http://www.fifthroom.com/| Breathing new life into old furniture was never so easy.

2. The easiest way to add new life to your favorite furniture is with upholstery. Adding
new fabric is especially helpful for reviving outdoor furniture that takes a beating.
• Remove existing cushions and measuring their dimensions for your new project.
• Depending on how old your piece is, you may want to replace the actual
cushions as well, instead of simply covering existing padding.
• Look for a new fabric that matches your décor scheme and will resist fading.

3. It sounds like a no-brainer, but a new coat of
paint can make a world of difference for
tired furniture. Try painting your favorite
wood dining set for a new look, or using
paint to give an updated façade to a
children’s dresser. One of our favorite ideas
is to spray paint metal patio furniture to add
fun and color to your outdoor living space.

4. Stripping paint from a wood piece can also
liven up furniture.
• Invest in a quality chemical stripper.
• Use a scraper or steel wool to buff out
any paint left on the surface.
• Use mineral spirits to remove any
traces of the chemical stripper.
• Simply use a stain to bring out the
natural vibrancy of the wood.

5. Wallpaper isn’t just for walls anymore!
• Use wallpaper to line the inside
of closets or cabinets for a fresh
and decorative look.
• Affix wallpaper or contact paper
to the front of a chest of drawers
or side table to add interest.
• Use a colorful contact paper,
such as a design that’s
patterned or metallic, and cut
out shapes like stripes or polka
dots to make a fun and modern
piece of furniture.

6. Got an area rug that’s lost
fringe over the years, or a patio
curtain that has a stain in just a
single corner? Repurpose the
fabric! After a thorough
cleaning, trim away any ratty or
stained sections and use the
fabric as a wall hanging or in
your furniture design projects.
For example, try using an
antique rug to upholster a old
bench, or draped artfully over
an antique storage trunk. This
repurposing project also gives
you the excuse to hang some
new custom outdoor curtains.

7. Card or folding tables are a great way to make a workspace just for kids, whether used for
crafts or homework. The only problem? Basic card tables can look out of place in a well-
designed home. Fix up drab craft tables using paint – why not let kids get creative and add
their own designs? Another option is to cover the surface of the table with wood paneling or
vinyl floor tiles for a decorative look that disguises the original piece completely.

8. For decades,
decoupage has been
used in home décor
and crafts, for example,
to add color to a
favorite vase.
Decoupage, or glued
paper cutouts, can also
be used on furniture.
Use decoupage to
cover an old table, or
glue cutouts to the front
of a plain armoire to
add decoration.

9. A well-kept piece of antique
furniture can be refreshed
with contemporary hardware.
• Swap out tarnished or
gaudy drawer pulls for
modern, minimal
designs like brass or
chrome knobs.
• Repurpose a leather
handbag to create
custom drawer straps.
• Use a strand of pearls
for a drawer pull in a
feminine space, or
knotted twine for a
more rustic feel.

10. Outdoor Fabrics sells outdoor draperies and porch curtains in a variety of colors and
fabrics to match your home’s décor scheme. As your online Sunbrella® fabric superstore,
we have exactly what you need to create the ultimate outdoor sanctuary. To learn more,
visit www.outdoorfabrics.com or call 1-800-640-3539.

11. Summary
Breathing new life into an old piece of
furniture is not only an inexpensive way to
update your home, it’s also fun to get
creative. Simple tweaks, like updating
drawer pulls or reupholstering patio
furniture, can make a world of difference in
your home or outdoor space.