The Recycled Furniture Trend


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Image From: http://www.naturalbuy.com/
Over the past few years we Brits have seen a big change in our attitudes towards the environment, and more specifically to the idea of recycling. With climate change and the economy looming over us, we are always looking for more environmentally friendly and cost effective alternatives to throwing away our unused items, especially furniture. 
 
 
Whats Up-Cycling then? I hear you ask. Well essentially its taking those old and unused items of furniture to create new and bespoke accessories and furnishings which you can either sell on for a little extra shopping money, or keep for your own home.  In short, Up-Cycling is giving a little love and a touch of DIY to those unused pieces clogging up your garage, spare rooms and lofts.
 
 
So here are a few of my top DIY tips for turning those old and unloved items from bin to bragworthy:
 
 
 
Number 1
 
Online sites like pintrest and etsy are wonderful places to look for inspiration for new and creative ways in which to reuse old items. 
 
Also, for when youve planned to start your up-cycling extravaganza, there are loads of blogs out there to give you a step by step guide to how to make your furniture fabulous, without any DIY disasters.
 
Here are two of my favourites: 
 
  • www.hookedondecorating.com
  • www.livelovediy.com
 
 
 
 
Number 2
 
When up-cycling your furniture, paint is always your friend. Whether its from a tin or a spray can, its almost always going to be your first port of call, and youll be amazed at what a spot of colour can do!
 
 
Here are a couple of quick examples:
  • Why not try fashioning a lace design on those plain and boring drawers you have? Easily done with a bit of old lace and spray paint, creating exciting new and attention-grabbing patterns to wow your friends. 
 

Image From: http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com
 
 
  • The ever growing popularity of Annie Sloan and other Chalk Paint brands are really getting us turning our old and dowdy looking antiques into new shabby  chic pieces by using coloured paints and waxes to give unique, and specially tailored designs to suit our already finely honed home dcor. 
 
How about painting and reusing some of those out of date filing cabinets, as handy new storage spaces? as shown here on upcyclethat.com.
 

Image From: http://www.upcyclethat.com
 
 
 
Number 3
 
Re-upholstering is another perfect way to update old pieces, and gives a huge range of opportunities through an extensive range of fabric styles. Whether youve got confident sewing skills or just a little extra to spend on calling in the professionals, re-upholstery can really make a difference, and after that quick splash of paint,  youll wonder why you even considered throwing it out in the first place. 
 
 
So get busy and get crafting, because theres a whole new world of furniture out there, and its right under your nose!
 
 
 

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