Robbie Burns said, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. We flew down just before Christmas discussing paint colours, cushion covers and candlesticks. One small delivery of furniture had happened and we were looking forward to the main delivery and sleeping on a real bed. It didn’t happen. Our removalist was unusually silent and we finally received a text that he had suffered a heart attack and was in hospital with three stents! We reassured him that it was just furniture and went back to our empty space and inflatable mattress.

Vintage Furniture

We had six dining chairs, a closet as a temporary wardrobe, a kitchen dresser, two bedside tables and an inflatable bed. Surely there was something we could make of that? I found an antique walnut dining table online that needs some repair which the owners sold and delivered. It is great to mix old with new and the soft curves make the new modern chairs look stylish.

With old furniture, there are some do’s and don’ts.

 

  • Check the piece for active wood worm – this can be seen from new holes and any sign of wood dust
  • Is it worth saving? If it is going to cost more than the price or what it is worth to you, pass it by
  • Can you live with it now before you restore it? Review the marks, stains and chips
  • How much can you restore yourself – buy some beeswax and dark oil to see if basic stains and marks can be hidden
  • Don’t over invest in the piece – it is unlikely you will sell it again at the same price that you have restored it

Marks and Scratches

There are some great new stain pens that cover a multitude of issues. I have used these often and they really work. Choose the closest colour or even mix two. Draw in the mark and quickly buff with a soft cloth. Once all of the marks are done, rub over a coloured furniture oil or polish with beeswax.

Serious Renovation

The table had the original middle panel which was basically an old board that wasn’t worth saving. There were also two laminated wood inserts in a darker colour and not the same size. Remember the point is not to over invest and while this is an old table it is not an antique that you are likely to resell. We are now posting on local forums for someone to replace the panel and possible restore the surface to be one colour.

I Can’t Afford to Do Anything!

Many of us have been on a basic budget and my first thought is usually to paint it white – but let’s pause there! I love recycling furniture by painting it but sometimes the wood is too lovely. We bought a tablecloth to put over the panel and to pull in the new chair colour to set the theme of the room. Other options are to sand it back to the bare wood yourself but this may be difficult with wood that has a varnish or shellac finish. Another solution is to look at the new wood primers that you can use before painting a colour. Don’t be afraid to choose a bright colour. We painted a kitchen dresser in a pale blue and it adds a wow factor to the room.