Old furniture: amazing furniture renovation and restoration ideas at no extra cost. Restoration of old furniture: giving new life to a chest of drawers Old furniture in a new guise

Soviet furniture often has enough good quality to serve their masters for years. You can throw it away only because the interior has become old-fashioned or tired. Many items are made from natural wood, and could still perform their functions for a long time, but this design! Fix it appearance grandmother's dresser or mother's wall, getting something really interesting.

There are several effective tricks that will completely change the appearance of the Soviet headset and allow it to last longer. Pick one or a combination of them all.

Repair and preparation for rework

If the table or chest of drawers that you got was not particularly popular, its design can be left unchanged. After all, it will not necessarily be furniture that has set the teeth on edge, and in combination with a modern setting it will look quite appropriate. But it is unlikely that it will be possible to do without repair work. Over time, the furniture dries out, and some parts will have to be re-adjusted to fit each other.

Be sure to pay attention to the following operations:

  • Cleaning furniture from dirt, dust and soot (pay special attention to the corners);
  • preventive lubrication of locks;
  • fitting parts (if the furniture has dried out or warped during transportation);
  • grinding and puttying of damaged surfaces;
  • change of furniture fittings

In some cases, restoration of damaged surfaces and a thorough repair will be sufficient. If you decide to completely change the appearance of a particular item, this stage will be preparatory.

Restoration of damaged coatings or application of new varnish

The least radical way of alteration, which borders on restoration. You can slightly update the damaged coating, or completely change the look of the furniture. It all depends on the type of varnish and processing methods.

It is most appropriate to use in cases where furniture made of good wood species falls under restoration. Classic design, which will be appropriate in any interior, needs a delicate attitude.

Some useful tips:

  • The easiest way is to use oil-based varnish, it was they who processed old furniture. In some cases, you can do without removing old layers.
  • Apply varnish with a sponge, not with a brush, so you prevent the formation of stains and villi on the surface.
  • Dry each layer for at least 12 hours.
  • If you want to completely change the appearance of the furniture, use a two-component craquelure varnish. It will create the effect of cracking on the surface, and will make the furniture look like antiques.

Some pieces of furniture do not need to be radically redone. It is enough to restore the old layer of varnish and restore the fittings a little.

Craquelure varnish goes well with painting, decorative painting and decoupage.

Painting old furniture

Choose this technique if you want to completely change the design. Be that as it may, natural wood furniture can look a little bulky and heavy. And if for a spacious office this can be a plus, then in a small apartment you want lightness and air. Repainting will help make the design more democratic.

Some useful tips:

  • Use this type of alteration also where the wood is badly damaged, or we are talking about inexpensive wood species.
  • Be sure to remove the old coating from the surface.
  • Sand the wood well, then apply putty and a coat of primer. So you will significantly reduce paint consumption and achieve a better result.
  • After applying the first coat of paint, dry the furniture and go over it with a sander and sandpaper. This process may seem ineffective, because a significant part of the paint will be removed. But with repeated coloring, you will achieve the perfect result.
  • It is easier to work with matte paints, they hide surface defects better.
  • Use artistic painting or ready-made templates to apply interesting patterns.
  • Combine painted details with natural wood.

Light shades and laconic fittings will make the furniture more democratic.

White color and weightless fittings completely transformed the old chest of drawers.

Monochromatic paint that hides the texture of wood looks light and modern.

In some cases, a light background works great in combination with contrasting fittings.

It is good to apply bright accents with masking tape.


As a stencil for applying paint, you can use an old curtain with an ornament.

Another version of the "lace" painting.

Learn the decoupage technique

This type of decoration has long been adopted by needlewomen. But why not apply it on a more serious scale? Use ready-made images, and apply them to a painted or sanded surface.

Some useful tips:

  • Be sure to prime the surface before sticking images on it.
  • As a material, use any drawings printed on thin paper, napkins, or even newspaper clippings.
  • Thick paper must be soaked in water or decoupage solution before gluing;
  • Do not limit yourself to surface treatment with glue. After the decoupage coating has dried, cover the furniture with a durable varnish.

