Upcycling tips: breathing new life into vintage pieces

Upcycling, also sometimes called creative reuse, is all about taking something no longer in use, either because it’s old or discarded, and transforming it into something with a greater value and giving it a second life. And it’s a pretty popular thing to do with, according to Google Trends, a 277% rise in online interest around the search term “furniture upcycling near me” in the UK just a couple of years ago.

And, as reported by Insight DIY, well over a third (39%) of Brits are already upcycling more – with furniture items being the project of choice. That’s hardly surprising when you consider the benefits of this activity – and the environmental advantages of keeping things out of landfill. Meanwhile, many love the creative aspect and the associated mental health benefits, plus the chance to support local small businesses.

And there are so many forms upcycling can take, from using an empty tin as a plant pot to personalising an old piece of clothing, recovering a worn lampshade or creating outdoor furniture from old pallets. You just need a dash of imagination, some time to commit to your project and the desire for a little craftmanship.

Things to consider when taking on an upcycling project:

Prepare: As with anything else, preparation is key. Have everything you need together in one place, thoroughly clean the item to be upcycled and check it over for any imperfections. It’s usually possible to fill in scratches and holes with wood filler.

Mistakes happen: Even experienced upcyclers make errors from time to time. The good news is that there are few mistakes that can’t be put right. So don’t beat yourself up over mishaps.

Trial and error: If you can, trial a project using a similar item to the one you really want to transform, a piece you’re less bothered about – and see whether your idea works, with minimal risk.

Mix and match: Whether you’re working with fabrics and textiles or anything else, don’t be afraid to mix things up and try different blends of materials.

Sand it down: If you’re repainting a pre-loved item of furniture, sand it down before you do anything else. This will make a big difference to the end result, and so it is worth the additional effort.

Enjoy: Have fun – after all, that’s what upcycling is about more than anything else. Don’t worry if what you end up with isn’t quite how you initially imagined it. The mere fact that you have done the job yourself is reason enough to be proud.

Indulge your passion for upcycling at The Packhouse

The Packhouse is a Grade-II listed structure which spreads itself across several floors of a centuries-old former hop kiln at Runfold near Farnham, Surrey. Dozens of traders take up the upper floors of the building, offering treasure troves of gifts, furniture, jewellery, homeware and more.

Here you’ll find many upcycled and lovingly restored items, plenty of inspiration for your own projects, plus items you can take and make your own, in a huge range of colours, textures and materials. And you’ll also be doing your bit to support local independent traders and the environment.

Learn more today about Packhouse – start planning your project or come down to our store.