The trend of using reclaimed wood furniture for decorating has been growing in popularity for many years. In order to address concerns about deforestation, individuals have been repurposing wood from various sources to minimize waste. Reclaimed wood is obtained from old structures, factory surfaces, shipping pallets, and even antique wooden vessels. There are numerous innovative methods to produce furniture from reclaimed wood, ensuring that every piece is one-of-a-kind and cannot be replicated.
How to Decorate With Reclaimed Wood Furniture
Reclaimed Wood Furniture With Old Paint
One way to make furniture using old wood in a fun and colorful manner is by retaining its original condition, incorporating any leftover paint on it. Designs can be kept relatively simple, with color limited to certain sections.
An artsy, painted look on reclaimed wood furniture can serve as a focal point in any decorating scheme. Don’t hesitate to include some pieces alongside your traditional furniture, as they can add character to a family room or contribute a vibrant touch to a beach house.
Because of its ability to handle heavy wear and tear, painted wood’s rustic finish is ideal for casual spaces as it creates a friendly ambiance.
Reclaimed Wood Industrial Furniture
Industrial style furniture brings to mind furniture that could have possibly been found in a vintage factory and repurposed for use in a home. It often incorporates reused wood along with sturdy iron and steel frames or wheels to achieve an authentic factory aesthetic.
Even if your home does not have an Industrial style, these pieces can still be considered as works of art with the ability to be placed in various settings. Whether it resembles items found in an abandoned factory or was purchased from an urban flea market, reclaimed wood furniture can be an excellent centerpiece for a casual space.
Shabby Chic Reclaimed Furniture
The Shabby Chic look consists of old, chippy furniture, soft whites, and naturally weathered wood. When building shabby painted furniture, reclaimed wood is the ideal material due to its dry finish and patina of age that complements vintage paint styles.
To create a romantic mood in the Shabby Chic bedroom, you can use a Mission or Ranch style bed.
To give your living room a worn-out appearance, incorporate a sizable reclaimed piece. An ideal option would be a buffet-style item that serves both as storage and a reclaimed wood console table, while also serving as a notable centerpiece.
Coastal Cottage with Reclaimed Wood
To achieve the best look for coastal interior design, include a generous amount of weathered wood, light colors, and touches of ocean blue and green paint. The presence of old shutters evokes memories of a tropical escape. It is even more desirable if the reclaimed wood still carries remnants of paint, as it may have been repurposed from an old wooden boat. Seek out pieces with a mix of colors, weathered painted planks, and intricate shutter features to enhance the artistic aesthetic.
HOW TO MAKE OLD FURNITURE LOOK MODERN
When choosing to make your old furniture great, there are several things you need to consider, despite the numerous ways available to accomplish this.
#1. STRIP OLD PAINTED FINISHES
To save money on this project and enhance your furniture, follow these steps. Begin by relocating your chair, cabinet, desk, table, drawer, dresser, or any other home decor item to an outdoor area. Next, apply the stripper solution using a brush. As a result, the paint will promptly start forming bubbles.
To clear away all traces of the stripper and additional debris, use a scraper to remove the old painting furniture. Afterwards, apply a spray or coat of mineral spirits.
#2. CLEAN STAIN FROM YOUR CHAIRS, DRESSER OR TABLES
Staining your old furniture may sometimes seem like a more favorable choice than painting it, as it helps to retain its natural wooden look.
To begin, remove the outer layer of the wood. Proceed by lightly sanding the object using sandpaper, and subsequently remove any dust by cleaning or vacuuming. For a smoother finish, it is important to apply multiple layers of wood conditioner.
After that, take a soft cloth and gently rub the wood stain onto the surface. For a glossy appearance, proceed to apply a layer of polyurethane.
#3. ADD A FRESH COAT OF SPRAY PAINT
Choosing your favourite paint colour allows you to embrace your unique style, and using a coat of spray paint might be the easiest solution which can’t be beaten.
Special formulas are available for both outdoor and indoor furniture if you are considering spraying. These formulas have the ability to transform your furniture into your preferred pieces.
To begin, make sure to clean your piece thoroughly (whether it is a dining room table, dining chairs, drawers, or an old dresser) and remove any dust or trash by scrubbing. It is important to let your furniture dry completely before proceeding with the spray painting process. For your safety, wear rubber gloves and a painter’s mask.
To maintain the same meaning, rephrase the text below while thinking step by step. Do not add or remove information. Try to conduct this process outdoors on a drop cloth. Once outside, commence the spraying process while ensuring that your strokes are as even as possible and without any drips.
To achieve a traditional appearance, apply a new layer of semigloss paint. Additionally, the white chalk paint offers an easier working experience.
4. RE-COVER DINING CHAIRS WITH A NEW CUSHION
When considering re-covering a seat cushion, it is an uncomplicated task. You have a selection of various cushions available, ranging from decorative French-style, floral patterns, farmhouse designs, vintage styles, to a whimsical dreamy aesthetic.
In order to accomplish this, you should take the following steps: First, you must find a way to dispose of the fabric on your old chair. An easy solution would be to detach it by unscrewing the seat cushion.
Use the old cushion as a template to guide you while creating the new fabric.
If you notice stains or significant wear on the foam, it is recommended to replace it. Then, cover the seat with your chosen modern fabric and secure it using a staple gun. Finally, reattach the seating by screwing it back into place.
#5. REFINISHING FURNITURE
Instead of deciding to strip your furniture, consider choosing to refinish it instead. Although it may seem like a complicated process, we will provide helpful suggestions for cleaning, repairing, and restoring finishes.
Start by using mineral spirits to wipe the surface. This will help you envision the final appearance of your furniture. If you choose to refinish your tables, make sure to clean the surface and then apply an oil-based wipe-on finish.
Properly cleaning your piece of furniture is a crucial step in any restoration project. You can mix dish soap and water in equal amounts. Carefully scrub the surface, and then rinse and dry it. To repair the white ring, apply petroleum jelly and avoid touching it overnight.
If there is any scrape paint, you should follow these tricks to remove it without causing any damage to the finish.
- use masking tape for your blade and bend it so that it becomes curved;
- hold the blade perpendicular to the surface;
- remove small and thin layers of paint at once;
If you happen to come across any missing or chipped wood after completing these do-it-yourself tasks, there is no need to worry. Simply rectify the issue by applying epoxy.
To commence, select a tube-shaped epoxy that allows you to smoothly cut it using a blade, and subsequently administer it onto your furniture in less than 10 minutes. Proceed by establishing a level surface. Once the epoxy has fully solidified, proceed to apply a stain to enhance the repaired area.
Here are easy-to-follow instructions on employing epoxy:
- shape the epoxy with your finger;
- use water to prevent it from sticking;
To restore the color, you will need to use a gel stain. Although it won’t conceal any flaws, it will help to conceal scratches and maintain the good condition of your furniture. To complete the furniture refinishing process, apply multiple coats of wipe-on finish or clear wax.
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