Decoupage works great in combination with matte paint.

A large drawing can be printed on thin paper.


Decoupage combined with craquelure varnish and painting.

Most likely, yes: a massive oak grandmother's chest of drawers, a thin-legged chair from the sixties, a prim, but already unfashionable "wall" from the era of the late USSR, or, finally, a chair with a sagging seat. And if you own, for example, an antique card table, then you can be called lucky. Even if you do not plan to use it in the interior of your home, antiques are a good investment.

Pieces of furniture that are less valuable from the point of view of art historians can also be used, because old furniture, as a rule, is solid and strong. To do this, obsolete things need to be updated. The article will discuss ways to restore and update old furniture, as well as other means to radically change the appearance of aged and unsightly tables and bedside tables.

Let's say a word about old furniture

Furniture belongs to movable property, before it was successfully passed on to their children. In wedding traditions different peoples as a dowry, the bride was given a bed with all feather pillows and lace bedspreads. Well, if possible, families, capital and real estate. Times have changed, and today money and real estate have come to the fore (and often the only) place: it is unlikely that an IKEA bed will be regarded as a worthy dowry.


Nevertheless, even now many (and not only collectors) continue to appreciate and protect old furniture. There are people who simply cannot throw good-quality wardrobes and chests of drawers into a landfill. Old furniture brings a special feeling of comfort and homeliness to the house. With its help, you can create a unique and sincere atmosphere.

Many interior styles that are popular today are based on the use of old furniture or items made “antique”, artificially aged. You can not do without them, decorating the interior in style or country. Historical styles (classic, empire, baroque) also look more respectable with the use of authentic antique furniture.


Yes and modern interior, for example, in the style of hi-tech or minimalism will only benefit from the contrast of glass and chrome with an old wardrobe, chest of drawers or whatnot. It is good if the family things that have been passed down from generation to generation have been preserved. But for those who are not the owner of family furniture relics, but appreciate and love the old furnishings, there is a way out: you can buy such furniture, often for mere pennies.

Restoration, alteration and renewal will bring life to dilapidated objects or completely change old things. As a result, your home may have a unique copy that will become a pearl and, possibly, a reason for the envy of guests.

Painting old furniture

The easiest way to give furniture a second life, turn an ordinary item into an exclusive thing, harmoniously fit old furniture into an updated interior - staining.


The easiest way to update your furniture- color it

Although painting is the easiest and most affordable way to update furniture without professional knowledge and skills, it is very diverse. Coloring may be independent view alterations, or maybe - an intermediate or final stage in such types of finishes as aging or decoupage, painting, as well as during restoration work. The application of varnish can also be attributed to staining, because the tools, technique and preparatory steps for using paint and varnish are the same.

In our market, which unites large online stores, you can choose a varnish to embody your ideas. Selection.

Have you decided to make repairs, change the interior, purchase furniture that will match the updated design? But it happens that it is a pity to throw away old furniture, because it is still quite strong, it can last a long time. Yes, and each piece of furniture keeps its memories, family traditions. It’s just that a hand will not rise to take such things to a landfill. But both in the landfill and in the sales markets, you can see furniture that could still serve and serve. Designers are looking for this “treasure”, they make real masterpieces.

But it happens that it is a pity to throw away old furniture, because it is still quite strong, it can last a long time.

Do you want to change the situation, bring original ideas to the interior, so that the old furniture will sparkle with new colors? You will bring your ideas to life, create magnificent things.

Yes, and each piece of furniture keeps its memories, family traditions.

The furniture of the old times had the main advantage - it was very strong, durable, it was made from natural wood. Using all your imagination, you yourself will decide how best to use certain parts from the headsets, what new purpose the table, chair, chest of drawers, etc. will have.

It’s just that a hand will not rise to take such things to a landfill.

