3 Ways to Give New Life to Old Furniture

updated Dec 4, 2019
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(Image credit: Lydia Brotherton)

Maybe you have an old piece of furniture in your home that you love, but that could use a bit of a makeover. Or maybe you’ve found a piece at a thrift store or garage sale that has great bones, but needs a little tlc. From our video archives, here are three different ways to give new life to old furniture.

One of the simplest ways to transform an old piece is by adding a new layer of paint. This is also a great way to turn two mismatched pieces into a coordinating set. Watch as Maxwell updates a couple of old stools — and adds a little something extra with some fun accents, too. Written instructions are here.

If you’re looking for an antiquey finish with a little bit of movement, milk paint is a great way to go. Depending on your technique, you can achieve a variety of different finishes, a few of which are explored in this video.

And if painting isn’t your thing and you prefer a more natural finish, try tung oil and wax, which adds a little bit of shine and brings out the natural beauty of the wood. Designer and maker Ben Light shows you how.

Thanks for watching, and happy weekend!

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