Updating Old Furniture

Reupholstering and updating your old furniture doesn't have to cost you a fortune. By using a bit of creativity and looking at fabric in a new way you can reupholster and cover your present furniture inexpensively. Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination and get you started.

Vintage or New Tablecloths
Inexpensive vintage tablecloths can be bought at flea markets and garage sales while new ones can be bought at discount- these give you a large amount of fabric at an expensive cost. They can be thrown over upholstered chairs and if more than one is needed just choose one in similiar colors so that they blend. Stains areas that can not be removed can be cut around and they make great fabric to upholster the seats of dining room chairs.

Sheet
Sheets can be used to cover inexpensive fabric and can easily be changed with the season. They once again give you a large amount of fabric and come in an array of sizes. The designs and colors are unbelievable and make updating tired and outdated upholstered pieces very easy

Artist Canvas
Artist canvas comes in 100 yard rolls and is very durable. If your not familiar with it comes in white or cream which can be left as is or painted with acrylic paint and sealed letting you do any design you can paint. Its great for outdoor furniture because of its durability

Old and New Ouilts
Old and news quilts make great covering for sofa and chairs and blend in so well in almost any decor especially primitive, country or shabby chic. If they are worn just do a bit a mending to make them more usable and remember their worn faded look add to their charm.

Drapes
Drapes in velvet, silk and other fabrics picked up at thrift shops give you rich and elegant fabrics for very little money. Work around any sun faded areas and they usually just need a little cleaning- if they need dry cleaning do it yourself at a laundromat.

Old Bedspreads
Hopsacking bed covers, quilted and old chenille coverlets can be found in thrift stores and make a great expensive way to cover an old chair. The bonus of them being almost always washable make them great around pets and children.

So the next time you look at your furniture and its looking tired and your so tired of it take a walk through your nearest flea market or thift store with a discerning eye and a bit of imagination !