Micro Makeover: Upcycling Furniture is Easy and Sustainable with Leftover Paint

Holding onto leftover paint after a decorating project? Put it to good use – and do your bit for the planet – with our range of upcycling ideas.

Paint isn’t just for your walls or ceilings. Whether you’ve been handed down a tired chest of drawers or found an unwanted gem at a junk shop, upcycling is an easy and sustainable way to give your old furniture and accessories a second chance.

Here are 5 upcycling ideas to breathe new life into your home.

Smart storage

If you don’t know what to do with leftover paint, try upcycling a dresser, shelving, or sideboard to elevate the storage in your home. Start by cleaning and sanding down the surface. Then use a wood primer, before applying two coats of Black Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood to the exterior and Perfectly Taupe inside, like we have here. Once dry, why not add shiny new handles as a finishing touch?

Picture perfect

Oh snap! Haven’t got enough leftover paint for a large upcycling project? Give this picture frame makeover a go.

Clean, sand and apply a suitable primer to your wooden frames. Then it’s time to add colour. We chose a selection of pretty pastels, which feel fresh and carefree at this time of year – Melon Sorbet, Copper Blush, Lemon Pie, Nordic Sky and Teal Tension Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood. Apply two coats and leave to dry. Have fun hanging them up and creating your gallery wall. For the backdrop, we went with Pressed Petal Dulux Simply Refresh One Coat.

Happy hour

If you’ve picked up an old drinks trolley at a vintage market or already have one at home, serve your cocktails in style with the ultimate bar cart revamp. In less than an hour, you’ll have a showstopping piece of upcycled furniture to impress your guests or your Instagram followers. Use a dazzling colour like Proud Peacock to breathe new life into your piece. Watch this video to find out how. Cheers!

Plant passion

Still pondering over what to do with leftover paint? Make your plants the stars of the show by painting your pots in vibrant accents and patterns. A splash of Lemon Punch on a wicker basket, for example, will add interest and personality to your collection. It’s easier than you think – simply use the dipping method to coat the lower half in a bold shade, add stylish stripes or get crafty with stencils.

Take a seat

Now, we’ve already touched upon upcycled furniture. But if you’re looking for a stylish and simple way to update a worn-out wooden chair, get inspired by this dip dye effect. By only painting sections of the body in Polished Pebble and the legs in Orange Fizz, you’ll have a new statement seat for your home – without forking out for new furniture. Find out how to upcycle furniture here.