When it comes to making old furniture look modern, there are a variety of strategies you can use. A good place to start is by selecting a piece of furniture that has a strong structure and appears to be in good condition.
Once you’ve chosen the piece, it’s time to give it a modern update.
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to make old furniture look modern is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Neutral or muted colors are a great way to create a modern look, while brighter colors can be used to draw attention to specific features or sections.
If you want to experiment with more creative shades and patterns, using stencils or wallpaper can help make a bold statement.
Another way to modernize old furniture is to replace knobs, handles, and hinges with more modern pieces. Shiny metals, glass, acrylic, and chrome are all great choices for modernizing your furniture.
Additionally, you can use metallic tape or spray paint in bright colors to transform existing hardware into a more modern look.
Finally, adding accessories is a great way to create a modern look. Adding pillows, rugs, and throws in vibrant colors or patterns can help bring the overall look together. Additionally, displaying items you love on shelves or tables can help add character and make the piece feel fresh and new.
By following these strategies and updating the furniture with modern pieces, colors, and textures, you can easily transform an old furniture piece into a beautiful contemporary look.
What colors go well with dark wood furniture?
Colors that go well with dark wood furniture can depend heavily on the decor of the room. For a classic, timeless look, neutral colors like beige, cream, linen, white and gray work beautifully to create a warm, cozy atmosphere.
Subtle patterns and textures in these shades will provide visual interest and bring together the look of the room. For a more modern or eclectic look, bold colors like navy, bright red, or citrus shades on walls can offer a nice contrast while hues like crisp blues or greens will add a natural look to a room with dark wood furniture.
Incorporating different tones of the same color can help create a cohesive look. Accenting with rugs, window treatments, and throw pillows in subtle complimentary colors can also tie the look together.
As a general rule, it’s best to stick to colors that create a peaceful and calming atmosphere.
Is dark wood out of style?
No, dark wood is not out of style. In fact, dark wood is one of the most timeless and classic materials that can be used in home décor. Dark wood can be used to make furniture, cabinets, flooring, and accent pieces, among other things.
Dark wood can easily become the anchor of the room it is placed in, and it can set the mood and tone for the entire space. As dark wood is so timeless, it easily works with different styles and can be incorporated into many different types of décors and design styles.
Not only does dark wood look beautiful, but it also adds a sense of warmth and comfort to a home. Dark wood is one of the best materials to use to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home.
Does refinishing antique furniture devalue it?
It depends on the quality of the refinishing job, as well as the subjective opinion of the potential buyer. Generally, if the refinishing is done carefully and faithfully preserves the character and integrity of the piece, the value of an antique could remain the same or possibly even increase.
A well-executed refinishing by an expert could ultimately deem the piece in “like-new” condition and could result in a higher resale value. However, if the refinishing job is sloppy or done in a manner that alters or compromises the original design, the antique loses much of its value as a unique, vintage item of quality.
What furniture should not be refinished?
When it comes to furniture refinishing, there are certain pieces that are best left as-is. Refinishing a piece of furniture requires a great deal of skill, knowledge and expertise, not to mention ample time, so if the finished result is uncertain the best thing to do is to leave the piece as-is.
Some of the most common pieces that should not be refinished include antique furniture, historical furniture, family heirlooms, and furniture with a rich patina and/or age as these have built-in characteristics that will be compromised and damaged by refinishing.
Additionally, painted furniture, gilded surfaces, and decorative trims that have a high sentimental value should not be refinished. These items require a great deal of delicate work and special attention to preserve their fragile surface and character.
Lastly, pieces of furniture that are made from rare materials such as certain hardwoods, certain types of metal or leather, and certain types of stone should never be refinished as these materials can be easily damaged or altered during the refinishing process.
By considering the piece of furniture’s age, material and condition before attempting a refinishing project, you can ensure that the process results in a piece that looks as good, if not better, than the original.
Is it OK to paint antique furniture?
It is generally acceptable to paint antique furniture depending on the age, quality, and value of the piece. If the antique furniture is older than 100 years, in good condition, and has a high collector’s value, it might be best to leave it in its original condition.
However, if you own vintage furniture that is still beautiful, but has been in your family for many years or is not really worth much in its current condition, painting it may be acceptable.
