Easy Ways to Update Old Wood Furniture

Old wood furniture sometimes becomes tired and worn in appearance. Dressers and cabinets from decades past begin to look dated and dull. Instead of getting rid of old wood furniture or passing up gently used bargains, update outmoded pieces with a few simple additions that will make them look far from plain and outdated. For a fraction of the cost of new furniture, you can turn an old wood chest of drawers or a secondhand cabinet into an attractive piece of furniture that looks exceptionally stylish and new.

New Knobs

Worn and outdated cabinet knobs can be replaced with new knobs that will give the furniture a completely different look. These days you will find knobs in countless styles and colors. From colorful glass that looks like flashy costume jewelry to solid brass, the choices are virtually endless. Adding new knobs is a quick and easy way to update old wood furniture without spending a considerable amount of time or money, and a few new knobs can even change the entire look of the room.

Period Handles

Early American furniture is still as popular as ever, and if handles are worn and dull, replace them with solid brass pulls. Choose sand cast brass with a bright finish to help make wood furniture appear more attractive and new. Be sure to measure existing mounting holes for a proper fit. They are typically available in three-inch, three and one-half inch, and four-inch lengths, but odd sizes can be covered with back plates, and new holes can be drilled if necessary.

Beautiful Gold Accents

Gold accents can dramatically dress up old wood furniture. Consider buying genuine gold leaf to rub over wood carvings on drawer fronts or doors, or sparingly brush on gold oil-based highlights. A touch of gold around the edges of furniture or on the surface of carved pieces looks impressive and rich, and it is an easy way to update old wood furniture that can use a little embellishing.

Brass Escutcheons

Escutcheons are the ornamental pieces of hardware that fit over keyholes, and wood drawers and cabinets with old escutcheons can be outfitted with new ones for a completely different look. Original hardware of any type will eventually become worn and dull, and new escutcheons add a finishing touch to wood cabinets and drawers with or without keyholes. These handy pieces of ornamental hardware are also fantastic for covering damaged wood surrounding keyholes that never had escutcheons. They are available in many different styles, sizes, and shapes, and adding them to wood cabinetry and drawers is an easy way to update old furniture of any style.

Wood Appliques

If you love the look of intricately carved wood furniture, turn your old wood drawer fronts and cabinet doors into handcrafted works of art with the addition of wood appliques. This is one of the best ways to update old wood furniture while giving it a completely new look. Cheaper or plain wood furniture can be transformed into beautiful pieces in a matter of minutes. Simply stain the wood appliques to match the existing finish, and apply varnish of the same sheen. Attach the appliques with high-quality wood glue, and you will instantly update old furniture without spending a great deal of time or money.

Look for other simple ways to update the old furniture you have, or consider buying secondhand furniture that could use a makeover. It really is very easy to update old wood furniture without completely refinishing, and you can turn any wood furniture into unique and decorative pieces that are sure to impress. With a little imagination and creativity, old wood furniture can look more stylish than ever.

Jessica Ackerman is a prolific writer for Wall Decor and Home Accents, and she provides valuable tips and advice on the many ways to decorate walls to match every taste, style, and budget. Visit the website for more creative ideas and suggestions on decorating with architectural pieces, stylish metal wall art , iron wall mounted candle holders , and unique metal wall hangings.