Give new purpose to old furniture through the trend of upcycling. Sweeping through the homes of savvy budgeters as well as storytellers and art-enthusiasts alike, upcycling furniture is a trend that everyone, even the creative director of Italian fashion house, Missoni, can get on board with.
But what is upcycling? Upcycling is taking unused everyday items or old materials destined for landfill – such as second-hand furniture, scrap metals or timber – to create treasure. The benefits of upcycling are huge too, from saving coin to saving the earth by reducing the amount of waste in landfill; living more sustainably and giving you an exciting project to take part in.
Feeling inspired? Here are 12 upcycled furniture projects to try yourself.
The gorgeous bedhead was created by homeowner, designer and artist Rachel Castle by covering some canvas in silk. Photo: Sharyn Cairns
This rustic bathroom washstand in a renovated coastal style home was created from salvaged timber and an old ice box. Photo: Andrew Finlayson
A quaint and practical work space has been set up in this eclectic family home by sawing a picnic bench in half and mounting it to the wall. Photo: Scott Hawkins
A vintage clothes stand found on Ebay has been used to create an inviting a practical entryway, providing a place to sit and put on your shoes before heading the door or dump your belongings when you arrive home.
A long hallway in a newly built farmhouse has been transformed by this church pew which was simply given a fresh coat of white paint. Photo: Katherine Jamison
This stylish and functional family bungalow has a timeless feel, thanks to the salvaged jacaranda floors which were been sanded and resealed. Photo: Angelita Bonetti
A decades old dining table was pulled out of storage by the owners of this fresh, modern home in Queensland, and sanded back to an ashy finish. Photo: Josette van Zutphen
It may be tricky to see, but if you can peel your eyes away from the magnificently lush hanging indoor plant installation, this vintage, claw-footed bath tub began life in this restored Federation-style Queenslander as a “rust bucket” before being resurfaced. Photo: Elouise van Riet-Gray
When building their classic style family home in Brisbane, owner Julie furnished the home on a budget of $15, 000. Upcycling was one of their budgeting solutions. The timber for this sturdy shelf, for example, was sourced from an old water tower. Photo: Josette van Zutphen
A renovated Federation style home’s original bathroom vanity was given a new lease on life by polishing the brass handles, updating the tapware and adding a new stone top.Photo: Elouise van Riet-Gray
Upcycling is not just for thrift-seekers. Revamping old furniture, or finding retro pieces will add a unique, inimitable character to your home. Take cues from the home of Italian fashion house, Missoni’s creative director, Angela Missoni. Photo: Fabrizio Ciccon
Grooming essentials and an oil painting sit atop a reclaimed trolley in the bathroom of illustrator Liselotte Watkins’ home. If you’re not ready to tackle a large-scale upcycling project, then start with smaller items – like a vintage trolley, or some trinkets – and don’t be afraid to reinvent their purpose. Photo: Helenio Barbetta
