How To Incorporate Old Furniture Into A New Home

(Guest Writer: Hanna Matthews)

Moving to your new home can often be a daunting and stressful task. There are so many things to think about, from paperwork and packing to relocation itself.

And one of the questions that pop up is 'What to do with the old furniture?'.

There is always some uncertainty about whether it will fit into your new home. Will it match your new home in style and size?

Luckily there's no need to start from scratch and bust the bank by buying a new set of furniture. After all, you don't want to throw away your old favourite or get rid of the items in perfectly good condition without reason. With a little effort and imagination, you can blend the old with the new and create your dream home.

Photo by Curtis Adams from Pexels

Here are several creative and easy ways to incorporate old furniture into a new home.

Decide What To Keep And What Needs To Go

First of all, you should go through your furniture and inspect each item. If some of the pieces are too worn out or damaged, consider whether it's possible to repair or remodel them. If this is not the case, it would be good to sell them or donate them.

On the other hand, if restoration is an option, don't be too hasty to throw them away. Think of your new home's layout and what piece of furniture would fit in each room. Of course, keep those items that you love and don't want to leave behind! With a little creativity, you'll be able to make them work in your new home and create a perfect mix of the old and the new.

Reimagine And Rearrange Your Old Furniture

While deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, it's essential to think out of the box. If you lived in your old home for a long time, you're probably accustomed to how your furniture was arranged. Instead, look at it with a fresh pair of eyes and try to think of different positions and arrangements.

For example, sectionals can be divided and placed in several different rooms. This is an especially good idea if you're downsizing or you want to adopt a minimalistic home design.

Combine the sectionals with chairs to easily incorporate old furniture into a new home. Chairs are even easier to move around the house and rearrange any way you want.

Photo by Jakob Owens from Unsplash

If there are pieces that always went together in your old home, separate them! Think about how each of them would fit into another room and ways to combine them with other items. Of course, keep your new home's layout in mind and plan accordingly.

Repurpose Your Furniture And Think of New Ways To Use Them

One of the best ways to incorporate your old furniture into a new home is to change its purpose. If you keep an open mind, you could find a new use for almost everything.

Your dining room table too small for your new home? Repurpose it as a desk in your smart and inspiring home office, or even as a nightstand! 

That old mattress you wanted to throw away could be perfect for a daybed in your sunroom or home office! Similarly, why don't you use that chest as a low table or a nightstand?

Be creative and experiment with ideas and designs. Think which item would work best in which room, and don't be afraid to take some risks in your stylistic choice. After all, you're making your dream home, so feel free to combine different styles to achieve that goal.

Upholstering can make your furniture as good as new and add a splash of colour to the room.

Photo by Charisse Kenion from Unsplash

A Makeover Is An Ideal Way To Incorporate The Old Furniture Into A New Home

What's more, a simple makeover of your old furniture pieces can make a tremendous difference. Paint the old cabinets or shelves to give them a new look that will fit your new home perfectly.

Changing door handles will make the old wardrobes or chests more appealing. In addition to that, there are various styles and colours, so you're bound to find ones that will match your new home's design.

When it comes to sofas, beds, chairs, and similar items, simple upholstering can completely change a room's outlook and give it a different feel. Choose the colours and textures that will go well together. It's a great way to combine old mismatched items into a unique set.

Old tables are particularly easy to convert - by changing the legs (and their length), you can completely repurpose them. That way, you'll ensure they fit into any space you have in mind.

Mix The Old With The New To Create Your Ideal Home

Additionally, you can buy a few new furniture pieces, especially if you're moving to a bigger home. New accessories will refresh the room and give it a distinct style.

Refurbish your old furniture and arrange it the way you want, and buy a few smaller items that will add the oomph to your new home. New shelves or an easy chair won't break the bank, but they will make your home come together stylistically.

Not only that but they'll make you see your old furniture in a new light and appreciate it even more. Old wooden furniture, especially if you take care of it properly, is ideal for any interior design style you have in mind. It adds a rustic charm that will easily blend with any decor. It will save you money, while the new pieces will help update your room's appearance.

Photo by Isaac Martin from Unsplash

Change The Accessories

One of the best ways to bridge styles between your old furniture and a new home is to pay attention to the details. Decorating your home and changing accessories are the easiest and most cost-effective ways to give your home a fresh and distinct look.

For example, change the cushions or rugs. Bedding, pillows, and lighting won't cost you too much but will make a big difference. An eye-catching piece of art or a new plant holder may add a pop of colour that you need.

So, while you may feel tempted to buy everything new, remember that there's no need to go overboard. If you're willing to make some effort and be creative, you'll be able to incorporate old furniture into a new home with ease. Make a good plan and follow these tips to make an ideal home for yourself.

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Author Bio: Hanna Matthews has worked for Kokusai Express Japan as a moving organizer for the past five years. She is also a freelance writer and an interior design enthusiast. Her primary focus in her articles is on interior design and relocation issues. In her free time, she enjoys travelling and painting.