Too often, when we think about updated furniture sets for the home we look to art deco and ultra-modern designs. There are some much more interesting choices out there for someone with a little time, skill or money.
There are certain pieces of furniture that we really don’t want to get rid of but have seen better days. Maybe it’s your grandfather’s favorite chair or the twin over twin bunk beds that you and your sister slept in and are now occupied by your own children. So long as there is no structural damage you should think about refinishing these pieces to breathe some new life into them. You can go the simple route by reapplying the same type of stain after stripping off the old but there is a lot more you can do.
If you are comfortable disassembling and reassembling grandpa’s chair then you should consider using two different kind of stain to add some variety into the look of the piece. Staining the arms and legs a rich black walnut color while the rest of the pieces are vibrant mahogany will look beautiful
What about adding an offbeat finish to those bunkbeds? There are lots of interesting and visually stunning faux-finishes that replicate other materials like various metals and stages of age. How cool would a set of twin over full bunk beds be if they looked like old steel and rusted iron? That’s just one example among the many options you have for faux finishes.
Consider getting furniture reupholstered in unique materials and designs. One of my favorite pieces in my home is a chair that is upholstered in canvas that has been printed with enlarged images of old import and trading stamps from the height of the tea trade. It’s visually appealing and really unique. If you look around you can find small business artisans working in unique materials and beautiful designs you won’t see anywhere else.
These are just a few ideas to jazz up your furniture a bit. From bunk beds and bureaus to Windsor chairs and wardrobes, there are countless possibilities.