One of my most favorite things to do is paint furniture. I LOVE transforming ugly, forgotten, or outdated pieces into beautiful assets for any space.
But sometimes painting a piece of furniture isn’t the best idea or just isn’t an option. Maybe it’s a family heirloom that would be “ruined” with color or maybe it’s an antique that just shouldn’t be altered in such a way. (Or maybe you have a husband who is sick and tired of you painting every surface in your house. Not that I’d know anything about that. . . .)
But even if you “can’t” paint a piece of old or outdated furniture for whatever reason, you don’t have to live with it the way it is! There are lots of ways to update furniture without paint. And they’re awesome! This post contains affiliate links. To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.
1. Washi Tape
Washi tape is a FABULOUS way to give furniture a new look! It comes in a million colors and patterns, and removes without damaging the surface. Use it to add Greek key detailing, a chevron pattern, or even simple lines! Wrapping it around the legs is also a fun way to use washi tape on furniture.
Canary Street Crafts has a great post on exactly how to add detail to furniture with washi tape. Look at how beautiful it can be!
And how about using washi tape to add some pop to plain bookshelves like Honey We’re Home did?
2. Furniture Tacks or Nailheads
If you don’t mind a piece getting a little “holey,” furniture tacks (nailheads) or pushpins can be a great way to give a piece of furniture a new look! Furniture tacks can be found in the hardware aisle at any home improvement store, and decorative pushpins are at any office supply store or even Target!
I used some cool Nate Berkus pushpins to update this table that desperately needed a new look and some detail!
And look at how stunning this table makeover is! Mad in Crafts nailed it. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)
3. Fabric or Paper
Another great way to add some color or pattern to furniture is with fabric or paper!
I have a full tutorial on how I added fabric to my changing table upcycle right here!
I used the same method to add gorgeous wrapping paper to the drawer on my grandma’s old side table.
Just look at how amazing some fabric looks against a wood finish! This table makeover from Brepurposed is proof that a little color and pattern goes a long way to updating a piece!
4. New Hardware
Hands down the EASIEST way to update furniture without paint is with new hardware! Hardware is seriously like jewelry for your furniture. Change it out and LOVE your furniture!
When we renovated our kitchen four years ago, we insisted on saving the original, built-in china cabinet because we’re doing the best we can to maintain the vintage charm of the home. So we kept the walnut-colored finish and just updated the hardware to match that of our new cabinets. It was the perfect solution! Now we have the original piece with a slightly updated look.
Some of my favorite resources for amazing hardware are Anthropologie, D. Lawless, World Market, and Amazon. Check them out and be amazed at how quickly you can change the look of a piece!
5. Baskets (or Other Accessories)
Another easy way to change up the look of furniture is to replace drawers with baskets (if there are any drawers).
Creative Home Expressions plucked this beauty off the curb, even though it was missing two drawers, and made it her own with some new baskets!
If your piece of furniture doesn’t have drawers that can be replaced with baskets, try adding some new accessories on or around it. This will give the piece an updated look that you can change out whenever you feel like it!
So what do you think of these ideas? Would you try any of them on your own furniture? All I can say is that I sure hope my husband doesn’t read this post. If he does, I know he will forbid any more painting of our furniture and throw these ideas right back in my face!
-Bre
If You’re Into Painting Furniture, Check Out My Painted Furniture Gallery for Lots of Great Ideas!
Amy | Canary Street Crafts says
Fantastic ideas, Bre! I love the look of furniture tacks but haven’t used them on a non-upholstered piece yet. Definitely on my to-do list to try!
Bre says
Thank you, Amy!! The tacks are awesome and they aren’t too expensive, either! Thanks for your FABULOUS washi tape idea. I can’t wait to try that out sometime!
Kristi says
Tons of great ideas! And I’m with Amy, those furniture tacks are brilliant!!!
Bre says
Thank you, Kristi! 🙂
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
Thanks for including me in this post, Bre! Such great ideas for updating furniture. I love the pushpins or tacks to change up the look – I could see them being used in so many different ways.
Bre says
Kathy, thanks for allowing me to include your awesome dresser and baskets. That was such a brilliant upcycle!
Laya Marconi says
Hi!! This Summer (my Summer, your winter… I’m in the Southern Hemisphere!) I’m doing a complete makeover in the entire bedroom section of the House. We are updating what used to be my parent’s Home. They have old wallpaper and carpet that is all going away to make way for nice wood-like porcelanate and fresh painted walls.
Here’s where I need your help/advise. I have an entire bedroom set that my grandfather gifted me before he died. It used to be my grandparent’s set. I love it, very antique and in Great condition. I really don’t want to paint over it because I like it like it is… especially because it’s in such amazing condition. But I don’t want my bedroom to look old and dingy. So I want to use all the old pieces but make the bedroom still have a modern fresh feel to it. Any recomendations?
For starters I was going to change the fabric in 2 old chairs I have with a modern one. As well as the bedding. I’m thinking on painting the walls a fresh bright color (maybe light grey/blue?) Is there any suggestions you can give me??
Thanks again, and love your webpage!
Bre says
Hi, Laya!! I love that you’re keeping your grandparents’ furniture! That is a decision you will never regret! I think it sounds spot on what you have planned. See how bedding, paint on the walls, and fabric helps things. Then, I’d say you could go totally high contrast with some modern art and updated light fixtures and/or lamps. I bet you’d achieve a totally cool look that would honor your grandparents but reflect your style, all at the same time! GOOD LUCK!