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Give Your Furniture a Bold New Life: Wallpaper Upcycling

Give Your Old Furniture a Stunning Makeover with Wallpaper

Do you have a piece of furniture that’s seen better days? Perhaps you stumbled upon a diamond in the rough at your local thrift store, but the finish is a little lackluster. Don’t settle for ordinary! Instead of a simple paint job or stain, why not unleash your creativity with a vibrant and personalized wallpaper makeover?

Vintage school desk before getting renovations.

This DIY project, inspired by ModCloth, is perfect for adding a pop of color and pattern to any piece of furniture. Whether you prefer bold designs or subtle accents, this technique offers endless possibilities for customization. Ready to transform your furniture? Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need: Materials for Your Furniture Transformation

Wallpaper and other materials needed to makeover old furniture

  • Thrifted Desk or Table: The star of our project! Choose a piece with good structure and potential.
  • Temporary Wallpaper: Temporary wallpaper is ideal for this project, especially if you have trimmings left over from other projects. Its removability offers flexibility.
  • Paint: Select a paint color that complements your wallpaper or creates a striking contrast. Spray paint or brush-on paint will work.
  • Craft Glue or Polyurethane: This will help seal and protect the wallpaper. Polyurethane provides a more durable finish.
  • Sanding Block or Sandpaper: Essential for smoothing out any imperfections on the furniture’s surface.
  • Utility Knife: For precise trimming of the wallpaper around edges and details.
  • Tape: To hold the wallpaper in place while tracing and cutting.
  • Brushes: For applying the paint and finish.
  • Scissors: For general cutting and trimming of the wallpaper.

Step-by-Step Guide: Transforming Your Furniture with Wallpaper

Makeover of Old Furniture with Colorful WallPaper

Step 1: Prepare Your Furniture

Begin by thoroughly cleaning your desk or table. Remove any cobwebs, dust, or debris. Use a sanding block or sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges, scratches, or etchings. Once you’ve sanded the surface, wipe it down with a clean cloth to remove any remaining dust. A clean and smooth surface is crucial for the wallpaper to adhere properly.

A man spray painting an old wooden school desk.

Step 2: Apply the Paint

Now it’s time to add a splash of color! Choose your favorite spray paint or brush-on paint and apply it evenly to the furniture. For our project, we opted for a brilliant gold that complemented the motif on our chosen wallpaper. However, a cool pastel shade could also create a clever and eye-catching contrast. Depending on the size of your furniture, you may need one or two cans of paint to achieve complete coverage. Remember to apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat to prevent drips and ensure a smooth finish. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Always work in a well-ventilated area when painting to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.

Patterned Makeover of an Old Furniture with Wallpaper

Step 3: Trace and Cut the Wallpaper

Carefully select the perfect wallpaper scraps to fit the desktop, seat, or any other areas you want to cover. Place each piece of wallpaper onto the surface and secure it with tape. Use a pencil or marker to trace the edges of the furniture onto the wallpaper. This will give you an accurate outline for cutting. Once you’ve traced the outline, use scissors to trim away any excess paper. Before applying the wallpaper, double-check that each piece fits perfectly onto the corresponding surface.

Patterned Makeover of an Old Furniture Colorful with Wallpaper

Step 4: Apply the Wallpaper

Remove the backing from the temporary wallpaper and carefully align it with the traced outline on the furniture surface. Gently press the wallpaper onto the surface, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles with a credit card or another flat tool. Work from the center outwards to ensure even adhesion. One of the great advantages of using temporary wallpaper is that it can be removed and reapplied if you don’t get it right the first time. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make adjustments until you achieve the perfect placement.

A person's hand drawing on the back of a beige chair.

Step 5: Trim Around Details

Use a utility knife to carefully trim away the wallpaper around any details on the furniture, such as bolts, edges, or decorative elements. This will help to highlight these features and create a more polished look. For our project, we chose to expose the gold-painted bolts that adorned the seat and slats, adding a touch of elegance and visual interest.

A man using a sponge brush to apply wallpaper to an old school desk.

Step 6: Apply the Finish

Apply a coat of craft glue or polyurethane over the wallpaper to seal and protect it. Use a brush to apply the finish evenly, allowing it to dry completely between coats. We gave our desk two coats of polyurethane across all of the patterned surfaces, ensuring that the wallpaper was permanently sealed and protected from wear and tear. Mod Podge is another excellent option for sealing and protecting the wallpaper. Choose the finish that best suits your needs and preferences.

Things sit on a small desk in a grey room with a wooden floor.

Step 7: Find the Perfect Spot

Once the finish has completely dried, it’s time to find the perfect spot for your newly transformed furniture. Whether it’s in your foyer, living room, bedroom, or home office, your revamped piece will add a touch of personality and style to any space. Display your favorite books, plants, or decorative items on the surface to complete the look.

More DIY Ideas and Inspiration

For more DIY ideas and lifestyle inspiration, be sure to check out the official ModCloth blog: STORY by ModCloth. Discover a wealth of creative projects, fashion tips, and home decor ideas to inspire your next makeover.

About ModCloth

Fashion is full of stories, and this is where we tell ours. Story by ModCloth is a smartly crafted blog filled with the best and brightest of fashion and culture, and is your place for all things ModCloth. We believe in community-driven content, the art of storytelling, and are always on the hunt for our next feature.

Thanks ModCloth!

Elevate Your Home Decor with Upcycled Furniture

This DIY furniture makeover project is more than just a way to revamp old furniture; it’s an opportunity to express your creativity, reduce waste, and create unique pieces that reflect your personal style. By upcycling thrift store finds, you’re not only giving these items a new lease on life but also contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

The possibilities for furniture makeovers are endless. You can experiment with different wallpaper patterns, paint colors, and finishing techniques to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Consider using stencils, decoupage, or other embellishments to add even more visual interest. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and let your imagination run wild!

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking for a fun and rewarding project, this wallpaper furniture makeover is sure to be a success. So, gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and transform your old furniture into stunning statement pieces that will elevate your home decor for years to come. Happy crafting!