Your home is a place of ease and comfort. If you are like most people, you look forward to relaxing and unwinding after a long day of work. It is easy to forget the pieces of household furniture around you that may need some special care.
Upkeep on household items does not have to be difficult or mundane. In fact, many people find that restoring objects around the house is an excellent hobby. Take a look around your home to see if you have any of the following items that need a little TLC.
Wooden Dining Tables
Many homes, especially those with formal dining rooms, include a wooden dining table. This table can become dingy, tired, scratched, and watermarked with regular use. Luckily, even antique dining tables are easy to restore.
Plenty of online resources can give you a detailed guide on how to restore a wooden dining table. When you are done with that project, top the table with fancy lace table runners, some candles, or a lovely centerpiece.
Storage Trunks
That old storage trunk that is stuffed away in a corner can become a showpiece item with a small amount of upkeep. Pull it out, dust it off and get started. You can follow a few short steps mentioned below.
Begin by inspecting the inside. Very old trunks may have locks that require the use of electric lockpick guns. These ensure you won’t break the locking mechanism even if the key is long gone.
The exterior of your trunk is a matter of personal taste. Some prefer to update the trunk to its original state by replacing any damaged pieces, refinishing the wood and metal, and either cleaning or removing any fabric.
Lamps and Other Lighting Fixtures
Light fixtures often go unnoticed until a bulb burns out. However, monthly maintenance of these items can make a big difference in your home. Make sure to inspect any lampshades for damage.
Thoroughly clean shades and sconces to allow more light to escape. Oil any metal parts for a bright and shining exterior.
Lamps and chandeliers with crystal components take a bit more care. Carefully remove each crystal, and place it in a solution of water and dishwashing soap. Allow the crystals to soak, and then rinse them clean. They will sparkle and shine.
China Cabinets
Your fine china is likely stored in a cabinet that is rarely noticed or used. Treat it as more than a simple storage space. Instead, make your china cabinet a showpiece of its own by staining or painting the surface.
Choose a shabby chic finish with chalkboard paint or make a statement with a standout color. Either way, avoid the common mistakes that destroy your precious belongings.
Dressers and Nightstands
The dressers and nightstands tucked away in your bedroom are likely left untouched except when needed. Inspect the drawers and doors to make sure all screws and bolts are intact. You may need to remove clothing, which gives you an excellent opportunity to purge some unused T-shirts.
Dresser drawer slides are usually the most in need of care. Take a look at this guide to quickly and easily repair those slides.
Have Fun with DIY
Updating furniture is a good way to spend an afternoon. You will accomplish something that needed to be done while also providing yourself with a new and relaxing hobby. You will feel better about the space around you when everything is well kept and up-to-date.
Once you start repairing furniture, you may find that you want to do even more. Restoring antiques, reclaiming furniture pieces and even building your own may be in your future. Just don’t forget to relax once in a while. When you work so hard to repair your home, it is worthwhile to sit back and enjoy it.
