The Ultimate Upcycle: 8 Inspiring Things to Do with Old Wooden Furniture

The Ultimate Upcycle 8 inspiring things to do with old wooden furniture
3 min read • Last Modified on October 10, 2024

Transform old wooden furniture into stunning new pieces with these 8 creative upcycling ideas. Get inspired to give new life to old wood.


I once had an old wooden furniture piece that I thought of getting rid of – a single sofa made of solid wood. At the time, I was about to purchase a wooden sofa set, but I felt reluctant to scrap the old furniture, especially because it was of great quality. However, I decided to try my hands on it and give it a fresh start!

With some creativity and elbow grease, I transformed the old single sofa into a one-of-a-kind bench, which was a great addition to my outdoor space. Not only did I save a piece of quality furniture from ending up in a junkyard, but I also saw a need for upcycling and repurposing old furniture. If you’re like me and wondering what you can do with your old wooden furniture, then you’re in the right place.

In this blog post, I will share 8 creative ways to restore old wooden furniture and provide opportunities for renewal. It will amaze you to know what you are capable of! But before we check them out, let’s see the reasons for upcycling. 

Why Should You Upcycle Old Wooden Furniture?

Upcycling old wooden furniture offers numerous benefits, including environmental sustainability, unique character, cost-effectiveness, preservation of history, creative expression, quality, and durability. It is an economical and environmentally good choice because it decreases waste, prolongs the life of the furniture, and uses fewer raw materials.

In addition to giving a piece of trashed furniture another chance at life, upcycling old furniture encourages a better sustainable way of life and a more circular economy. Upcycling allows for creative freedom, develops DIY skills, and provides a distinctive touch to a space, making it a center of attraction. All things considered, upcycling old wooden furniture is an innovative and fair way to create something fresh from an old piece, returning it to its original beauty and functionality.

Creative Uses for Old Wooden Furniture

There are numerous uses for used furniture. Just because you’ve had that furniture piece for years doesn’t mean you should abandon it- it hasn’t lost any of its original value.

Here are 10 inspiring things to do with old wooden furniture: With this list, you can be inspired to create something truly special.

Upcycle into a Planter

You necessarily do not have to be a horticulturist before you can cultivate and care for flowers. Alright, so ‘horticulturist’ sounds like a formal word. What about a plant lover? Great! So, if you’re a plant lover who tends to care for plants and flowers or you have a garden, and then you have old wooden furniture, you shouldn’t think twice before turning it into a planter!

You can give new life to that old piece and elevate the appearance of your garden or indoor space. It’s simple! The process involves transforming the furniture into a container for plants. It’s a win-win for you as you’re reducing waste and keeping the history of the original furniture alive.

Upcycled wooden planter
An upcycled wooden planter

Create a Headboard

Creating a headboard from old wooden furniture is a creative way to upcycle and reuse materials. You can transform various pieces, such as old doors, wooden panels, dressers, or window frames, into a standout headboard.

All you have to do is measure your bed and wall space to ensure a proper fit, then clean and refinish the wood to match your desired aesthetic. Add decorative elements, like lights or trim, to enhance the design. 

Headboard - old wooden furniture
With old wooden furniture, you can create a headboard

Make a Coffee Table

You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t love a coffee table. To get yourself a refined coffee table you can turn an old door or wood plank into one. This creative upcycle transforms a vintage door or wooden plank into an elegant and useful centerpiece for your living area. With a little imagination and some basic DIY skills, you can create a unique coffee table that is perfect for gathering around with family and friends.

Simple wooden coffee table
Old wooden furniture + DIY skills = Unique coffee table

Build a Bench

You can also turn old furniture into a cozy bench for your entryway or garden, this will create a charming spot to sit and relax. With that old dresser, you are about to dispose of, you can attach a cushioned seat and backrest to it and then add decorative arms or a simple finish. You can also repurpose an old church pew to create a unique and functional bench that adds warmth and character to your entryway or garden, perfect for putting on shoes, reading a book, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Blue wooden bench
An outdoor wooden bench

Design a Shelf

To add charm and additional storage to your room, you can make use of old wooden furniture into a functional and stylish shelf. All you have to do is remove the old furniture’s hardware, sand it, and cut it to size. Assemble with glue and nails, add supports, and stain or paint to match your style. It is ideal for displaying decorative items, books, or kitchenware. With a little DIY skills, you can create a unique and useful shelf that not only adds storage but also becomes a centerpiece in your home.

Old wooden furniture turned to simple shelf
A functional shelf from old wooden furniture

Craft a Desk

Do you know how sometimes you have an old piece of furniture just lying around, like a door or a wooden plank? And it’s not being used for anything? Well, You can take that old door or plank, and turn it into something completely new and useful, like a desk!

Upcycled wooden desk
An upcycled wooden desk

Make a Pet Bed

Don’t you think it’s high time you get a comfortable place for your furry friend to rest, relax, and sleep? An old wooden furniture would do just that, complete with a plush cushion and soft blankets. Making this unique bed will give your home a distinct look and also provide your pet with a warm, snug spot to relax and feel loved.

Wooden pet bed
Wooden pet bed from Old wood

Make a Wall Art

Upcycling old wooden furniture into wall art doesn’t require much worry because you can choose to retain its original shape, disassemble it, and reassemble it into new designs. You can also create a collage or mosaic with the wood or add decorative elements like shells, pebbles, or carvings to enhance the piece. So do not get rid of that old wooden furniture, get your creative side to transform it into a unique and eye-catching wall art that gives your home the beautification it needs.

Wooden wall art
Old furniture transformed into wall art

In a Wrap 

I’m thrilled to have shared these ideas for transforming old wooden furniture into something new and useful. Upcycling is a sustainable method of minimizing waste, keeping memories, and adding unique features to your living space. It goes beyond simple creativity.

Hence, make sure that outdated furniture doesn’t end up in the garbage dump or build dust in the basement. Give it a second chance, and let your imagination run wild. You never know what beautiful masterpiece you might create, and the sense of satisfaction you’ll feel is truly priceless. So, Get creative, get inspired, and give that old wood a new look!


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