How to upcycle small, medium and large items

Upcycling furniture can be as big or as small as you like. The budget is normally small, but the results can be huge.

With ambition, confidence, and know-how, you can make almost anything new again.

Small items

You can easily transform small items by using:

  • paints
  • spray-paints
  • sustainable sealants like clear wax and gilding wax

Here's some examples of small upcycling projects:

Give a decanter the sparkly wow-factor; spray it gold using spray paint for less than £10. Many items were given the Midas touch from just one can of paint.

Picture frames and mirrors can be picked up for a few pence from charity shops, car boot sales etc. They can be turned into ornate individual pieces in an afternoon.

You can use vivid Annie Sloan Chalk Paints like their 'Cranberry' colour, and seal it with with clear wax, before adding a little bling using gilding wax. Totally unique, looking high-end but costing peanuts.

Brass chandeliers can also be upcycled using the same paint and process making them a statement piece of lighting.

Medium items

Chairs and stools are a great place to start your painting upcycling journey.

Using a small brush will give a good finish and you can get very creative. Remember, if it doesn’t work, paint over it! Mixing colours add variety for very little cost and effort.

Lloyd Loom style rattan is extremely easy to upcycle with a can of spray paint. Just give it a good clean beforehand as dust can linger. If you plan to reupholster, line with fire-retardant calico which you can get for a few pounds on Amazon or Etsy, bolster with a foam pad for around £10 finishing with the fabric of your choice. A staple gun is a must for such projects.

Large Items

Be brave, set aside some time and space and go big.

This bureau was very old and needed to be primed before painting. It was then painted in two contrasting colours and the inside and outside was finished in clear wax.  A little black wax was applied to the outside to age it a little plus add interest and depth. A day later it was buffed to a soft sheen with a dry cloth. A discarded unwanted desk is now perfect for home working.

What are you waiting for?

Start small with a spray can. Progress to a tester pot and before you know it, you’ll graduate with a large tin of paint and a host of upcycling ideas. You can do it!