Upcycle old furniture with simple DIY ideas

Use this guide if you have dated furniture at home, or want to pick up cheap pieces from charity shops, reuse centres or online marketplaces and make them your own. Have a few photos of the pieces, a tape measure and a rough budget ready.

Step by step

1. Choose pieces worth the effort

   Solid wood and good-quality veneer pieces are usually worth upcycling; check drawers run smoothly, joints are firm and there is no active woodworm (fresh small holes with fine dust beneath). Chipboard with peeling foil can be painted but chips easily, so keep it for low-wear uses. Avoid anything that smells strongly of damp or smoke, which is hard to remove. Decide what each piece will do in your home before buying paint, so the finish suits its use.