What is Upcycling?
There’s a difference between a full DIY and an upcycled project. Upcycling is a type of DIY, but instead of starting with new materials, upcycling transforms an existing item. Projects range from refinishing a furniture piece in a modern and stylish way, to changing the way the item is used. A fun example would be turning an old ladder into an outdoor planter or converting a dresser into a mini bar.
If you’re new to DIY, here are eight upcycling ideas to get you started:
1. Test the Sturdiness of Vintage Items.
Sometimes a chair or table is worth fixing, other times it’s too old or damaged to salvage. Check the integrity of the wood. If it’s rotted, deeply water damaged or the hardware holding the piece together is too old or rusty to support the weight for its new purpose, it might be too far gone to upcycle. For upholstered pieces, do a sit test, which is exactly what it sounds like. Sit in the furniture to see if the seat supports your weight and feels sound overall. Wobbling or creaking aren’t good signs. You can fix surface flaws with new fabric, but it’s harder and more costly to address structural issues like bad springs or a broken wood frame. Be realistic about what fixes you can or can’t make yourself.
2. Understand That All Materials Aren’t Created Equal.
Unfortunately, laminated surfaces and particle board are challenging to refinish and repaint. Affordable pieces of furniture are often made of these materials. Vintage furniture or accessories made of solid wood and metal offer more creative opportunities. Before you begin, know what material you’re working with so you can create your plan around that information.
3. Removable Wallpaper is Transformative.
Removable wallpaper isn’t just for walls. It lends color and pattern to any flat surface so it’s a quick and easy upcycling shortcut. Sticking wallpaper to drawer fronts on a dresser or on the back of your shelves takes less time than painting and you can swap it out as your style evolves. Make sure the surface you want to stick the wallpaper on is clean and dry. Then measure and cut your shape. It’s better to over-measure, factoring in an extra 10 percent, than not have enough wallpaper. Use a utility knife to trim the excess. A clever trick to remove bubbles under the paper? Use a credit or old gift card to work them out to the edge of the paper.
4. Add Decorative Moulding.
Ornamental moulding adds architectural details that upgrade a piece of plain furniture. Attach trim or an applique to create custom detail. Use flexible adhesive to seal the gap between the moulding and the wood piece before you paint so you’ll get a beautiful, gap-free finish.
5. Add Legs.
Literally elevate a piece of furniture by changing or adding legs. A cool old dresser drawer gets transformed into a coffee table with a set of hairpin legs, while a modular nightstand gets a lift by adding bun feet to the bottom. You can buy prefabricated legs that come with the hardware you need to install them, so let your imagination run wild with the style possibilities. Make your new legs more custom by painting them a solid color or adding a pattern.
6. Get Your Toolkit Together.
Invest in your tools. The right tools help you achieve a pro-quality finish and make the process easier. If you enjoy repainting furniture, keep quality paint brushes, a handheld paint sprayer and wood filler on hand. Here’s a helpful guide if you’re looking for a well-rounded toolkit of essentials.
7. Cabinet Hardware is a Smart Swap Out.
Want to change the look of a piece of furniture in five minutes? Attach a new set of drawer pulls or knobs. It elevates the look of a simple nightstand, dresser or cabinet. If a full swap isn’t required and you love the look of the existing hardware, remove the knobs or handles and use metal cleaner to get them shining. Know that brass cleaners work best on real brass, not plated brass. Not sure what you’ve got? Hold a magnet up to the hardware. If it doesn’t stick, the hardware is real brass. If it does stick, the hardware is brass plating over stainless steel.
8. Hang New Pieces Properly.
Use the studs in your wall if you’re hanging a heavy shelf or cabinet. It’s best practice and ensures you’ve created more than a superficial attachment. If a shelf or cabinet isn’t properly secured it could fall off the wall. Make sure the anchors, screws and hardware you choose are up to the task. If studs aren’t available, there is hardware that can handle heavier items. Check the instructions or ask a red vest associate if you need more information.