You think it's hard to do. In fact, everything is not so difficult. Read the relevant literature, look on the Internet, talk with friends, acquaintances who are fond of this business. You will give things a unique look. There are many materials and ways in which you can remake furniture with your own hands. You can save a significant amount of money by restoring interior items than by purchasing new furniture.

Use a huge number of ideas, methods, how to reconstruct outdated furniture.

Before you begin, decide which restoration method to choose. Get the right ingredients. Remember, in this case diligence, endurance, a serious approach are needed. Maybe this will motivate you to start your own business. You will delight not only relatives, friends and acquaintances with amazing things, but also fulfill orders.

The furniture of the old times had the main advantage - it was very strong, durable, it was made from natural wood.

Living room, office

The most important room in the house is considered to be the living room. Actually, here we mostly spend time, relax, meet friends, gather with the whole family. If you decide to make repairs or change the interior, take the matter seriously. The environment should be comfortable, multifunctional. If desired, set aside a place for a study. At first glance, this seems to be impossible, because the rooms are small and it is difficult to allocate space for an office. If you work from home, you need nothing to distract from work, the conditions correspond to a fruitful, even atmosphere. Designers advise to fence off the work area.

You will give things a unique look.

To do this, use partitions. They can serve as shelving. In order not to spend significant amounts to purchase furniture for the workplace, use old interior items. You can reconstruct them:

  • repaint;
  • paste over with wallpaper or self-adhesive film;
  • change accessories;
  • decorate with various objects, attributes;
  • arrange books, indoor flowers.

You can save a significant amount of money by restoring interior items than by purchasing new furniture.

So that the furniture does not take up much space, it can be converted into a transformer, made on wheels. It is compact, easy to move, fold and unfold. The converted furniture will perfectly match the overall atmosphere in the room.

You will delight not only relatives, friends and acquaintances with amazing things, but also fulfill orders.

In a small living room, it is important to save more space. Therefore, it is better to use a table-shelf for a study. It will be more suitable for the general environment. Revamp old furniture wall shelves, racks, bedside tables, where you will store everything you need for work.

Many houses have old chairs.

colorful chair

Many houses have old chairs. They are worn out, the upholstery has fallen into disrepair, do not rush to get rid of them. They can be restored, and they will last for a long time. By changing their texture, you will return the former beauty. Now there are many varieties for restoration, be smart.

Now there are many varieties for restoration, be smart.

The first step is to remove the old coating. If the seat is soft, then it is also removed. Then sandpaper, the grain size can be any, the surface is treated. How you sand will determine how far the other coating will go. The work will be a little easier if the surface is wetted. Usually, from such a procedure, the old coating turns out to be viscous. Let the chair dry and go over it again with fine grit sandpaper.

Thinking about varnishing a chair? It is better to use a colorless primer. You can’t do without it, even if you want to paint the chair. This allows the coating to last longer and apply better. The varnish must be applied in two layers. The first coat must dry before the second coat.

If the seat is soft, then it is also removed.

It has become popular to paint furniture in White color and the seat is draped in contrasting colors. Many options are provided.

  • The chair will look unique if you use a stencil for decoration. Drawing can be the most diverse.
  • Upholstery and foam are completely replaceable. Any fabric will do, fixed with a stapler.
  • Another option is to make a cover. The coating will hide the flaws and disadvantages without major alteration.
  • You can decorate the cover in different ways - to your taste and color.
  • Needlewomen can knit or crochet the original upholstery.

Use obsolete things in a new way. Show your imagination to the fullest.

Use obsolete things in a new way. Show your imagination to the fullest. Here are a few options where you can use old chairs.

Many craftsmen can make a bench, a bedside table, a photo frame, a planter, a hanging shelf, even a dog feeder.

Here, for example, is such a necessary item as wall hanger. Making it is easy enough. It is necessary to separate the back from the chair, paint or decorate, attach hooks and hang it on the wall. Favorite rocking chair that everyone wants to have, but not many have. It is easy to make, just make semicircular crossbars and attach to a chair.

