DIY
10 Upcycled Furniture Projects to Refresh Your Living Space
Have an old dresser collecting dust or a coffee table that’s seen better days? Instead of tossing them to the curb, why not give them a brand-new look with a little creativity and some upcycling magic?
Upcycled furniture projects aren’t just budget-friendly; they also add personality and charm to your home while keeping waste out of landfills.
I’ll share ten fun and creative ways to transform outdated furniture into stunning statement pieces that will breathe new life into your living space.
What You Might Need
Before you dive in, gather some basic supplies:
- Sandpaper or an electric sander
- Paint, stain, or chalk paint
- Paintbrushes and rollers
- Wood glue and a drill
- Decorative knobs, stencils, or wallpaper
- Fabric or contact paper
- Sealant or polyurethane for protection
Now, let’s get to the projects!
1. Turn an Old Dresser into a Chic TV Stand
That outdated dresser in the garage? It’s about to become your living room’s new focal point.
Remove a few top drawers to create open shelving for media components, then give it a fresh coat of paint.
Swap out old knobs for modern hardware, and you’ll have a custom TV stand with plenty of storage.
Picture This
A formerly dull wooden dresser is now a gorgeous navy blue TV stand with gold handles, open shelves for electronics, and stylish baskets for storage.
2. Convert a Coffee Table into an Upholstered Bench
An old coffee table can easily become a stylish entryway or bedroom bench with a little padding and fabric.
Simply add a foam cushion, cover it with your favorite upholstery fabric, and secure it with a staple gun.
Picture This
A once-scratched wooden coffee table is now a sophisticated velvet-upholstered bench in a soft neutral tone, adding warmth to a cozy entryway.
3. Repurpose a Bookshelf into a Bar Cart
If you have a small bookshelf that’s no longer in use, turn it into a charming bar cart.
Add a fresh coat of paint, install wheels for mobility, and use decorative trays to organize bottles and glassware.
Picture This
A previously cluttered bookshelf is now a sleek bar cart, painted emerald green with gold-accented wheels and neatly arranged cocktail essentials.
4. Refresh a Wooden Chair with a Pop of Color
Give old chairs a second life with a bold new hue.
A little sanding, priming, and a bright coat of paint can turn a tired chair into a statement piece for your dining room or home office.
Picture This
A plain wooden chair is now a stunning teal beauty, placed next to a simple wooden desk, adding a playful yet elegant touch.
5. Transform a Vintage Door into a Headboard
A salvaged door can make an incredible rustic headboard.
Simply clean it up, sand it, and either paint or stain it to match your bedroom decor.
Mount it behind your bed for a unique, farmhouse-inspired look.
Picture This
An aged wooden door, painted white and slightly distressed, serves as a charming headboard in a cozy bedroom with soft linen bedding.
6. Makeover a Filing Cabinet with Contact Paper
That ugly metal filing cabinet doesn’t have to be an eyesore.
Cover it with chic contact paper, wallpaper, or even fabric to turn it into a decorative storage piece for your home office.
Picture This
A dull gray filing cabinet is now wrapped in trendy faux wood contact paper, blending seamlessly with a modern home office setup.
7. Use an Antique Window Frame as a Wall Mirror
An old window frame can make a beautiful, vintage-inspired mirror.
Remove the glass, replace it with a mirror cut to size, and hang it in your entryway or above a console table.
Picture This
A rustic white window frame with mirrored glass inside, leaning against a wall with a vase of fresh flowers in front.
8. Convert a Desk into a Double Vanity
If you find an old wooden desk at a thrift store, consider repurposing it into a double vanity for your bathroom.
Cut out spaces for sinks, add new hardware, and seal it with a waterproof finish.
Picture This
A vintage wooden desk is now a stunning double vanity with vessel sinks and brushed brass faucets in a bright, airy bathroom.
9. Update a Nightstand with Stencils
Plain nightstands can be transformed with stencils and a little paint.
Create a geometric pattern, floral design, or even a faux tile look for a unique bedside piece.
Picture This
A simple wooden nightstand now features an intricate white Moroccan-style stencil design over a deep blue base, adding elegance to a bedroom.
10. Transform an Old Trunk into a Coffee Table
Give a vintage trunk a new purpose by converting it into a functional coffee table! Add short wooden legs for height, refinish the surface with paint or stain, and use it for stylish hidden storage.
Picture This
A vintage steamer trunk with dark wood tones, repurposed into a unique coffee table with short wooden legs. The trunk sits in a cozy living room, doubling as stylish storage.
Refresh Your Home with Creativity
Upcycling furniture isn’t just about saving money—it’s about bringing fresh energy into your space with pieces that have personality and charm.
Doesn’t matter if it’s a bold paint color, a chic stencil design, or a total transformation, these projects prove that old furniture can have new life with a little imagination.
Which of these upcycling projects are you excited to try?