In a world of mass production and a throw-away society, sustainability is a massive topic of conversation these days, even in furniture. Many people are trying to do their bit and help save the planet, turning to using second-hand items and upcycling furniture to fit their decor.
But what does this mean for antique items and the history behind the furniture?
In this blog, we’ll explore when and why it is appropriate to transform antique and vintage items into something entirely new and when it’s best to restore them to their original state.
What’s the difference between restoration and upcycling?
Restoration and upcycling are very different, and it’s important to understand the differences before undertaking any work on an older piece of furniture.
Upcycling a piece of furniture can include painting it a completely different colour, adding new knobs and handles or embellishing soft furnishings. You usually end up with a completely different look from when you started.
Restoration, on the other hand, involves minimal work on the furniture to get the piece to look as it did in its former glory days. This means attending to and fixing any damage in a way that keeps the original style, and painting or treating the furniture should be in line with antique maintenance.
When should antiques be left as they are?
Upcycling can cause quite a debate within the antiquing community, and with good reason—antiques are not just pieces of furniture or jewellery; they carry pieces of history that we should try to preserve where possible.
Antique furniture with a notable history or cultural importance should be left in its original state and restored when needed. Another thing to look out for is the craftsmanship of the piece of furniture.
Altering these items can significantly impact their value, both in terms of money and their history, which is why it is so incredibly important to know what you’re dealing with before you start any work.
A good way to gauge whether or not you should upcycle a piece of antique furniture is by how much you’re paying for it. If it’s priced at a high value, you should probably stick to preserving the piece.
There are also some UK laws surrounding antiques which may need to be considered:
Treasure Act 1996—This law states that any object over 200 years old that can provide “an exceptional insight into an aspect of national or regional history, archaeology or culture” is classed as “treasure,” meaning some antiques could fall under this category.
The Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Act 2003—When sourcing antiques, its important to know whether the antique you are looking at upcycling has been sourced legally. Under this Act, dealing with “cultural objects” that have been stolen or removed without permission is illegal.
Best practices for upcycling antiques
Although there are some concerns regarding history when it comes to upcycling vintage and antiques, when done well, upcycling can give a piece of furniture a breath of fresh air whilst also helping reduce waste. Here are some top tips on how to responsibly upcycle your antique furniture:
Know the value. Before starting any work, it's best to get the piece of furniture valued. This can help you avoid any disappointment if you choose to go forward with upcycling but then realise you have completely devalued a piece by doing so.
Plan your design. When thinking about what to do, ask yourself if there are any original features you can highlight. For example, you could keep the handles and knobs from drawers and doors or paint the wood with another wood colouring/stain.
Preparation is key. When you start your upcycling project, make sure you prepare your furniture properly by cleaning it thoroughly before sanding it down. This will help the furniture last for years.
A final thought
When it comes to upcycling antiques, there is a balancing act between letting your creativity run wild and acknowledging history. We understand the importance of keeping history alive through antiques, and in some instances, leaving them in their original designs is crucial to preserving this history. Still, there are some benefits to giving your antique a breath of fresh air. Not to mention that by upcycling a piece of old furniture, we help our planet a little rather than just throwing it away.
It’s important to be mindful of an antique's value to help make informed decisions about your furniture, including whether or not it is appropriate to fully upcycle or if restoration could be an option. By carefully considering each piece as an individual, you can respect its past and ensure it continues to be cherished for generations to come.
