How to Decorate Old Furniture: A Comprehensive Guide

Old furniture can add character and charm to your home, but it can also start to look dated and tired over time. If you're looking for a way to breathe new life into your old furniture, there are plenty of decorating techniques that you can use. ### 1.

Repaint or Stain

: One of the simplest and most effective ways to update old furniture is to repaint or stain it. This can completely change the look of a piece of furniture, and it's a relatively inexpensive project that you can do yourself. For best results, sand the furniture down before you paint or stain it. This will help the paint or stain to adhere better. ### 2.

Add New Hardware

: New hardware, such as knobs, pulls, and handles, can give old furniture an instant facelift. When choosing new hardware, consider the style of the furniture and the overall look you're trying to achieve. For example, you might choose sleek, modern hardware for a piece of mid-century modern furniture, or you might choose distressed hardware for a piece of antique furniture. ### 3.

Apply a New Finish

: If you're not sure what to do with old furniture, you can always apply a new finish. This can be as simple as waxing or polishing the furniture, or it can involve more complex techniques like refinishing or antiquing. A new finish can help to protect the furniture and give it a fresh, new look. ### 4.

Use Stencils or Decals

: Stencils and decals are a great way to add decorative details to old furniture. You can use stencils to create intricate designs, or you can use decals to add words, images, or patterns. Stencils and decals are available in a wide variety of styles, so you can find something to match any taste. ### 5.

Use Upholstery Fabric

: If you have old upholstered furniture, you can update it by recovering it in new fabric. This is a more challenging project than some of the other techniques on this list, but it can be a great way to completely transform a piece of furniture. When choosing upholstery fabric, consider the style of the furniture and the overall look you're trying to achieve. ### 6.

Add Trim or Molding

: Trim or molding can be used to add architectural details to old furniture. This can help to make the furniture look more substantial and sophisticated. Trim and molding are available in a wide variety of styles, so you can find something to match any taste. ### 7.

Paint or Stain the Inside

: If you have furniture with drawers or cabinets, you can update the look of the furniture by painting or staining the inside. This is a great way to add a pop of color or pattern to a piece of furniture. ### 8.

Use Furniture Wax

: Furniture wax can be used to protect and polish old furniture. It can also help to give the furniture a warm, inviting glow. Furniture wax is available in a variety of finishes, so you can choose a finish that matches the look of your furniture. ### 9.

Use Slipcovers

: Slipcovers are a great way to update the look of old upholstered furniture without having to recover it. Slipcovers are available in a wide variety of styles and fabrics, so you can find something to match any taste. ### 10.

Use Throw Pillows

: Throw pillows are a great way to add color, pattern, and texture to old furniture. You can use throw pillows to create a new look for your furniture, or you can use them to simply add a touch of personality. With a little creativity, you can easily update the look of old furniture and make it look like new again. So don't be afraid to experiment with different decorating techniques. You might be surprised at what you can achieve.