Welcome fellow vintage-loving friends, I’m so excited to share with you my love and knowledge of refinishing old furniture. You know what they say, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” And that’s the truth when it comes to vintage furniture. I’m here to show you how to breathe new life into old pieces with a modern twist! Let’s get started!

Finding Your Piece 🕵️‍♀️

First things first, let’s find our piece! Whether it’s a piece that you already have or you’re on the hunt for a new one, make sure to keep the type of furniture piece in mind. Will it be able to withstand sanding, painting, and the use of certain chemicals? Or is it better suited with just a touch-up of paint?

Some furniture pieces to keep an eye out for are dressers, side tables, and chairs. These pieces often have intriguing lines and details that show their age and provide the opportunity for a chic and modern update.

A photo of a beautifully refinished vintage dresser, with the wood top sanded down and painted in a chic navy blue

Prepping Your Piece 🛠️

Now that we have our piece, it’s time to prep it for refinishing. First, give it a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt, dust, or grime. Use a mild soap and water solution for wood pieces, and for anything upholstered, a gentle cleaner will do the trick.

Once it’s clean, it’s time to sand it down. This step is crucial to make sure the new finish adheres well to the piece. Start with a rough grit sandpaper (around 80 grit) and slowly work your way up to a finer grit (around 220 grit).

If there are any dents or scratches that need repairing, now is the time to fill those in. Use a wood putty or filler to fill them in, let dry, and sand smooth.

A photo of a vintage chair being sanded down in preparation for refinishing

Choosing Your Finish 🎨

Here’s where the fun begins! Choosing your finish and color is what will give your piece a unique and modern twist. The most popular finishes currently are either painted furniture or stained furniture.

If you’re opting for paint, there are so many color options to choose from. Bold colors like emerald green, mustard yellow, and navy blue are on-trend right now. Don’t be afraid to get creative with patterns, like painting stripes or using stencils to add a fun design.

Staining is another popular option, particularly for wood pieces. There are many different stains to choose from, and you can also mix and match to create a custom color. The beauty of staining is that it brings out the natural grain of the wood, giving it a warm and cozy look.

A photo collage of different refinished vintage pieces, including a navy blue dresser, a mustard yellow side table, and a stained wood chair

Adding Modern Touches 🌿

Now that our piece is refinished and looking fabulous, let’s add some modern touches to make it truly unique!

One way to do this is by changing out the hardware. Add some trendy and chic knobs or pulls to give it a modern flair. Another idea is to add some greenery! Adding a plant or two to your refurbished side table or bookshelf will bring life and freshness to your space.

And finally, be creative with styling your piece. Give your refinished dresser or vanity a new lease on life by adding some trendy decor. Minimalistic lamps or a modern mirror can complete the look!

A photo of a beautifully styled vintage vanity with modern decor, including a chic lamp, a modern mirror, and a plant

Conclusion 🌟

And there you have it, folks! Refinishing old furniture pieces is not only an eco-friendly way to update your home decor, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding and creative process. With some patience, elbow grease, and modern touches, you can take a piece of history and make it your own.

Until next time, happy refinishing!

A final image of a beautifully refinished vintage chair with modern decor elements, including a plant, a cozy blanket, and a modern pillow