Update Old Furniture: A Modern Favourite Piece

With a few smart changes, an old piece can become a surprisingly modern favourite.

Many people find themselves unsure what to do with a large childhood sideboard or a bulky chest of drawers inherited from family. Throwing it away feels wrong, yet keeping it in its present form does not feel quite right either. This is where a trend that combines craftsmanship, sustainability and contemporary style comes in: turning old furniture into an up-to-date one-off piece without a professional workshop or a huge budget.

Why updating old furniture is more worthwhile than buying new

Giving an old solid-wood piece of furniture a new look offers savings in several ways. Firstly, it cuts waste by preventing a sturdy cabinet from ending up as bulky rubbish. Secondly, costs remain manageable: for typical projects, materials usually cost between €30 and €100, depending on the furniture’s size and condition.

This normally includes:

• a suitable primer for wood or veneered surfaces,