These furniture makeovers used paint, upholstery, and creative overhauls to bring new life to secondhand treasures.
Garage sales and thrift stores offer limitless potential for budget-friendly furniture makeovers—but many of these pieces need a little creative TLC. Take a look at how we’ve revamped basic secondhand pieces into fashionable pieces of furniture. These before-and-after projects utilize new paint, new upholstery, and trendy accents to completely overhaul dated furniture.
1 Before: Simple Armoire
With its simple lines and spacious interior, this TV stand was the ideal candidate for a makeover. The expansive inside area easily transformed into storage for anything from dinner plates to shoes. We revamped the item with fresh organizers and a farmhouse-style aesthetic, redesigning it into a stylish storage hub.
Post: Farmhouse-Style Drink Station
Painted black, with plaid wallpaper in the rear and glass inserts in the doors, they added country charm to this armoire. A shelf unit and three-drawer console now house party gear, while wineglass holders under the shelf maximize the area. A basket at the floor is perfect for linens.
2 Before: Blah Dresser
This solid dresser possessed a solid foundation, but its tired finish was uninspiring. We boldly refreshed it with new paint and ornamental wood dowels along the fronts of the drawers for texture and depth. Before you start a like project, make sure your dresser drawers glide smoothly.
We used square wooden dowels, sanded to size, and pin nailed them for precision. A fresh coral paint finish ties the whole thing together, emphasizing the custom fluted detail for a dramatic effect.
3 Before: Low Side Table
We salvaged this small side table for just $12. Adding extra legs and a custom shelving unit, it became the centerpiece of the room. A fresh coat of paint covered up the flaws in the existing finish.
After: Space Saving Shelf
Shelves were raised by legs, and new shelves were secured using L-brackets. We constructed it to order to our specifications. With some prep work and primer, we painted it green for a fresh, updated appearance.
4 Before: Dated Beauty
When an item has great shape but not a pleasant finish, painting and small updates can refresh it. This item had gorgeous architectural elements that needed to be highlighted, so we revised it with legs and a splash of color update to give it new life.
After: Midcentury Modern Refresh
Blue paint brings the paneled doors into the modern era. We installed Lucite hardware and contemporary metal legs for a more contemporary look. Cement tiles at the top give a patterned, durable surface—installed without grout for a smooth finish with only adhesive.
Paint Furniture Like a Pro
When you’re working on a paint project, some key steps will lead to a smooth, pro finish. Refer to our guide to ensure outstanding results and lasting color.
5 Before: Drab Bookshelf
This drab shelving unit had great design but lacked character. We gave it a chic entryway storage system makeover with paint and smart shelf modifications.
After: Entryway Storage System
Dividers and lower shelves created niches for boots, leashes, and bags. White interior paint can be seen behind the navy exterior, making everyday items easily accessible.
6 Before: Outdated Wing Chair
This chair possessed good lines but aged fabric. Reupholstering refreshed the frame and created the chair a fresh, functional work of art again.
Before: Before Recent Upholstery
White paint revitalized the cane panels and wood frame. We swapped the date-old gold velour for gray-and-white ikat fabric. Apply a bold print when the size of the furniture can get away with it, as this tall chair can without trouble.
Easy Nightstand Makeover
You don’t have to revamp an object to achieve a splash. This nightstand was freshened up with a new coat of paint and new attitude.
7 Before: Worn Vintage Chair
The sophisticated shape and intricate details were gorgeous, but the brown finish and worn upholstery made it look old-fashioned. A bold redo turned this chair into a feisty accent.
After: Red-Hot Chair Redesign
Chevron upholstery on the pillow and showy red paint on the frame gave the piece new life. Its curves and detailing now stand out in a wallpapered reading nook.
8 Before: Bland Buffet
This vintage buffet had great lines hidden under a bland finish and elegant hardware. With a strong paint color, it was a complete different piece.
After: One-of-a-Kind Statement Piece
We highlighted the curved frame with painted trim and replaced the hardware with a hip pull. Coordinated decor, such as vases and lamps, fills out the new look.
9 Before: Dated Desk
The ornate details of the French design desk were too stodgy. A bold paint job added a modern personality without sacrificing its charm.
After: Contemporary Orange Overhaul
A splash of orange hue brings fresh energy to the desk. After thorough prep and sanding, we added metallic trim and new hardware. Pairing bold furniture with a neutral background keeps the room grounded.
10 Before: Brown Dining Chair
We enjoyed the carved-out frame and form of these thrift-store dinner chairs—but beaten-up upholstery needed to be replaced.
After: Two-Tone Chair Revamp
New white paint and two coordinating textiles gave the chairs a new, look-like-new look. Vinyl on the seat is easy to clean, and a bold back fabric adds flair.
Reupholstering Tips
Reupholstering can be finicky—our expert advice will guide you through material choice, techniques, and how to get a smooth finish.
11 Before: Bulky Entertainment Unit
With antiquated functionality, this entertainment center wasn’t cutting it. But the built-in storage made it an ideal candidate for reinvention.
After: Functional Entry Station
Taking out the doors and repainting revitalized it. We added hooks, a boot tray, labeled baskets, and even made a message center using dry-erase paint.
12 Before: Plain Armoire
An expansive armoire provided ample potential. Custom modifications made it more functional and pretty.
After: Elegant Beverage Cabinet
We reworked the doors and added decorative moldings. Soft blue paint softens the look, with wine shelves and open storage adding functionality.
13 Before: Metal Headboard
While old-fashioned, this iron headboard held promise. A fabric overlay created a plush, inviting element.
After: Upholstered Headboard Makeover
We added padded plywood wrapped in fabric, secured by steel straps. This affordable makeover encouraged the bed to become more inviting.
14 Before: Worn Armchair
A worn finish and dated upholstery can be deceiving-this French chair just needed some vision and a pop of color.
After: Show-Stopping Chair Makeover
We painted the shell, wrapped on bold striped fabric, and used trim to cover raw edges. Nailhead trim and its shiny finish enhanced the look.
15 Before: Unexciting Dining Chair
Secondhand stores make it simple to find a basic, cheap dining chair. This chair had a good shell but terrible covers.
After: Happy Yellow Makeover
Yellow paint and printed pillow-cover material gave this chair a new bright look. Renovating and re-covering the seat is a minor alteration with big effect.
