Wardrobes are one of the main features in most of our bedrooms. So when they start to look tired or become damaged this can very obvious and inconvenient. But before you head to the shops to spend lots of money on a new replacement, consider whether you could do anything to save it. It’s amazing what a little TLC and creativity can do to spruce up an old wardrobe.
1. Clean and varnish
Wooden wardrobes can be brought back to life with a little clean and varnish. You’ll need the right varnish for the material (ask at your local DIY store for help) a good quality brush and sandpaper. Before you apply the varnish, remove all the contents of the wardrobe, get rid of any dust and debris and sand down the surfaces.
2. A new lick of paint
Another easy but very effective way to give your wardrobe a makeover is to give it a fresh coat of paint. The type of paint you need will depend on what the wardrobe is made off. If it’s wood or MDF, most off the shelf products will be just fine. However, if it has a veneer finish, you’ll need a particular primer and paint combination. Again, the staff at a DIY store can point you in the right direction. Before applying the paint, make sure you dust and sand the surfaces thoroughly so you get as smooth a finish as possible.
3. Updated doors
The doors are often the first part of the wardrobe to become damaged. If they are scratched, scuffed or damaged in any way, you can easily update them with a new set. Louvre doors are perfect for wardrobes and will add class and elegance to this piece of furniture. But you may wish to browse the range of styles online. Remember to take measurements and check the new doors come with instructions and equipment for installing.
4. Decorative handles
If your wardrobe just looks a bit old and dull, you can really spruce it up by replacing the door knobs with a set of beautiful decorative handles. You can find these in most homeware shops and online. You’ll find a huge range of patterns to choose from including butterflies, flowers as well as materials, including glass and brass. You will probably need to fasten the new door knobs using an electric screwdriver.
5. Add some wallpaper
Panels of wallpaper added to the exterior and interior is a fantastic way to cover up damage and to make your wardrobe a real feature in the room. Wallpaper can be added to your wardrobe following the same method as you would do for papering walls. However, this technique will only work on flat, matt surfaces. Measure panel and cut sections of paper accurately, and use a craft knife to tidy up the edges.
As you can see, there are lots of ways to spruce up a tired wardrobe. We assure you that you’ll get more satisfaction giving your old piece of furniture a new life than you would from buying a new one.