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39+ Absolutely Clever Repurposed Furniture Ideas

Giving an old piece of furniture a new life is what DIY dreams are made of. Not only do you create something that is unique and custom for you, but you are also helping the environment by upcycling something that already exists. Here is a list of 39+ repurposed & upcycled furniture projects to help you inspire your next project.

collage of repurposed furniture and home decor DIY ideas.

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What is repurposed furniture?

Repurposed furniture is when you redo or makeover a current furniture item to either have a new purpose or just a new look. Dressers can become chairs or you can give a whole new look to a desk with new materials. Furniture makeovers are such a great way to make you love your home.

And that is why we are all here!

Hopefully, this post will make you rethink the next time you just want to throw something out. You may always look twice at that item at the end of the driveway or found at garage sales.

What is the difference between repurposing and upcycling furniture?

Repurposing furniture means turning old pieces into something new, like making a dresser into a chair. Upcycling is when you take discarded items and turn them into a better version of the same thing. Both processes involve reusing materials creatively to reduce waste and help the environment.

Where To Find Furniture For Repurposing

  • Buy-Sell-Trade Groups on Facebook (We have a post to help you learn Facebook lingo and abbreviations…ppu anyone?)
  • Craigslist
  • Driving around on trash day (especially in more affluent neighborhoods)
  • Taking those hand-me-downs from relatives even if you are not sure you have a purpose yet
  • Thrift Stores
  • Flea Markets
  • Salvage Shops/Antique Stores: One of our local favorites has a “barn” room where things may be broken or need lots of love, but you can score them for cheap!
  • ReStores: Not only are you helping Habitat for Humanity, but you can find some really great pieces of furniture

How do you make old furniture look new?

  • Add a fresh coat of paint (chalk paint, spray paint, any paint)
  • Change out the hardware
  • Add wheels
  • Give the furniture a new purpose
  • Put two pieces together
  • Contact paper can work wonders (See 12 Clever Contact Paper Projects)
  • Create a different finish
  • Don’t be scared to take apart and use different pieces and parts
  • Reupholstering can be your best friend
  • Add fun accessories to a piece of furniture
  • Use rope or other craft supplies to repurpose an item
  • Add circuit lettering and designs
  • Handpaint or draw designs

Repurposed & Upcycled Furniture Ideas

Isn't it great when you can take something old and turn it into something modern for your home? Here are 37+ repurposed and upcycled DIY projects that will inspire you to turn trash into treasure.

DIY Repurposed Dressers

Turn a dresser into a chair to just refinish what you already have. We love these ideas of how to upcycle your old dresser into something new.

Repurposed Table Ideas

Just like old dressers, there are so many different ways to upcycle an old table. We love the variety in these projects.

Repurposed DIY Home Decor Items

There are so many ways to completely transform tires, old trays and drawers to add to any home decor style.

Other Awesome Repurposed Furniture Ideas

These DIY projects are just more examples of how you can redo old things into awesomeness!

FAQs

What are some benefits of repurposing furniture?

Repurposing furniture is an eco-friendly way to give new life to old and worn-out pieces. It reduces waste by keeping old furniture out of landfills. Additionally, repurposing furniture can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. You can create custom pieces of furniture that showcase your unique style.

What can I make out of old furniture?

You can make many things out of old pieces, like a bookshelf made from a dresser, a piano turned into a bar, a bench from a headboard, or a coffee table from an old door. With some creativity and a few DIY skills, the possibilities are endless!

How do I upcycle furniture for beginners?

When upcycling or repurposing furniture, beginners should look to start with a quality piece of furniture that doesn’t need a lot of repairs. As a beginner, it’s best to choose a small, simple project to start with. Clean and prepare it, use high-quality materials, and get creative with unique colors, patterns, or materials. This will help you get comfortable with the process and build your confidence.

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More DIY Ideas

We hope these repurposed furniture projects will have you rethinking that “trash”! You can always repurpose or upcycle it into a brand-new home decor item.

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