How to Upgrade Budget-Friendly Furniture
Are you one of those people who always manages to fall in love with the most expensive couch or chair without even seeing the price? Having champagne taste on a beer budget can be a frustrating experience, especially if no one is paying you for the impractical skill of guessing which love seat costs the most. That leaves you with only one choice: turning to creativity and ingenuity to upgrade affordable pieces into furniture that aligns with your style.
Add a slipcover
Part of the frustration of budget options for couches is the limited fabric choices. If you aren’t happy with the colorways offered, there are companies that make affordable slipcovers in an assortment of shades and fabrics. Bemz, for instance, has made-to-order covers for a plethora of IKEA furniture models. But these aren’t your grandma’s slipcovers. They are made to fit each piece of the couch or chair just like the original. If you want to save even more money, order your IKEA furniture with the frame (which includes the back, seat, and cushions) only and purchase a slipcover separately.
Plump it up
Comfort is another shortcoming in some budget sofa offerings. If you like the design of the frame, take a look at the cushions to see whether they have zippers on the covers. If they have a zippered opening, you can add hollow fiber fill and quilt batting or a piece of a cheap mattress topper to boost the plushness of the stuffing. For certain types of seat and back cushions, you can also use king-sized bed pillows as inserts to up the comfy quotient.
Reupholster
If you have an old armchair with a beautiful shape and good bones, don’t get rid of it because the fabric is outdated or worn. Reupholstering isn’t cheap, but it’s still less expensive than buying new, and starting with a solid frame will leave you with a quality piece that will last for years.
Buy secondhand and restore
Budget dressers and tables are often made from medium-density fiberboard, laminates, and melamine, which are lower-quality materials that tend to look cheap. If you can find a vintage piece at a yard sale or online marketplace, you will end up with higher-quality wood that can then be refurbished to fit your desired look.
Paint it
If the wood finish is too far gone to be restored or you’d prefer a pop of color to a natural stain, use a satin or semigloss latex or oil-based paint to upcycle the piece. Make sure you sand and prime first to remove imperfections and reduce the likelihood of the paint chipping. If you have cheaper items, like flat-pack furniture, chalk paint will work even without priming or sanding.
Swap out hardware
You’d be surprised at how much this simple change can elevate the look of a piece. Check out secondhand shops or Etsy to find pulls or knobs in a style that suits you. Or if you like the structure of the hardware you already own, a few coats of spray paint can breathe new life into it. To refurbish rusted hardware, soak it in a vinegar bath overnight and then scrape it with steel wool.
You don’t need to have unlimited funds to create a home that you are proud to show off. With a little resourcefulness and some elbow grease, you can transform your furniture in a way that reflects your individuality while also saving you some money.