From Trash to Treasure: Upcycling Old Furniture into Unique Outdoor Pieces

outdoor furniture

Instead of letting old furniture go to waste, consider transforming it into unique outdoor pieces when it comes to your next clear out.

This approach not only adds character to your outdoor space but also reduces waste. Instead of discarding these items, breathe new life into them with a fresh coat of paint, substantial alterations, or simply a touch of creativity. By upcycling your old furniture, you can revitalize your outdoor area in an eco-friendly and imaginative way.

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One of the simplest methods to refresh old furniture is by painting it. A new coat of paint can rejuvenate any piece that looks old or tired. When selecting a paint color, consider the ambiance you want for your outdoor space. Bright and bold colors can introduce a playful and lively vibe, whereas softer, muted tones can create a sense of calm and tranquility.

Aside from painting, breathe some life into your outdoor furniture by adding some unique additions to it. So, for instance, an old step ladder repurposed with some shelves and painted a playful color can be turned into that singular plant stand. With some sanding and staining, a wooden pallet can become an outdoor table with rustic appeal. An old dresser can be used as an outdoor bar if you remove the drawers and build in some shelves for bottles and glasses.

When reusing old furniture with the aim of upcycling, it is also important to consider the durability of materials and how well they will be able to survive in outdoor conditions. For instance, if you are using wooden furniture it should be treated or sealed to prevent it from rotting and warping. Use a rust-resistant metal. If you do use this type of material, make sure it is waterproof or easy to be taken off and washed.

Also, refurbishing old outdoor furniture is not only environmentally sound because it helps keep waste down but it also opens up the opportunity for custom designs that become personal to your preferences and say about style. It shows the fun of adding character and personality to your outdoor space without really even needing lots of money.

Different Ideas For Upcycling Old Outdoor Furniture

1.Turn an old tire into an ottoman

Cut a piece of plywood to fit the top of the tire and lay some outdoor fabric. Add some foam padding and staple the material to the plywood.

Painting the tire a bright and lively shade may also make it more appealing, especially if legs or casters are added to give it some mobility.

2. Transform an old dresser into an outdoor bar

Take out the drawers from the dressers and incorporate some open shelves for bottles of wine and glass. Paint the dresser in a bold color and place some hooks there for hanging spoons, baking tools, or towels.

3. Create a rustic outdoor coffee table from a wooden pallet

This is a hugely popular way to upcyle a wooden pallet. Sand the bottom of the pallet and stain it with a weather-resistant finish.

Add some wheels or legs to ensure it can move around and style it to perfection.

4. Turn an old ladder into a plant stand

Paint the ladder a fun color and throw in some vertical shelves for plants. You could also attach flowers using a macrame or cord from the rungs.

5. Use old wine barrels as outdoor seating

Use ½ barrels and add some cushions for seating. You may also use them for tables by placing a sheet of glass on top.

6. Upcycle an old bike into a unique outdoor planter

Remove the wheels and handlebars, and put some soil inside of it along with small plants. Plus, you can place some baskets or containers to provide more room for planting.

Refurbishing used pieces of furniture to create distinctive outdoor furnishings is a fun and inventive way to incorporate character into your garden area, as well as helping to reduce waste.

If you have a little bit of imagination and some DIY skills, it is easy to turn old worn furniture into something new and exciting. So the next time you feel like getting rid of that old piece of furniture, think about giving it a second chance with some new paint and innovative improvements.

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Author

Nicole Sage

Nicole Sage is the founder of Sleek-chic Interiors and is a highly experienced interiors writer and skilled home renovator who has a passion for all things design. She has been featured as an authority at Pinterest, Ideal Home, Daily Mail and in countless other interviews. For 8 years, Nicole has written, observed key interior trends, renovated and undertaken interior short courses at the renown KLC school where she has gained her grounding interior design principles. With a keen eye for detail and a love of creativity, she shares her expertise on the latest interior trends, practical DIY tutorials, and styling inspiration to help others transform their homes into stunning spaces.

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