How to Salvage Old Furniture
When you have a piece of furniture that is relatively solid but which has a broken or chipped area, stains, tears to the upholstery, or that just looks old and drab, you don't need to toss it out just yet. Typically you can make a few repairs or fix up that piece and turn it into something entirely new, or have a professional repair it for you quickly and easily. Considering the cost of new furniture today, this can be the best option for anyone! Note a few tips for how to salvage furniture.
Broken legs
Broken legs are probably one of the most common problems with furniture, since manufacturers don't always make them thick and sturdy enough to last for many years. If you cannot see how a leg is bolted to a piece of furniture, consider just cutting it off and then sanding down that area. You can then buy new furniture legs or even casters from a hardware store and bolt those to the piece. Be sure you buy something sturdy enough to hold up the weight of the furniture when drawers are full or when someone is sitting on it; long legs may look good but may not be very sturdy. Opt for short, rounded or square legs or thick two-wheeled casters for heavier pieces, so you don't need to make this repair again.
Stains on wood furniture
If a wood piece is stained or discolored, clean it thoroughly and then use a fine grit sandpaper and sand down the entire piece. This will give you enough of a bumpy surface to add a new coat of paint and cover the old stain. Use a dark paint color for maximum coverage; a black dresser or set of dining room chairs can look very sleek, so don't hesitate to cover over the natural wood with something that also covers a stain rather than trying to remove the stain itself.
Upholstered furniture
Trying to repair your own upholstered furniture can be difficult, so it may be good to take it to a professional. He or she can gently remove the fabric from the furniture frame and then sew or patch it up from the inside, or use special adhesives that cover tears in leather. If the upholstery just looks drab and outdated, they can also easily reupholster an item in a new and even more durable fabric if you have children and pets. This is typically much more affordable than buying a new piece altogether, and new upholstery can make the furniture seem brand new!
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