Discover all About a Home

8 Best Methods to Refurbish Your Old Furniture to Give It a Modern Look

Learn how to refurbish old furniture and give it a modern look with creative DIY techniques. Discover expert tips on painting, reupholstering, and restoring vintage pieces for a stylish makeover.

DECORATINGFURNITURE

3/19/2025

Refurbishing old furniture is a fantastic way to breathe new life into worn-out pieces while adding a modern touch to your home decor. Whether you have an antique dresser, a vintage coffee table, or a dated wooden chair, there are numerous creative ways to transform them into stylish, contemporary furnishings. Not only does furniture refurbishing save money, but it also promotes sustainability by reducing waste.

In this blog, we’ll explore eight of the best methods to refurbish old furniture, ensuring a fresh and modern aesthetic.

Repainting with a Fresh, Modern Color Palette
Replacing Old Hardware with Sleek, Modern Handles and Knobs
Applying a Stripped and Refinished Wood Look
Upholstering with Trendy Fabrics for a Fresh Look
Adding Decorative Trim or Molding for a Custom Look
Using Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper or Decals for a Quick Update
Creating a Two-Tone Finish for a Contemporary Contrast
Incorporating Metal Accents for an Industrial or Luxe Vibe
Distressing or Whitewashing for a Rustic Modern Feel
Upcycling with Creative Repurposing for a Unique Design

1. Repainting with a Fresh, Modern Color Palette

Outdated hardware can make even the most well-crafted furniture look old-fashioned. Swapping out old knobs, handles, and drawer pulls for modern alternatives is an easy and affordable way to refresh your furniture. Consider matte black, brushed gold, or polished chrome finishes for a contemporary touch. Geometric shapes, minimalist designs, and oversized pulls are trending in modern interior design.

If the existing hardware holes don’t align with new pulls, you can fill the old holes with wood filler and drill new ones. This small change can make a dramatic difference in the overall appearance of your furniture.

If your old furniture has beautiful wood grain hidden beneath layers of old paint or varnish, stripping it down and refinishing it can bring out its natural beauty. Sanding away old finishes and applying a fresh stain or clear varnish can give the piece a modern, Scandinavian-inspired look. Light oak, walnut, or whitewashed finishes are popular choices for a contemporary aesthetic.

For a more industrial vibe, consider leaving some imperfections or using a wire brush to create a weathered effect. A polyurethane topcoat will protect the wood while enhancing its natural texture.

Reupholstering old chairs, sofas, or headboards is a great way to modernize them. Choose fabrics that align with current trends, such as velvet, linen, or bold geometric patterns. Neutral tones like beige, gray, or olive green work well for a minimalist look, while vibrant colors or animal prints can make a statement.

If you’re new to upholstery, start with simple projects like dining chairs or ottomans. Adding new foam or batting can also improve comfort while giving the furniture a plush, updated feel.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to modernize old furniture is by repainting it. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update a piece, making it look brand new. Opt for contemporary colors like matte black, soft pastels, or bold jewel tones to create a sleek and stylish appearance.

Chalk paint is an excellent choice for furniture refurbishing because it adheres well to most surfaces without requiring extensive sanding. For a more luxurious finish, consider metallic or high-gloss paints. Distressing techniques can add a rustic charm, while clean, solid colors provide a minimalist modern look. Always prime the furniture before painting to ensure durability and a smooth finish.

3. Applying a Stripped and Refinished Wood Look

2. Replacing Old Hardware with Sleek, Modern Handles and Knobs

4. Upholstering with Trendy Fabrics for a Fresh Look

Enhancing plain furniture with decorative trim or molding can give it a high-end, custom-made appearance. Crown molding, beadboard, or geometric designs can be glued or nailed onto dressers, cabinets, or tables. Once painted in a cohesive color, these additions create depth and sophistication. For a modern farmhouse look, consider shaker-style panels, or for a more glamorous effect, try metallic inlays. This method allows you to personalize your furniture while keeping it on-trend.

5. Adding Decorative Trim or Molding for a Custom Look

6. Using Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper or Decals for a Quick Update

Peel-and-stick wallpaper or vinyl decals offer a fast, non-permanent way to modernize furniture. Apply them to drawer fronts, tabletops, or cabinet doors for an instant transformation. Popular designs include marble patterns, botanical prints, and abstract art. Since they’re removable, you can easily change the look whenever you want. This is an excellent option for renters or those who enjoy frequently updating their decor.

7. Creating a Two-Tone Finish for a Contemporary Contrast

Two-tone furniture is a major trend in modern interior design. Painting the base and top of a piece in contrasting colors—such as black and white or navy and gold—adds visual interest. For example, a dresser with a dark lower section and a light upper portion creates a striking effect.

This technique works well on bookshelves, cabinets, and tables, giving them a designer-inspired look.

8.Incorporating Metal Accents for an Industrial or Luxe Vibe

Adding metal elements like hairpin legs, brass corners, or iron frames can instantly modernize old furniture. Replace wooden table legs with sleek metal ones for an industrial feel, or attach brass caps to drawer edges for a luxurious touch. Spray-painting existing hardware in metallic shades is another budget-friendly option.

Final Thoughts

Refurbishing old furniture is a rewarding way to create stylish, modern pieces without breaking the bank. Whether through repainting, reupholstering, or adding contemporary hardware, these methods can transform outdated items into stunning focal points for your home. By embracing DIY furniture refurbishing, you not only enhance your decor but also contribute to sustainable living. Try these techniques today and give your old furniture a chic, modern makeover!