Auctions are great places to find antique furniture whether you want something in perfect condition or are looking for something that needs some TLC. Antique furniture was made to last, which means that even pieces with slight damage will likely still have some life in them, making them perfect for refurbishment.
Quite often, you can get solid wood antique furniture at auction for cheaper than new furniture of lesser quality. This means it is worth a little bit of effort to refurbish and repair, you could end up with an item of furniture that will stand the test of time for a smaller investment.
So what do you need to consider when it comes to refurbishing antique furniture?
Check The Item’s Value
In some cases, antique furniture can be worth more if you don’t do any refurbishing or if you get it professionally restored. Even if you haven’t purchased a piece as an investment, it’s worth getting a professional opinion as you could end up with a valuable item that can be re-sold.
Understanding the history and the potential value of an item of antique furniture will enable you to judge whether refurbishment is the best option or if you should invest a little more in order to get a better return.
Do Your Research
It needs to be remembered that different materials will require different approaches to get the best results. Wherever you plan to do to your furniture to make it work for you, understanding what it’s made of and the best types of products to work with will make all the difference.
Look For Simple Refurbishment Options
There is a trend to completely paint antique furniture, but this can seriously affect its value and desirability. It’s also very easy to do it wrong and risk damaging your furniture irreparably. Instead of a full makeover, looking at simple options that still allow you to enjoy the original look of a piece while still ensuring it works with your style and home.
There are a lot of different ways you can transform antique furniture without the changes being permanent and without risking damage. For example, a chest of drawers can be given a new lease on life simply by replacing the handles with something modern. You can do the same with cabinets, while furniture with shelves can have backing paper added to brighten them up without paint.
Temporary solutions are a great option as you can change these over and over again to get as much use out of a single item of furniture as possible.
Do Some Easy Restoring
Antique furniture that hasn’t been looked after can often need a bit of simple restoring to return it to its former glory. This can be a better option than totally refurbishing it, both in terms of value and in ensuring your furniture lasts as long as possible.
For furniture with upholstery, this could mean adding some new filling and/or replacing the fabric. This is a great way to give chairs, sofas, footstools and other items a new lease on life as you can select a fabric you like and that will totally transform the piece.
When it comes to wooden furniture, scratches are one of the most common issues. If the wood hasn’t been cared for, it could be scratched or faded in different areas. Having the surface stripped and sanded before being restained and revarnished can help your furniture look as beautiful as the day it was made.
If In Doubt, Ask A Professional
If you want to do more to your furniture than make simple changes, it’s always a good idea to ask a professional. Unless you have experience and the right tools to hand, you could end up causing damage or not achieving the desired look.
While a professional will cost more than a DIY approach to refurbishing, you’ll likely enjoy better results and be left with furniture that looks the part and is still in usable condition. Even asking for advice on the best products to use and the right way to do something can make all the difference.
