Learn how to find and customize salvaged pieces and materials to create one-of-a-kind diy design furniture and accessories you love
Upcycling: to reuse discarded objects or material in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original. It is trendy and fun and there are opportunities everywhere with people jumping at the chance to create something special for their homes. With so many people sharing their tips and tricks online, and with step-by-step guides on various social media platforms and print media, there’s never been a better time to get started.
Upcycling Inspiration Can Come From Anywhere
The good thing about upcycling is that there really are no limits to what you can create. It is a great way to acquire furniture at much cheaper prices, as many pieces perfect for upcycling are found at yard sales, in thrift stores or even in your own home. It’s a chance to save something from going to the landfill and create a piece with a little more integrity. It’s part of the zero-waste movement, it’s sustainable, cost-effective option, and anyone can join the upcycling revolution and undertake a range of upcycled furniture projects – no previous skills required.
It can be overwhelming to know where to begin and how to bring a piece back to life. Here are a few tips to inspire you to get your hands a little dirty while you have some fun creating something you love.
- Use Your Imagination. Old ladders make great places to display plants, and old wheel barrows make great outdoor plant pots. Creative ideas can give a new purpose to something that would have otherwise been discarded. You don’t need any training or experience to pick up a brush and start painting or use a sander, a screwdriver or even a power tool.
- Start Small. Numerous thrift stores have pieces that could easily be restored and personalized with a coat of paint or new fabric.
- Then Go Bigger. If you start with the basics, you’ll soon grow in confidence and be ready for larger projects. Today it’s a paintbrush; tomorrow a screwdriver. And who knows what tools you’ll find yourself wielding in a few months’ time. You can take upcycling to pretty much any level.
- Have Fun and be Bold. You are not bound by the constraints of what is available in the high-end flip markets. There are so many colors to choose from and a wealth of ideas on Pinterest to inspire you. There should be no end to everyone’s creativity!
- Use Good Quality Paint Brushes/Tools. If you buy cheap paint brushes, they will lose their bristles in your projects and leave flint behind. Try to use higher quality paint brushes that you can clean and reuse over and over again.
- Take Advantage of Local Resources. If you don’t have the space or budget for power tools, look to see if your community has a Tool Library. It’s like a conventional library but for tools. You can usually join for a small fee each year or a donation and then borrow/check-out tools as you need them.
- Just Get Started. Don’t be afraid to try and get started, there are no mistakes in upcycling – only lessons learn.