The old adage “they don’t make it like they used to” may be true, but sometimes an old or worn item doesn’t meet your needs without a little refreshment. If you want to reduce waste and you’re hoping to save some money, repurposing vintage furniture is ideal for your modern home.
Old Ladder
Have a vintage ladder around the house? It may not be sturdy enough to use the way it was originally intended, but an old ladder can be sanded and repainted or stained to use as a blanket ladder or for hanging plants. For a shabby chic look, keep it rustic by using the original paint job, even if it’s scuffed or cracking–that’s part of the charm! Using a vintage ladder in your home can be a functional and decorative piece with modern or rustic flair, depending on your needs.
Revitalize a Worn Bookshelf
Repainting a dated piece of furniture is always sure to breathe new life into any piece, but a bookshelf is a unique opportunity to add more color and personality to your space and your update. Sand and repaint or restrain the exterior wood to your preference, but for a true pop of color, opt to paint the interior shelves in a bright accent color while keeping the exterior neutral. Are you hoping for a maximalist look? Use patterned wallpapers on the interior shelves for extra interest and added variety.
Give a Vintage Trunk New Purpose
Add casters to the bottom of a vintage trunk, and you can create a visually interesting coffee table that can easily be moved whenever you need more room for company or activities. The right vintage trunk can serve as a decorative and eye-catching coffee table and will double as a helpful storage solution. This is perfect for storing kids’ toys out of sight, or for storing throw blankets and seasonal pillows that you may want to access only part of the year.
Spruce Up a Dated Dresser
An old and worn wooden dresser only needs some elbow grease to be restored to its former glory. Fully sand your dresser and select a stain that highlights the natural qualities of the wood. For anything with a midcentury modern look, consider painting the legs black or gold and swap out the original hardware for leather or gold drawer pulls.
