interior.

Change your attitude

Don't be ashamed to buy second-hand furniture - they are true treasures!
Especially if you know how to refresh them or match them to the decor of your own home.

Our neighborhoods often have their own groups and forums where residents can exchange not only organizational information but also furniture or accessories.

Such items are original, unique, and have an additional tremendous value - the effort you put into adapting them to your own needs and requirements.