An unusual option is a crib for a pet. First you need to build a box with a mattress. The filler can be foam rubber. The back of the chair will serve as the headboard, and the legs will serve as the base. From them it will turn out to assemble a wonderful box for magazines and newspapers.

Have you decided to make repairs, change the interior, purchase furniture that will match the updated design?

Do you like rustic furnishings? Towel holders fit perfectly here. They are made from the backs of chairs, they are made quite simply, they will look stylish in the kitchen or in the bathroom.

Designers are looking for this “treasure”, they make real masterpieces.

If the frame is strong, and the legs have become unusable, then the chair can become, to the delight of the kids, a swing. First, the furniture must be carefully processed - sanded, coated with an antifungal solution, painted.

Use a huge number of ideas, methods, how to reconstruct outdated furniture.

Many craftsmen can make a bench, bedside table, photo frame, planter, hanging shelf, even a dog feeder. From the chair you can get an unusual table for storing various accessories.

The furniture of the old times had the main advantage - it was very strong, durable, it was made from natural wood.

light buffet

Before, almost everyone had a buffet. Many have kept it, not wanting to throw out the outdated thing. It adds a certain charm to the atmosphere. The restored sideboard is placed in any room. The main thing is that it matches the interior. Before starting work on the alteration of old furniture, it is necessary to assess its condition and eliminate flaws. Then we clean it - remove the old coating with sandpaper or a tool designed for this, grind and paint. It is important not to forget that before any painting the surface must be primed.

Now light colors are in fashion, but you can give the furniture a bright shade or paint it in a neutral color, apply a pattern, paste over with wallpaper, gift paper, film. Use new hardware. If you like to draw, put some image on the doors. Not enough patience, stick stickers, and cover the surface with a transparent varnish. If the sideboard is wooden, it is better to use varnish for painting. you will succeed unique thing, it will last a long time.

Before starting work on the alteration of old furniture, it is necessary to assess its condition and eliminate flaws.

How to update an old nightstand

A Soviet-era bedside table is a valuable thing. It is so strong, it can last more than one year. But her appearance leaves much to be desired. From such a thing you can create a newfangled object.

If you like to draw, put some image on the doors.

You will need the following materials:

  • self-adhesive film;
  • putty;
  • acetone;
  • dye.

You will get a unique thing, it will last a long time.

We look for defects, cracks, and other flaws on the nightstand. We wipe dust, remove pollution. We dismantle parts, process with sandpaper. Putty the damaged areas, let dry, sand the surface again. Be sure to degrease with acetone. The next step is film wrapping. We prepare a piece of the required size, plus 3-4 cm. We apply it to the plane, detach the substrate from above and carefully glue it. So we glue the entire surface of the bedside table. Next, we repair the decoration elements, attach them to the furniture, change the fittings, and assemble the parts.

Instead of a film, you can use wallpaper, gift paper, or just paint.

Features of reworking the wall

We all remember the old Soviet walls that stood in the houses of our grandmothers and mothers. Furniture, unfortunately, dilapidated, there were chips, scratches, cracks. Nowadays, these walls can still be seen in apartments. If they are strong, but outwardly worn out, it is better to remake them in a modern way.

There are many options for reworking furniture with your own hands.

Here are a few options.

  1. Pantry. Remove everything that is superfluous, the most necessary will remain. Move the shelves to another place or add a few new ones. Arrange boxes for shoes, containers for linen, change the facade.
  2. Wardrobe. We remove the doors, install additional shelves and crossbars for clothes. It's great if the wall is elongated. Then we change all the doors on the compartment door from floor to ceiling, this will help to hide the gaps.
  3. Or we divide the wall into parts and install it in other rooms. For example, mezzanines - in the corridor or hallway, a wardrobe - in the bedroom or in the nursery, and a sideboard will make a wonderful library.
  4. You don’t want any changes, but the wall needs to be updated, you need to completely disassemble it, removing fasteners and accessories. We clean, remove the old coating. Using the necessary pastes and a primer, we close up cracks, chips, scratches. All dry and sanded. Not satisfied with the color of the wall, repaint, then cover with a matte varnish. After drying, we collect the wall, change the handles, hinges. If you want, put modern doors.

