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From reducing landfill to saving money, taking a pre-loved object and giving it new life is good for both you and the earth. Here are 4 reasons why there’s no downside to upcycling:

1. The environment will thank you

It’s no secret that upcycling is good for the environment — whether it’s repurposing old clothing, reclaimed wood or jam jars. Even the most underrated of discarded objects can be given new life. When it comes to upcycling furniture, the environmental benefits are extra significant. Every year in Australia, about 200,000 tonnes of wooden furniture is thrown into landfill. These are shocking stats, but choosing to upcycle an old table, dresser or chair can help reduce this number. Upcycling furniture is also kind to our earth’s resources. Rather than burning fossil fuels to create new raw materials, upcycling makes the most of the timber we already have. So, instead of tossing our unwanted timber items into landfill, let’s reclaim them. Often, all an old piece of furniture needs is some sanding, a new stain, coat of paint or a polish!

2. You’ll get a unique, custom piece

The perfect set of bar stools, a statement coffee table or a vintage dining table — we know that the right piece of furniture can complete a space. But it’s not always easy to hunt down that ideal item, the one you know will fit your room just right. If you can’t find the perfect piece, why not create it yourself? Upcycling timber furniture lets you create a custom piece that meets your brief and transforms the look and feel of your home.

Not to mention, we all love to hear people ooh and ah over our home décor. The beauty of upcycled furniture is that no two pieces are the same. Forget cookie-cutter tables, chairs and cabinets. From the timber stain you choose through to the paint colour, the result of upcycling is a finished product that’s unique every time.

3. Say hello to savings!

Fast furniture isn’t cheap, especially considering that most of it has a pretty short life span. Fortunately, there’s a longer-lasting and eco-friendly option: upcycling! Many of us will already own an old piece of furniture which, with a little time and TLC, can be turned into a stunning creation. Even if you don’t have anything on hand to restore, it’s cheap (or often free) to find preloved timber items. Check out your local op-shops, flea markets, and Facebook marketplace. Or, take a stroll around your neighbourhood and discover curb-side furniture finds just waiting to be given new life. While there might be some costs, like buying stains or varnishes, it’s still cheaper than buying new.

4. It brings out your creative side

Upcycling is a great way to get those creative juices flowing. No matter if you’re a DIY genius or embarking on your first upcycling project, repurposing old timber items will bring out your creative energy. Using your hands, learning new skills and working out how you want the finished product to look can all be incredibly rewarding.

There is no shortage of ways you can get creative with your upcycle project — you can be as innovative as you want to be! Sanding, varnishing and painting will always create something special, but why not experiment with different upholstery or embellishments?

Sometimes, all we need is a little inspiration.

Choosing to restain, repolish or redesign an old piece of timber furniture is a creative, rewarding hobby that comes with so many benefits. If you’re ready to embark on your next upcycling project, but you’re not sure where to start, have a look at Brushed by Feast Watson. Whether you want to refresh an old chair, transform a pre-loved side table into something beautiful, or modernise some bar stools, there are a whole lot of projects to choose from.

We hope we’ve inspired you to try your hand at upcycling. If you get stuck on your upcycling journey, be sure to reach out to us for some DIY know-how.