Upcycling furniture?

• The Oxford Dictionary defines upcycle as: To reuse [waste material] to create a product of higher quality or value than the original and to reduce the need for new raw material.
  
  
• Upcycling has become popular over time as people have become more aware of environmental issues and the need for sustainable practices.
  
  
• Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming unwanted furniture items into new pieces or updated to have a more modern look.
  
  
• During the 1970's upcycling began to gain popularity as an ethical movement with organisations like Greenpeace taking the lead.
  
  
• Upcycling became more popular after the 2008 financial crisis. 

• So much of older furniture is incredibly well-crafted, often from solid hardwood you just don’t see much anymore. It's sad to think of it being discarded just because of style trends.

• Blending creativity with sustainability—really taps into something special. There’s so much potential in reimagining those "outdated" pieces into something fresh and stylish. And it’s a win-win: preserving quality craftsmanship while creating affordable, unique decor.

Here are two examples of pieces that were on their way to the dump—and how I rescued them

Bedside table

                                              

Louis Chair

Let me know in the comments what you think about my upcycled pieces.

 

Midcentury Chair

Exactly! That’s one of the best parts about restoring vintage furniture—so much of it was built to last. Solid wood frames, real joinery (like dovetails or dowels), and attention to craftsmanship are hard to find in today’s mass-produced stuff. Even a piece that looks rough on the outside usually has a solid core, just waiting for a little love.

Midcentury pieces especially—those clean lines and minimalist forms let the materials and construction shine. And when you update the foam and fabric, suddenly it’s comfortable and stylish again.

 

From old sewing machine table to modern desk

 

 This table was used by my great-aunt for her sewing machine. I used it for the same purpose for donkey's years.  Due to all the hard wear and tear the table had many scratches and looked sad and ready to be thrown out.  But this lady is made from solid wood and the workmanship is of a high quality and it would be difficult to find a similar item at a reasonable price. All she needed was TLC - and that is what she got.  

Painted with Granny B's chalk paint in Dove green and to give her an extra special look, mustard coloured pincushion stencils were added. 

What do you think? Would love to hear your comments.

R1250