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Upcycling furniture is a fantastic way to give your home a new lease of life, add personality, reducing waste and creating an item that is truly unique.
However experienced you are, you'll find great tips and inspiration in this article. Don't be afraid to embrace your inner DIY enthusiast. Upcycling is about experimentation, creativity, and having fun.
If you're new to upcycling, my top tip would be ‘don't be afraid’! It's only paint after all, and you can always change it if you don't like it. It’s a good idea to start with a small project, like a lamp base or a bedside table – not only is this fairly quick and easy but it’s a good way to build your confidence.
Remember, proper prep is key to achieving a professional-looking finish. Clean and sand your furniture thoroughly before painting, and don't forget to protect your floors and surfaces. It doesn’t have to be hard work either, detailing sanders are reasonably priced online.
When you’re deciding on the colour that’s right for your furniture, consider the overall style of the room and the atmosphere you want to create. Draw inspiration from your existing décor, selecting a paint colour that complements your blinds, curtains, rug, or artwork.
Don't forget to consider how natural light affects the paint colour. See where the morning and evening light falls in the room and how it changes the appearance of the colour. Testing your paint swatches in different lights can help you make the right choice.
For modern, minimalist spaces, I would suggest muted neutrals to maintain a calm and relaxing feel. Calming sea-greens, earthy browns, and soft, sandy tones they help to create a sense of peace and tranquility, perfect for a restorative space.
If your home has a more eclectic or vintage vibe, embrace the depth and drama of rich jewel tones. A deep ruby like Frenchic Rubina will add a pop of personality to your living room or bedroom. While a rich green will help bring the outdoors in.
There’s also a shift towards richer and deeper tones for natural wood. Warm walnut and dark maple are popular choices; a coat of clear wax will not only protect your furniture but also enhance its patina.
If you're looking to add new pieces to your furniture collection, consider buying second-hand. Local charity shops, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace are treasure troves of vintage furniture, often at a fraction of the price of new pieces, and of course they’ll be completely transformed with a lick of paint.
If you’re planning to paint multiple pieces of furniture in one room, think about creating a sense of flow and harmony. One technique I love is tonal drenching, where you use variations of the same shade on different pieces. You can even extend the colour palette by painting the skirting boards, windows, and doors in similar tones.
For a more subtle approach, try double drenching, painting your furniture the exact same colour as your walls for a cohesive and immersive feel.
Beyond colour, there are endless ways to add a unique touch to your furniture. I love creating stripes with painter's tape for a bold and graphic look. Contrasting colours like red and cream are a fantastic combination for this. Frenchic also offers a range of decorative stencils and metallic finishes to add a touch of glamour.
Take a look at more inspiration and ideas for your home transformation
We’ve got blinds, curtains and shutter to transform your home into a pink paradise
Ready to take a leap into bold colour? Follow these tips for decorating with daring colour and striking pattern.
Refreshing ideas for working with a range of neutral hues
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