Restore and repair second hand bargains

I love browsing through second hand shops. It's a fun way to find furniture and decor accessories that you wouldn't find in your local shopping mall. Buying second hand furniture is also the perfect way to find affordable bargains for decorating a home, whether indoors or outdoors.

 

ABOVE: This built-in fireplace is wonderful for chilly evenings out on the patio, but the space is unwelcoming.

BELOW: Second hand finds fill out the fireplace seating area. Orange-painted metal chairs add a pop of colour, while a vintage table offers a charming place to put a drink.

Adding to the ambience are smart accessories such as a bright green planter and a clock that installs flush to the chimney.

Always carefully inspect second hand bargains before you buy. Be on the lookout for pieces that are well constructed and will only require some occasional gluing to get them back into good condition. Be prepared to put in some elbow grease to restore second hand furniture, as you may find that many pieces are coated with layer upon layer of paint, varnish, or even furniture wax. On upholstered furniture, ensure that the basic bones of the piece are in good condition, as you will no doubt have to strip and remove most of the fabric to restore.

All-in-all, have fun while shopping for second hand bargain. Although it may take you some time to find pieces that you love, you will discover potential in pieces that may seem unlikely. With some creativity and a little bit of work you can easily transform second hand furniture into pieces that will enhance a home. A little cosmetic work is an easy fix, but some bargains cost more to fix than you may realize. Learn what can be easily repaired, and when you should just walk away.

While many prefer to toss out the old and buy new, newer isn't always better. Older pieces are manufactured to last a lifetime (if not more) and it's pieces like these that add personality and warmth to a home.

 

 

When restoring or giving second hand furniture a makeover there are a few basic tools that you will need.

Power tools you will need:

Drill/Driver and assorted drill and screw bits for removing and replacing individual pieces or sections.

Orbital and Random Orbit Sander plus sanding pads in grits from 60- to 220-grit, plus sandpaper in 400- and 1000-grits.

Dremel MultiTool and sanding accessories for finely detailed pieces.

Heat Gun for removing layers of old wax.

Jigsaw or circular saw to cut new pieces, if required.

Buying and restoring second hand furniture gives you a sense of satisfaction for having taken something that was ugly and useless and making it a part of a room in your home. For me, there is nothing that rivals the joy of stripping off layered wax, paint or varnish and revealing the original beauty of a piece of furniture.

Be realistic when buying second hand furniture. Keep in mind the tools, equipment and materials needed for the repair and be honest about your abilities.