Restore or Buy New Furniture?

Are you debating about whether to restore a piece of furniture or buy something new? Well here's a little help in determining if it's worth the time and effort in restoring a piece

Have you 'Invested' in the piece?

When you originally acquired the piece in question did you just 'nip down to the shop' to buy it? Or is there more to it than that? Is it a family heirloom? Did you commission it to be made? Is their sentimental value involved? 

Is it a Quality Piece?

I wrote a while ago about determining if a piece of furniture is of good quality. Only if it's good quality would it be worth your while. There is no point restoring a piece that isn't going to last another year (unless of course you have 'invested' in it.)

Is it interesting?

Is it a little out of the ordinary (or do you want to make it out of the ordinary)? Is it a classic example of master craftsmanship or made by a notable manufacturer or craftsman? If you are unsure  ook for marks and labels on the bottom or the back of the piece.

Would a good cleaning do the job?

Sometimes a good clean maybe all that's needed. Just like when you have 'furry teeth' and you brush them and they feel new again, maybe that's all that's needed to make the difference. You may need to also make some minor repairs to go a long with the cleaning. This is something that you should get some expert advice on, as what you think may be minor, may be quite an involved process and vice versa. 

Can it be something else?

So you've turned into a Pinterest addict and have seen a dresser turned into shelves, shelves turned into a headboard and a headboard turned into a ... dresser, and now you're thinking of doing something similar. Maybe the piece is something you really love, it's of good quality but you just don't use it like you want to. Can you envisage it as something else? Would you get more use and pleasure out of it ,if it was something else?

So now you've answered the above questions, what are you thinking? Do you think that your furniture is still usable and would love to keep it? Or have you realised that it's better to ditch that second hand broken couch you've had from your student days?

I am a proponent of keeping good quality furniture for as long as possible. It makes sense. it saves money and the environment in the long-run, but not all pieces are designed to be kept forever. If you need some help or advice, give us a call on 0800 698 746