Decorate ⁄  Furniture Makeovers

Easy Tips on Turning Roadside Trash into Treasure

Scour council clean-ups, garage sales and op-shops for hidden gems to upcycle.
By Tracy Maryon

Far too much stuff is thrown away nowadays and takes up valuable space in landfill, so it makes sense to recycle what you can.

So before you cast off those items because they’re looking a bit worse for wear, think again, as they can easily be given a new lease of life.

It’ll save you money, too, because you won’t have to replace them.

Need a new picnic hamper? Then get down that old wicker basket that’s been gathering dust on the top of the kitchen cupboards and do it up.

Want a chair for the balcony? Dig out the tired-looking one that’s been lying around in the garage forever.

Or consider checking out garage sales, markets, council clean-ups and op-shops for easy-to-revamp items.

This basket and folding chair were roadside finds. All it took to upcycle them was a quick wash and spray.

We used Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Paint + Primer in Key Lime for the basket and Lagoon for the chair.

TIP When you’re spraying, work in a well-ventilated area or outside on a still day and put down drop sheets.

Table rescue

Table rescue
Amanda Shaw

This cane table was in a sorry state when it was salvaged from a heap of sodden furniture on a nature strip.
The paint had peeled off and it was covered with cracks and divots. The wicker around the legs was missing in places and the original top had been replaced with unsightly Perspex.

It almost looked beyond saving, but after a hose down, the damaged sections were filled and sanded, the missing wicker was replaced and the table was then primed and sprayed.

For a decorative finish, the top was covered with leftover wallpaper.

The cane magazine rack was a $5 charity shop find and was simply sprayed the same colour as the table.

Advertisement

1. Prepare the table

1. Prepare the table
Amanda Shaw

Wash the table with warm soapy water and let it dry.

Repair any damage with timber filler and sand smooth all over with 180 grit abrasive paper.

Remove the wicker wrapping from the base of the legs and use it to replace the missing wicker at the top by rewinding, then securing using a hot glue gun

2. Apply the paint

2. Apply the paint
Amanda Shaw

Using a paintbrush, apply two coats of primer to ensure good coverage of the Perspex top and any damaged areas.

Spray with two coats of paint, allowing it to dry completely in between coats.

TIP We used Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Paint + Primer in Ivory Silk.

Far too much stuff is thrown away nowadays and takes up valuable space in landfill, so it makes sense to recycle what you can.

So before you cast off those items because they’re looking a bit worse for wear, think again, as they can easily be given a new lease of life.

It’ll save you money, too, because you won’t have to replace them.

Need a new picnic hamper? Then get down that old wicker basket that’s been gathering dust on the top of the kitchen cupboards and do it up.

Want a chair for the balcony? Dig out the tired-looking one that’s been lying around in the garage forever.

Or consider checking out garage sales, markets, council clean-ups and op-shops for easy-to-revamp items.

This basket and folding chair were roadside finds. All it took to upcycle them was a quick wash and spray.

We used Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Paint + Primer in Key Lime for the basket and Lagoon for the chair.

TIP When you’re spraying, work in a well-ventilated area or outside on a still day and put down drop sheets.

3. Decorate the top

3. Decorate the top
Amanda Shaw

Measure the diameter of the top from the edge of the recessed section, then make a template.

Cut a piece of wallpaper to size, lay it pattern-side down on a flat surface and put the template on top.

Draw around it with a pencil, cut out the wallpaper circle and secure using wallpaper paste.

Armchair refresh

Armchair refresh
Amanda Shaw

When spraying wicker, it’s worth investing
in a spray gun because it’s easier and quicker, plus you’ll get a better finish.

And it’s bound to be used again, as you’re sure to catch the recycling bug.

This chair cost $20 at a garage sale, and all it took to spruce it up was a hose down, a coat of primer and a topcoat.

We chose a creamy shade to complement the new cushion covers.

The foam inserts from the old cushions were used as templates.

The fabric was measured and cut, then the pieces sewn together, leaving the backs open.

The foam was inserted into the covers and the backs were stitched closed.

Painting with stripes

Painting with stripes
Amanda Shaw

Salvaged during a council clean-up, a white plant stand showed the potential to be turned into a standout piece of furniture.

It was given a light sand all over with abrasive paper and painted in Taubmans Blossom.

Stripes on the tabletop were created by masking with tape at even intervals. A copper metallic acrylic paint was applied to the unmasked sections and the rims to accentuate the decorative features.

To protect the surface, it was given a coat of water-based varnish.

Another roadside find, the chair was sanded and the back and legs primed, then painted white.

Far too much stuff is thrown away nowadays and takes up valuable space in landfill, so it makes sense to recycle what you can.

So before you cast off those items because they’re looking a bit worse for wear, think again, as they can easily be given a new lease of life.

It’ll save you money, too, because you won’t have to replace them.

Need a new picnic hamper? Then get down that old wicker basket that’s been gathering dust on the top of the kitchen cupboards and do it up.

Want a chair for the balcony? Dig out the tired-looking one that’s been lying around in the garage forever.

Or consider checking out garage sales, markets, council clean-ups and op-shops for easy-to-revamp items.

This basket and folding chair were roadside finds. All it took to upcycle them was a quick wash and spray.

We used Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Paint + Primer in Key Lime for the basket and Lagoon for the chair.

TIP When you’re spraying, work in a well-ventilated area or outside on a still day and put down drop sheets.

Rack revamp

Rack revamp
Amanda Shaw

Spotted at an op-shop and bought for a couple of dollars, this veneer wine rack got a facelift and is now a fun and functional piece that would look great in any kitchen or living space.

You’ll be ready to pop your bubbles when entertaining and it’s guaranteed to be a great conversation starter.

There was slight damage to the rack, so the cracks were filled with timber filler, then lightly sanded, and any loose bits of veneer were glued back down.

The rack was finished off with two coats of spray paint.

The rustic bedside table was found dumped by the side of the road and makes an ideal stand for the rack. It was simply sanded back to give it a distressed look

Sign up for emails

SIGN UP NOW