DIY Furniture Before & Afters

"I knew this cool piece of history needed to be saved," the DIYer says.

"There is life after the boob light," this DIYer says — and there's proof in her super contemporary, streamlined "after."

It's polished (literally) and looks new again, but still honors its vintage roots.

The buffet was was an inexpensive Facebook Marketplace find that now looks like it could cost thousands.

This sad-looking cabinet got a delicate and sophisticated makeover.

Those custom-looking built-ins are IKEA shelves totaling about $1000.

Follow along for inspiration, or join in to finally get going on a project you've been meaning to tackle.

This DIYer created a glam pattern on the plain doors using easy-to-find materials.

Let’s face it: A tool shed is usually all about functional storage, not about being the prettiest spot on a property.

Finding a media console or TV stand that's the perfect size and style in mint condition is kind of like striking gold.

We can’t help but get excited when we see a fireplace reno done right.

In the latest episode of “Rock the Block,” four HGTV all-star teams finally turned to the outside of their identical houses after several weeks of indoor work.

A piece of furniture made in a day for less than $350 total? Yes please.

"People can’t believe it’s IKEA," this DIYer says of her expensive-looking "after."

Husband Jeff favored “risky patterns,” while wife Sara was an “aspiring minimalist.” In the premiere episode of HGTV’s “Mash-Up Our Home,” design team Kele Dobrinski and Christina Valencia helped the couple find balance in their differing design styles.

See how this woodworking DIYer created a totally new silhouette by bending wood around an existing set of drawers.

In the latest episode of “Fixer to Fabulous,” the Marrses renovated Rob and Angie’s cramped 1,100-square-foot Arkansas ranch into a modern two-story dream home.

If you want to refresh laminate furniture to look like wood, read on.

“I hated having this family piece just sitting in storage," this DIYer says. "Giving it new life feels like I’m bringing my Nana back into my home.”

This DIYer put in lots of sweat equity to create her modern-meets-vintage custom dresser.

Sheepskin chairs are on-trend this year, and this one is extra glam.

Think beyond paint when it comes to redoing your next furniture piece.

This DIYer got a high-end look for less.

"I have seen several cane nightstands and dressers like this online, but they are so expensive! So I made my own affordable option," this DIYer says.

This cramped condo become a bright and modern space.

The Italian design team let existing tones and materials shine through the renovation.

Sanding, painting, and sealing was all it took to breathe new life into this dark brown IKEA HEMNES dresser.

This vintage hutch was a diamond in the (gummy, painted over) rough.

A real estate developer married tradition and modernism.

If you need inspiration for an easy, done-in-a-day furniture refresh, read on.

The renters had struggled with the layout.

This DIYer was on the hunt for a sideboard with a pop of color, and was able to make it herself for a fraction of the cost of store-bought.

These are the home makeovers that surprised, inspired, and delighted Apartment Therapy staffers.

The secret to this DIY project was just a little bit of raffia cloth.

The basement is now home to a TV and gaming area, a ping-pong zone, a workout corner, and a utility room.

The bold green kitchen is the star of the show.

This one-of-a-kind DIY totally transforms the look of the original piece.

The once-basic piece is unrecognizable now.

Not every project needs to be a days-long ordeal — sometimes, all you need is a little time to make a big change.

Plus, it serves as the perfect divider between the living and dining rooms.

The piece was falling apart when this first-time DIYer got her hands on it.

No power tools required.

Solid pieces of furniture like this one can be made over again and again.

This IKEA classic shows its versatility once again with a gorgeous, expensive-looking transformation.

We’ve rounded up 15 of the best bookcase makeovers we’ve spotted on Apartment Therapy, from painted Facebook Marketplace finds to newly-crafted built-ins and more.

This porch is lighter, brighter, and better than ever.

They bring tons of character to this DIYer's bedside area.

They got rid of wallpapered walls, linoleum floors, and an old oak vanity.

These DIYers started with found furniture and ended up with a beautiful new console and a faux fireplace.

As expected with such a precise pattern, the hardest part of the project was taping and measuring.

You know the saying: One person's trash is another one's DIY project in the making.

Some smart changes give the old piece a new lease on life.

A summery, stylish IKEA hack done in a day? Yes please.

When kitchens are being renovated, most of the attention goes to cabinets, floors, countertops, and backsplashes. But that doesn't mean that some of the quieter parts of a kitchen — like, say, pantry doors — can't have a moment to shine.

This record cabinet got a second chance with a stylish new look.

It uses a trendy material to make the old piece look brand new.

There were a lot of great projects last month, but five bright ideas stood out.

This is an easy curb appeal project you can copy for your own home, too.

All in, the project cost just $25.

The room was fine before, but a bit boring. A few BILLY shelves and a bit of DIY changed that.

It was covered in nail polish and scratches before, but some TLC cleaned it right up.

It took a little patience, but this DIY is totally copyable.

These stylish makeovers are full of smart ideas, from easy DIY projects to money-saving hacks.

$125 Facebook marketplace bookcases get a moody (and magical) purple upgrade.

The whole project's DIY-friendly.

This piece can now be enjoyed by a whole new generation.

There was a hiccup along the way, but it made the end product all the better.

Best part: It was all completed over a lunch hour.

"I love that it was literal trash that will now be on display and admired," the DIYer says.

This easy and clever DIY completely transforms the look of this boring white fridge.

This Facebook Marketplace find just needed a little DIY love.

“As I was choosing pieces for the home, that I wanted to see bright, African-inspired textiles that would speak to my heritage and identity as a Caribbean-American woman,” this DIYer says of her colorful bench revamp.