home improvement guy

Whether your furniture is outdated or you like changing your decor regularly, refreshing your current furniture or a garage sale find is a great way to get an updated look.

PAINTING FURNITURE

One of the easiest ways to update a piece is to paint it. Painted furniture isn't limited to wood; you can update metal, wicker, even upholstery. Personalize any piece to match your style; add a funky design or go with a classic antiqued look.

Your furniture will determine the paint you use:

– Stain. Wood stains are an ever-popular choice and come in a variety of hues, from cherry red to dark espresso.

– Spray paint. A great option for furniture with details or lots of curves. You can choose various colors and finishes, include matte, satin or metallic. Works for various materials, like metal, wicker or wood.

– Chalk paint. Increasingly popular, very little prep work is required and it (plus a finishing wax) gives furniture a nice antique look. True to its name, it provides a matte, chalky finish.

– Latex. Available at many hardware stores, it lets you to choose a vibrant color or a specific shade. Latex paints offer a variety of finishes, from a shiny satin to a flat matte.

– Acrylic. Available at craft stores, works for many different pieces, making it an almost universal option.

– Fabric medium. Mixed with an acrylic or latex paint for painting upholstered furniture.

SLIPCOVERS

Slipcovers are a simple, fast way to refresh any furniture. You can switch colors and patterns for the season, or simply choose a new neutral color to hide an outdated floral or plaid piece.

You can try to make your own slipcovers to match your home's decor and furniture's specifications. Otherwise, you can buy one that ties on, snaps on or has an elastic band.

REUPHOLSTERING

Reupholstering furniture is a bit more expensive than painting, but it's much cheaper than buying a new chair or couch. By reupholstering that ugly wingback chair, you can choose the fabric you want, add some updated elements like tufting or nail-head trim and make sure you have the exact look you want.

ACCESSORIZE FURNITURE

Some old furniture just needs a bit of a touch-up to give it a fresh look. You could swap old handles and pulls for updated pieces, paint outdated gold handles and hinges, add a nail head trim to the arms or backs of chairs and couches, or re-cover pillows and cushions on couches and chairs, or buy new ones.