Getting organized with your furniture

Photo: Gina Gaurisas-Wilson

Old furniture can be transformed into anything you desire—a work space, storage, display, entertaining, play. Done with planning and care, the results can be very rewarding.

When spaces are organized, we can find what we’re looking for easily, and our minds are more clear. Furniture can be a time-saver and a space-saver.

Furniture has a utilitarian purpose, an aesthetic value, and a sentimental value—especially old pieces. The cost/benefit ratio of transforming old furniture can be more favorable than that of buying new furniture when you compare quality, durability and character.

The quality of materials in old furniture can surpass the new mass-produced furniture, which also carries a big environmental burden—deforestation, packaging and transportation. In a previous post, the most Eco-friendly furniture you will ever find, I write more about this subject.

Sometimes it’s not about buying another piece of furniture, but maximizing what you already have.

Here are some possibilities of how transforming old furniture can do that:

• Using a single piece in multiple ways

• Resizing

• Combining two pieces into one

• Custom add-ons to expand the use of your old furniture.

Maximize the space in your furniture

• Combine custom-designed with ready-made storage solutions, offering flexibility and interest.

Bin design and fabrication by Furniture Restyler. Photo: Gina Gaurisas-Wilson

• Close off/open areas to hide or display your containers.

• Replace doors with drawers where accessibility is an issue.

• Add shelves to your furniture to maximize space.

Photo: Gina Gaurisas-Wilson

Look around your house with fresh eyes

• Bring those pieces out of the attic or storage rental.

• Rearrange furniture on paper to see the possibilities before moving too much around.

• Sell, donate or recycle furniture you don’t want. My easy guide to sorting out furniture is a handy tool.

Find spaces with storage potential

• Under stairs

• Wide hallways

• Armoires made into libraries of different sorts—music, books

• Shelves converted into rollout trays for easy access

Avoid common mistakes when mixing furniture styles. Barry Sullivan, Senior Director Global Design Services, Luxury & Lifestyle at Hilton suggests “there needs to be a thoughtful evaluation of fabrics (color, texture, pattern, feel), wood finishes and styles to ensure a successful room”. This will make your space interesting and unique. More about this at Mixing old and contemporary furniture

If you don’t have old furniture but have been interested in the benefits and advantages, adopt one from your local consignment store, where it’s likely you will find something that gets your attention and inspires you to act.

Thanks for reading.

I don't monitor this post, but feel free to contact me with questions or comments at gina@furniturerestyler.com