Upcycling Ikea: mass-production MDF furniture are full of potiential

Upcycling Ikea: mass-production MDF furniture are full of potiential

How we recycle contemporary fast fashion furniture into Unique Luxury pieces

"I have a large IKEA sideboard with loads of space and handy compartments containing all my stuff. It's in perfect shape, and I'm really used to it - only one thing - it's not going to look good in my redecorated living room". 

Sounds familiar? We hear you! 

"I have this large chest of drawers in my bedroom, and it's perfectly fine, but it's so boring. I don't want to get rid of it because it's so practical. I want something interesting and eye-catching".

Is that also you? 

 

In a world where mass-produced furniture dominates the market, it's refreshing to know that even the basic pieces can be transformed into unique, luxurious items. I explore the exciting world of upcycling modern furniture, mainly focusing on MDF and laminated pieces commonly found in mass-production stores. And there's nothing wrong with such furniture - everyone can find style and functionality. We'll delve into how these materials can be given a new lease on life through restoration, repainting, applying eye-catching designs, and even changing handles and legs, all while ensuring their functionality for many years to come.

The Beauty of MDF and Laminated Furniture

MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) and laminated furniture are popular choices due to their affordability and durability. However, they often lack the character and personal touch that make a home exceptionally unique in style. This is where upcycling comes into play, allowing you to unleash your creativity and transform these mass-produced items into one-of-a-kind luxury pieces.

Where do we start

Everything starts with the idea of your ideal home. Changing the home interior does not necessarily mean replacing old furniture with new ones. Your white generic chest of drawers can become a unique statement piece telling your story. 

Professional furniture upcycling is the answer for someone who wants changes but appreciates the idea of the environment and is ready to explore possibilities of bespoke design.

The process

We start our conversation about space planning, colours, furniture function, and arrangement to get optimal order and aesthetic appearance. Ideas on how your old furniture can blend in with the help of colour, unique design and other details like handles and legs. We refinish old furniture to work nicely with other accessories in the room. Maybe you have stunning curtains and would like your old Ikea chest of drawers to work better with it. Or after painting your bedroom walls navy blue, you would also like to see some patterns and the same colour on your bedside tables. Here is another scenario: you have a new bed, and your current chest of drawers simply looks wrong... 

This is where we step in. After brainstorming ideas, we pick the best of them, and after some time on the computer, we can give you some digital visualisations for a better picture of how your piece will look.

The first step in upcycling MDF and laminated furniture is restoration. This involves repairing any damages, such as scratches or dents, and ensuring the piece's structural integrity. 

Repainting: A World of Color and Style

One of the most transformative elements of upcycling is repainting. With a fresh coat of paint, we can completely change the look and feel of an MDF or laminated piece. Opt for bold and vibrant colours to make a statement, or choose neutral tones for a more sophisticated and timeless aesthetic. The possibilities are endless, and painting allows you to customize your furniture to match your style and home decor.

Applying Bespoke Designs: Adding a Touch of Artistry

Changing the colour gives the impression of WOW, but applying a unique design makes your generic piece look incredible. This can be achieved through stencilling, decoupage, or hand-painted motifs. By infusing artistic elements onto your MDF or laminated surfaces, we can create a truly unique and eye-catching piece that becomes a focal point in any room.

Changing Handles and Legs: Small Details, Big Impact

Often overlooked, changing handles and legs can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your furniture. By swapping out standard handles for more decorative or unique options, you can elevate the look and add a touch of luxury. Similarly, replacing the original legs with more stylish alternatives can give your piece a fresh and modern twist.

Longevity and Sustainability

Despite being mass-produced, MDF and laminated furniture can still serve for many years after upcycling. By upcycling your old furniture, you're not only giving them a new lease on life but also contributing to a more sustainable way of living. Repurposing and enhancing existing furniture reduces waste and minimizes the need for new purchases, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.

 

Don't underestimate the potential of MDF and laminated furniture from stores like IKEA. With creativity and a desire for uniqueness, these pieces can be transformed into luxurious, personalized items that add character to your home. We can create functional, stylish, and sustainable furniture that stands the test of time through restoration, repainting, applying pretty designs, and changing handles and legs.

 

Show us your preloved furniture, and we will show you new possibilities. Browse our GALERY for ideas. 

 Contact us to book a free Design consultation and discover new ideas on how we can transform your generic furniture into luxury, unique pieces. Embark on a creative journey that will leave you with furniture unlike any other.

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