Why I Save Old Furniture

Why I Save Old Furniture (And Why You Should Too)
From the Workbench of a Furniture Restorer

People often ask me why I bother fixing up old furniture when it’s so easy (and cheap) to just buy something new. I get it — not everyone sees a scratched table or a wobbly chair and thinks opportunity. But for me, every piece tells a story. And more importantly, every piece deserves a second chance.

I’ve been restoring furniture for years now, and I started more by accident than on purpose. After buying our first house we used lots of second- hand furniture to fill it. Lots of pieces needed updating so I got to stripping and painting. My passion for furniture upcycling is born and then I noticed just how much was thorn away so what started as a side project has turned into a full-blown passion — and a mission. Because once you see how much good furniture gets thrown away, it’s hard not to do something about it.

We’re Throwing Away Too Much

Each time I visit the local recycling centre notice the same thing: perfectly usable furniture, tossed aside. Most of it just needs a little TLC. A loose joint here, a broken drawer there, maybe a coat of paint or a fresh finish.

The saddest part? A lot of that furniture is better made than what you’ll find in stores today. Solid wood. Traditional joinery. Things built to last. But because it’s out of style or a bit beat-up, it’s considered disposable.

It doesn’t have to be.

Upcycling is Good for the Planet — and the Soul

Restoring old furniture keeps it out of landfill, plain and simple. And in a world drowning in waste, that matters more than ever. It’s not just about saving wood — it’s about cutting down on the energy, packaging, and shipping that goes into making and transporting new stuff.

But the rewards aren’t just environmental.

There’s something deeply satisfying about taking a tired piece and giving it new life. Stripping back years of grime to find beautiful grain beneath. Replacing missing handles with vintage finds. Repainting an old cabinet in a bold colour that makes someone fall in love with it again.

It’s slow work, sometimes. But it’s honest, and it’s personal. You can’t rush a good restoration.

Every Piece Has a Story

One of my favourite projects was a 1960s sideboard someone left outside in the rain. The veneer was peeling, the legs were cracked, and it was headed for the skip. But I saw something in it.

I spent days cleaning it up, reinforcing the frame, and refinishing the wood. When it was done, it looked stunning — warm walnut tones, brass hardware, and a mid-century charm that no flat-pack furniture could ever replicate. That sideboard is now the centrepiece in someone’s living room.

That’s the magic of what I do. Saving something old, making it beautiful again, and knowing it’s going to be used and loved for years to come.

You Can Do It Too

You don’t have to be a professional restorer to make a difference. A bit of sandpaper, a tin of paint, and with some patience you can transform almost any piece. Start small — maybe a bedside table or a chair. Watch a few tutorials, or come to one of our workshops. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

View our available workshops here

Once you see the potential in an old piece, it’s hard to stop. It’s addictive in the best way — and better for your wallet, your home, and the planet.

Buy all you need here 

Final Thoughts from the Workshop

Every time I finish a piece, I feel like I’ve rescued a little part of history. I see past the scuffs and dents and imagine how it can serve another family, another home. It’s not just furniture — it’s craftsmanship, character, and a conscious choice to live more sustainably.

So next time you’re about to throw out that old table, or pass up a dusty chair on the curb, stop and think: What could this become?

Chances are, the answer is something beautiful.