Keep it up and everything will work out!

Turn on your imagination, and your wall will turn into trendy furniture, update the interior of the room.

How can you recycle other items

You can update any old furniture. It is made of high quality wood and will always be in demand. After carrying out the necessary alteration procedures, you will have real works of art in your house. After cleaning, processing, painting, decorating, an old chest of drawers will turn out to be an elegant thing. You can make a sofa out of it, convert it into a table for a mirror. Convert the lower part of the chest of drawers into a place for pets.

It is made of high quality wood and will always be in demand.

From the coffee table you will get a wonderful ottoman, the children's changing table will serve as a unique stand in the country. An old armchair can be repainted, upholstered, an original table will come out of a dilapidated door, a cozy bench with shelves will come out of a table for dishes.

You can update any old furniture.

There are many options for reworking furniture with your own hands. All you need is desire, patience, imagination, ingenuity, and with your own hands you will create special things not only for yourself, but also for relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Keep it up and everything will work out!

VIDEO: Second life for old furniture

If you like handmade, and the furniture in your house needs updating, this material is especially for you. We asked Russian designers and decorators to show you how to upgrade your home quickly and affordably.

We hope that we managed to inspire you to update your interior. Think, create and enjoy what you have done.

Happy experimenting!

1. Author's decoupage

Updating the furniture facade using decoupage technique is one of the favorite techniques of the designer-decorator Anastasia Kasparyan. What will be needed? Photo or painting printed on a color inkjet printer, special glue, masking tape, hair dryer and brushes.

What to do? We put the printed image face down on the furniture facade, thickly grease it with transformer glue, smooth it with a roller and dry it with a hairdryer. Let dry, then moisten with plenty of water, remove the paper. The resulting image is fixed with varnish. Voila, the new furniture facade is ready!

2. Painting with a cross

To give old furniture a new creative look, you can not only repair and paint it, but also paint it. Even if you are far from an artist, there is an easy way to create a real masterpiece on the furniture facade! The secret is shared again by Anastasia Kasparyan.

What to do? Remember the good old cross-stitch? The principle is the same here. We line the surface, find the drawing you like, and transfer it to the facade using colored paints. It turns out unusual and stylish!

3. Industrial lacing

Another unusual way furniture updates - creating a decorative pattern using nails and ropes. “Such a modernization will look spectacular in a loft interior or a brutal men's room,” says Anastasia Kasparyan.

What to do? Nail the nails along the perimeter of the selected image, drawn in advance on the furniture, and connect them sequentially with a tourniquet. It turns out very unusual.


4. Soft spot

The usual way to decorate old furniture is its upholstery. But Anastasia Kasparyan offers another unusual way of renovation. To create such a charming pouffe, we need a rigid honeycomb base and woolen threads. It can be a mesh, a metal urn, or just a pulled wire.

What to do? We outline a drawing on the basis and start “embroidery” - almost like on a fabric, only on a furniture facade. You can decorate the whole composition with the same homemade pompons planted on glue.

5. Decor from pipes

If there is neither time nor desire to paint and drag old furniture, you can simply decorate it. The materials remaining from the repair, in particular, plumbing pipes, will come to the rescue.

What to do? Designer Victoria Pashinskaya offers to make an unusual decoration out of them by sawing them into pieces, assembling the structure with screws and decorating it with small decor.

Such a design can be entered into the interior as a separate element; cover with glass and get a coffee table; use as an underframe or decorate a furniture facade with it, using it as a niche for storing small things.

Each of us has old bedside tables, and chairs are gathering dust somewhere on the balcony or in the garage. Meanwhile, you can give these things a second life, and at the same time forget the way to the furniture store. And how nice after admiring your little masterpiece and receiving compliments from friends!
Bright Side brings to your attention an inspiring overview of the most interesting workshops with magical transformations of old furniture.

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