When painting antique furniture, make sure to first clean the furniture thoroughly and then sand the surface. It is also important to prime the furniture before painting, as this will help ensure the paint adheres to the wood surface.
Once you are ready to start painting, use an oil-based paint that is specifically made for wood furniture and follow the directions on the paint can for best results. In addition, use antique-looking decor such as handles, knobs, and drawer pulls for an authentic look.
When painting antique furniture, it is also important to be aware of any laws and regulations in your area that might prohibit you from painting furniture that is considered an antique or historic artifact.
In some cases, it is illegal to paint certain pieces. So, before you start, make sure to do your research and check with the local historical preservation society.
Is it worth restoring old furniture?
The answer to this question really depends on the quality, condition, and sentimentality attached to the old furniture. Quality pieces that have survived in good condition can have a level of craftsmanship and detail that surpasses mass-produced furniture available today.
If your old furniture is aesthetically pleasing, structurally sound, and its quality construction retains its appeal, investing in some careful restoration may be the best way to preserve it.
On the other hand, if the furniture is not in good condition or of particularly great quality, the cost of replacing parts and refinishing may not be worth the outcome. Age can take its toll on furniture, and if the finish or upholstery is severely stained or damaged, it may need more work than you anticipate.
Ultimately, for some people, restoring an old family heirloom can be worthwhile if it holds particular sentimental value and you would like to preserve it for generations to come. But if you find a beautiful vintage piece that’s in decent condition, restoring it may be a worthwhile investment even if it doesn’t come with decades of sentimental attachment.
In any case, restoring the furniture correctly can be a time- and labor-intensive undertaking, so it pays to be sure you understand the challenge before making a decision.
How do I find out how much my furniture is worth?
If you are looking to determine the value of your furniture, there are several different ways you can go about it. One approach could be to research what similar pieces of furniture are selling for at local antique shops and antique dealers.
This will give you an idea of the potential value of your furniture. Additionally, you could search for the same or similar furniture on auction sites such as eBay. Looking at the closing prices of similar items that have already been sold can also provide you with a good estimate of the value of your furniture.
Finally, you could reach out to a qualified appraiser in your area and come with pictures and particulars of your furniture for them to evaluate. An appraiser will usually be able to give you a more accurate estimate of the value of your furniture.
What is it called when you redo furniture?
The process of redoing furniture is often referred to as upcycling, furniture restoration, furniture refinishing, or furniture remodeling. Upcycling typically involves the repurposing of items for the same, or a better, purpose, with the end goal of creating a product of better quality and/or aesthetic value than the original item.
Furniture restoration can involve repairing, refinishing, repainting, and/or replacing components of antiques or vintage furniture to restore them to their original form. Furniture refinishing refers to the process of restoring or giving a new finish to furniture.
This can involve cleaning, polishing, sanding, staining, lacquering, and/or painting to bring the piece to its original state or create a new style. Furniture remodeling is a creative way to transform existing furniture into a new look.
This could involve replacing some components, obtaining new parts, making adjustments or repairs to existing components, and/or customizing the piece with the addition of carpentry elements or upholstery fabrics.
How do I refinish an old dresser?
Refinishing an old dresser is a great way to update furniture that’s seen better days. Before you get started on the project, it’s important to assess the condition of your dresser, as some pieces may be too far gone to refinish.
If the piece is structurally sound, and all it needs is a facelift, then proceed with the following steps for a successful refinish.
First, you’ll want to remove all of the hardware, such as the drawers and knobs. Once the hardware is removed, use a vacuum to thoroughly clean away any dirt and dust buildup. Once the dresser is cleaned, you’ll need to sand any rough patches, such as corners and edges that may have splintered over time.
Once the sanding is complete, use tack cloth to remove any dust particles that the vacuum may have missed.
Now the fun part: choose the paint color for your newly refinished dresser, and begin by lightly sanding with a 120-grit sandpaper, and then dusting off all dust with the tack cloth. Start painting from the back corners and continue to the front, with smooth brush strokes.
Make sure you give your dresser two coats of paint to achieving maximum coverage.
Once both coats of paint are dry, the last step is to replace the hardware, but before you do, you may want to apply a sealant to protect the painted surface. Sealing a painted surface can add years of life and help to prevent chipping.
Now your dresser is ready to be used in your home.
