Turn Boring Spaces Beautiful: Old is as good as new
CREDIT: FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/HARTSDESIREThis antique second-hand dresser was painted green and finished with a top coat, giving the dresser a new, unique look that fits perfectly into this do-it-yourselfer’s home.
Brand-new designer items — who doesn't love the sound of that? Whether it's furniture, bedding, artwork or even pottery, if it has an established label, it will be expensive!
Walking into a home decor or furniture store is always fun and exciting… until you look at the price tags. Most students just do not have the money to spend $100 on a pillow or $300 on a new dresser. Fortunately this does not mean your home's (or your dorm room's) esthetic appeal has to suffer. Like they say, one person's trash is another person's treasure.
A few really great second-hand stores to shop for furniture and accessories for your home are the local Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill stores. You must keep an open mind when looking at furniture; remember that even if it is in rough shape, it can still be made beautiful.
While you are in these stores, be sure to keep an eye out for accessories to add to your furniture pieces. The great thing about second- hand stores is that you can find truly one-of-a-kind vintage items. Every single piece of furniture or accessories can look brand new if you just apply some love and creativity. The best part about second-hand stores is the stellar prices!
Re-finishing old furniture is great for many reasons: it keeps junk out of our landfills, it saves you money, it is a fun project and it leaves you with a unique piece of furniture. You may be thinking that it's a lot of work to re-finish old furniture, but realistically it should not take you more than a week. Re-finishing old furniture requires sanding (with a fine grade of sandpaper only) and applying two layers of paint and a top coat. These four steps are certainly worth the outcome: a unique item that is customized to your decorating scheme. All of the materials you need to complete this project can be found at any local hardware store.
Expensive price tag? Forget it. Say hello to personalized secondhand furniture. Your home can be just as beautiful — if not more beautiful — with re-finished second- hand furniture and accessories.
