15 Upcycled Furniture Ideas That Turn Trash Into Treasure
A fresh coat of paint can seriously work miracles.
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Look no further than the neighborhood garage sale or your favorite budget furniture store (hello, IKEA!) to find the basis for a seriously upscale-looking piece. With a little paint, sandpaper, and some rolled-up sleeves, these DIY home decor projects turn humble "befores" to enviable "afters."
BEFORE: Boring Bookcase
We snagged this 1960s Bennington bookcase on Craigslist via Forgotten Furniture for just $50.
AFTER: Haute Hutch
A quick wallpaper-and-paint makeover can fit any decor style. For a fun and feminine look, we picked pink accessories, gray pain, and Hygge & West Nethercote wallpaper (left). Traditional blue paint and striped paper lends itself to nautical vibes (right).
BEFORE: Busted Armchair
Transform a flea-market find with leftover black paint and fun new upholstery.
AFTER: Statement Seating
Save cash by painting the wood frame yourself, then taking it for a pro upholstery job. We picked Black Dalmatian Dots by Bliss Design Studio on Spoonflower for this piece, a spot-on print whether you style it with graphic, colorful extras (left) or girly, glam accessories (right).
BEFORE: Shabby Window
A little elbow grease takes this plain-Jane pane to the next level.
AFTER: Message Board
Start by removing leftover chipped paint using medium-grit sandpaper until you’ve uncovered original wood. Wipe off excess dust and clean the panes, then brush on black chalkboard paint. Let the coats "cure" according to package directions before decorating with cute messages. Attach coat hooks for extra utility.
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BEFORE: Dusty Shutters
Pick up a matching set and remove any peeling paint to create a cute sideboard with a little personality.
AFTER: Cute Cabinet
Lay out your shutters to determine the size of your cabinet. Measure the width and depth for the cabinet top, bottom, interior shelf, and backing. At the hardware store, have four pieces of medium-density fiberboard cut to fit. Then assemble and attach bun feet and knobs. Don't forget to paint it your favorite color!
BEFORE: Blah Bench
Talk about a score. We stumbled on this $15 tufted bench at a garage sale.
AFTER: Entryway Perch
Fresh white paint and a flowery fabric from Minted gave this piece a cheery update.
BEFORE: Ladder and Scrap Wood
Pick up two ladders, a 4-foot wooden rod, and two wooden planks (one about 4 ½ feet, one 4¾ feet). Stay with us here ...
AFTER: Clothing Rack
Getting dressed will be a breeze when your go-to layers and favorite accessories stay on an easy-access rack. To make, paint the planks, rod, and ladder. Attach each plank to the bottom two sets of rungs using a drill and screws. Be sure to set the lowest shelf forward to make room for tall boots. At the top of the ladder, center two pipe brackets on each top rung and attach with screws. Slide top rod through.
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HOUSEWORKS BEFORE: Wood Crate
Start with a plain wooden design, then paint the inside or leave it bare and simple.
AFTER: Simple Storage
This inexpensive storage unit that can be tailored to fit any space, like a pyramid in the mudroom or a low horizontal design behind a sofa or beneath a TV. Even better, this project doesn't require a single power tool to construct! Stack and restack the crates until you find the right configuration. Then fasten the sides of the adjoining crates with large binder clips (measure the crate thickness first to ensure a snug fit). Avoid stashing heavy things like appliances near the top so the crates won’t topple.
Crates & Pallet BEFORE: Reclaimed Wood Quarter Pallet
Crates & Pallet BEFORE: Reclaimed Wood Quarter Pallet
You can find square pallets for a bargain at your local home improvement store.
AFTER: Patio Table
Brush on exterior paint and attach metal casters and you've got a sturdy, movable coffee table for your backyard hangout.
This inexpensive pine chest from IKEA is practically begging for a makeover.
AFTER: Campaign Dresser
Recreate the classic design by painting on two to three coats of a bold, high-gloss hue (we love vibrant orange!), then attaching gold or brass corner hardware and pulls.
Or pick up two of these budget-friendly dressers and a sleek workstation is in your future.
AFTER: Mid-Century Desk
Stain the fronts of two dressers and paint the frames white. Once dry, attach the hardware and pair with a painted plywood plank for an oversize desk with plenty of room to get things done.
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Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.
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