Monday, September 14, 2009

Furniture Wardrobe Makeover Ideas

Find well-loved wardrobes at estate, yard and garage sales.


Wardrobes have many possible functions. Although the typical use for a wardrobe is additional closet space, wardrobes are also converted into TV stands, with a discreet hiding space for your television, and even liquor cabinets. A wardrobe makeover involves fresh paint, some new hardware and reworking the interior shelving -- all of which can be cost-effective, and some of these items you may already have in your home. Does this Spark an idea?


Paint


Paint is a cost-effective way of giving your wardrobe a fresh new look. Painting is also an opportunity to switch up the style of the wardrobe: Take an antique wardrobe in brown and transform it into a retro piece of furniture by covering it in a bright red or funky purple. Make over a pine wardrobe with warm country style by covering it in dark brown stain or even glossy black paint, which gives it modern appeal. Of course, some sanding may be in order after removing the old paint, using paint stripper, and before adding the next coat of paint.


Hardware


Hardware, those knobs and pulls used when opening and closing doors and drawers, also has a style function: It can entirely set the tone of a wardrobe due to its sheen and elegance. Add stainless-steel knobs and pulls to a wardrobe that you're turning into a more modern piece, and consider adding plastic knobs and pulls if you're creating a more retro item. Of course, brass and ornate hardware work best with traditional and antique pieces if you're keeping those tones and just making the piece over for a fresh look.


Inside Shelving


The interior of the wardrobe is just as important as the exterior. Give the wardrobe character by adding another color of paint or stain on the inside. Create contrast and dramatic style by making the interior color completely different but within the same style -- contemporary, retro, traditional or antique. Adding wallpaper to the shelving is another idea for personalizing a wardrobe.


Interior Design


Removing all the shelves from your wardrobe is another idea; this way you can easily transform it into a TV cabinet if your television fits into the space. Adding extra shelves and wine racks also transforms a wardrobe into a wine and liquor cabinet. A wardrobe also has potential as a storage section; simply add shelving and baskets for an ideal home for papers, seasonal items and children's toys.







Tags: knobs pulls, another idea, fresh look, traditional antique, transform into