If you’ve been feeling like you need a major home makeover, don’t fret because it doesn’t have to break the bank. Shopping for second-hand furniture is a great way to spruce up your home and to make it look amazing. Not only is it more cost-effective than buying brand new pieces, it’s a great form of recycling as well. So if you want to inject life into your home on a budget, here’s how to use second-hand furniture to do it.
Start by deciding what furniture pieces you’d like to purchase. Set yourself a budget and focus on items that are important to you, like a cosy and comfortable sofa for your living room, a dining set to seat your family, or a bed and other bedroom pieces. Think about how the pieces will fit in with the rest of your home, or whether you want to buy integral furniture like a fridge or washing machine.
Now get up and get shopping! Check out your local flea markets, auctions, or search through online classified sites. Before making any purchases, check that the furniture is in good condition. Make sure joints are stable, fabrics free of rips or tears, and wooden surfaces aren’t warped or cracked. Don’t be afraid to barter for better prices – if you’re a savvy negotiator, you’re sure to get a bargain.
Once you have your pieces of furniture, you’ll need to think of ways to restore them if they need a bit of TLC. If the fabric on a sofa, armchair, or headboard is in good condition, you can give it a fresh look by simply re-covering it. You could go bold with a new design, or choose something subtle and understated. Alternatively, look into getting broken furniture repaired, like a chair with an unstable leg or a wardrobe with a broken hinge.
If your hardware needs replacing, check out antique stores for cheaper replacements compared to buying them new. A set of vintage-style handles or a unique coat hook will instantly give your furniture an eerie, vintage style. Or if you have a flair for craftsmanship, why not make your own hardware? You could even upcycle little trinkets into replacement pulls and knobs.
When it comes to making your furniture look good, get creative. You don’t have to buy expensive new pieces if there’s an inexpensive way to achieve a stunning effect. Refresh your furniture with a light sand and a colour wash, for instance, or repaint to give your bedroom suite a new look. Similarly, a dust-off and some furniture polish turn your old mahogany chest of drawers into a fabulous statement piece.
If you want to inject life into your home, consider using second-hand furniture. Through smart shopping and a bit of elbow grease, you can get the look you’ve always wanted while saving time, energy, and money to boot.
Team up antique furniture with modern artwork and furnishings. Antique furniture infuses nostalgia with its classic carvings, burnished woods and rustic patina. But too much antique furniture can easily create a stuffy and outdated look. Instead of crowding your living space with an eclectic jumble of furniture in different styles, invest in one statement feature that will bridge the gap between old and new.
Update furniture pieces with a bright colour. When it comes to furniture, there’s no need to stay confined to neutral shades. Paint or spray-paint your furniture pieces to make them stand out. Depending on your scheme, you can incorporate a bright accent piece like a hot pink armchair, or go all out with a pastel-coloured wardrobe.
Twist second-hand furniture pieces with elements of classical design. Classical elements like oyster veneer, moulded edges, and deep mahogany can infuse a sense of sophistication and style into any home. Use antique pieces as anchors, and enhance them with modern artwork or bouquets of fresh flowers.
Work with second-hand furniture to craft a divine outdoor space. It’s amazing how just a handful of furniture pieces can transform any outdoor living space. Tired garden furniture can easily be dressed up with a few coats of paint or by re-covering with fabric if your pieces are in good condition. If not, why not visit your local flea market or garage sale for pieces that can be restored and repurposed.
Personalize furniture items for a fun and original look. People often use clear wax to coat distressed furniture pieces and give them a unique vintage style. Alternatively, why not DIY some drawers and shelves? You can use tin sheets, colorful fabric designs and wallpaper prints to inject some personality into a piece of furniture that has otherwise been sitting around collecting dust.
Be creative with furniture upcycling. Upcycling furniture could mean anything from repainting a dresser to turning a high chair into a storage rack. With a bit of imagination, virtually any item of furniture can be tweaked to fit in with your style. What’s more, turning trash into treasure also helps keep your carbon footprint low.
Don’t be afraid to mix prints to give your furniture a unique twist. Neutral furnishings and walls can let a patterned fabric shine. The use of chevrons, stripes, vintage prints and colours, and abstract shapes can all be combined to create a unique patchwork of fabrics on a vintage armchair or sofa. Not only will this add a touch of drama to your room, but you’ll also have something that nobody else has.
Reimagine your furniture with a thoughtful upgrade. Give a tired piece of furniture a total transformation with chalk paint. You can choose any colour in the world, and voila, you have a shiny new piece of furniture! Add a coat of wax afterwards as a sealant, and you’ll ensure your furniture can endure years of wear and tear.
Create your own statement hallway piece. Hallways are one of the busiest places in the house, and yet, they often go forgotten when it comes to design. Why not give it an upgrade by hanging a decorative mirror or an interesting piece of artwork? Don’t be afraid to use color here. Warm, muted tones like mustard yellow, dusty pink and taupe make for an inviting entrance and an opportunity to show off your style.