Furnish Your Home on a Budget: Here Are 5 Reasons to Try Upcycling Instead of Buying New

With summer right at your doorstep, you might be thinking of giving your rental a makeover. But, how much of a change can you make, while still keeping it within budget? Turns out quite a lot, thanks to the newest and hottest trend — upcycling. Cousin of recycling, this process — in which unwanted products are transformed into new materials — has been all the rage with DIY enthusiasts.

And, it’s not hard to see why: Upcycling is a sure-fire way to ensure that your new object doesn’t lose any of its quality, while still looking new and modern. What’s more, you don’t even need to break the bank in order to enjoy the benefits of upcycling. All you need is a bit of patience, skill and a creative drive.

Celebrate artisanal works

Have you always dreamed of indulging in that bohemian look, but aren’t sure where to start? Granted, getting the right furniture can be expensive, especially if you’re trying to get your hands onto some authentic stuff. In that respect, upcycling might be of help. For instance, visiting a flea market or garage sale could very well lead to you discovering some old (but gorgeous) pieces of furniture that are looking for a new home. Additionally, make sure to keep an eye out for any craftsmen in your area looking to sell their wares.

Develop DIY skills

So, you’ve managed to get your hands on some great pieces, but they’re looking a little bit faded or in poor shape. While that might not be ideal, it’s not a deterrent, either. You just have to buy a brush, a little varnish and clear out your afternoon. Moreover, social media is rife with ordinary people learning how to give objects a new coat of life — and, with just a little work, you can become one of them, too. After all, nothing can really beat the pride of seeing your precious work displayed every day in your living room.

Minimize waste

As we’ve become more aware of environmental issues in recent years, many renters have opted to be more mindful of the way they engage with their furniture, and upcycling has proven to be a great solution. Instead of buying new materials every time you want to make a change, repurpose old stuff to give your place a vibrant vibe that still feels homey.

Save money

Refurnishing any place costs money — and, depending on your vision of your future home, it can cost a lot of money. Fortunately, another benefit of upcycling is that finding things within your budget becomes so much easier. Sure, it might take some more time to track down the exact pieces that you might be interested in, but the costs are likely to be lower. Besides, the work put into tracking down said furniture will make it all the more valuable from a sentimental standpoint.

Own one-of-a-kind objects

There’s no better conversation starter than a pretty, one-of-a-kind object that you can show off to visitors. And, because upcycling usually involves some vintage objects and DIY skills, the results are sure to be spectacular. In fact, with a little bit of creativity you can turn almost anything you own into a showstopper that will get people talking. Plus, it will most likely be a perfect fit for the kind of aesthetic you’re aiming for. (And it’s not a bad way to keep your Instagram busy, too, with pictures of the process and your final result.)