Top tips for upcycling on a budget

Tip 1 – Know your budget

Before starting your project have a really clear plan of what you would like to spend on the project and what you are looking to achieve. This way you can keep an eye on the costs and check that they don’t spiral as you go further into the project. We would also recommend writing a shopping list of what you’re going to need.

Tip 2 – Repurpose an item you already have

Think about what you already have in the house, for example, if you want some funky drawers, could you make something out of the drawers you already own? Or if you’re anything like us you will have fabric laying around from other projects that you could use for a project. So, have a root around the house before hitting the shops to see what you could use.

Tip 3 - Buy second-hand where you can

Our third tip is all about hitting the charity shops and buying second-hand where you can. You can pick up really good-quality furniture from charity shops and create your own vintage twist items at an affordable price. Have a think about what charity shops are worth visiting before you head out into town, so you have an idea of where you’re going as well as what you’re looking for.

Charity shops are also a great place for textiles or fabrics for your upcycling projects. From clothes, to offshoots of materials it is an affordable way to get this ticked off your shopping list.

Tip 4 – The right tools for the job

Charity shops are a great place for picking up second-hand tools, which is a great way to save some pennies. Investing in the right tools for the job is really important, so whether you’re buying second-hand or new tools make sure you know what you’re going to need and factor this into the costs of the project.

Tip 5 – Pick the right paint

Paint is a great way to give furniture a new lease of life. Our top tip is to buy tester pots if it is a small piece that your upcycling, as this will prevent you from have loads of left-over paint at the end. If you’re wanting to get stuck in straight away with out sanding or priming than chalk paint can be a budget friendly way to transform an item.

Tip 6 – Collect odd socks

What? We hear you ask, bear with us, because you’re going to love this one. Odd socks are a great way to apply wax to furniture after you’ve finished upcycling. They work really well, as any loose fibres will stick to the wax. Who knew that there would be such a genius way to make use of all those odd socks.