In a time where sustainable living meets luxury, repurposing old furniture has become an art form. It’s a way to marry special memories with modern tastes. For millennial homeowners, there’s a unique charm in blending the past with the present.

Modern homes thrive on clean lines and simplicity. However, there’s something rich about incorporating history and personal stories through vintage pieces. By updating older furniture pieces, you’re curating a home that’s reflective of a beautiful blend of eras. Embrace the old and reimagine how it can fit into the new.

Here’s how you can add a modern vibe to older furniture pieces.

Reupholster With Modern Fabrics

One of the simplest yet most transformative ways to modernize furniture is by reupholstering dated chairs and sofas. Make a statement with bold geometric patterns or velvety textures. Neutral and minimalistic fabrics are also great for evoking a modern, elevated vibe.

Have Fun With Paint

Paint works wonders, especially on wooden furniture. Paint your old pieces in shades of matte black, deep navy, or cool gray to take a piece from dated to chic.

Replace Hardware

The handles and knobs on dressers and cabinets are a sure giveaway to which era they’re from. Swap outdated hardware for sleek brass, brushed nickel, or minimalist designs. This refreshes the overall look without a complete overhaul.

Combine Old With New

Contrast your pieces to create a modern aesthetic with a vintage twist. For example, you can place an ornate vintage mirror over a modern console or a place a Victorian-era armchair next to a sleek coffee table. The juxtaposition creates visual interest.

Add or Replace Legs

Change the posture of your old furniture by adding or replacing its legs. Hairpin or tapered wooden legs can add a mid-century modern feel to coffee tables, couches, and dressers.

Incorporate Technology

Blend the modern age with vintage beauty by incorporating technology into old furniture pieces. Turn old drawers into charging stations or an antique armoire into a hidden workspace for your home office.

Simplify Pieces

Some old furniture pieces may benefit from a structural change. You can do so by removing ornate, decorative trims to create a more streamlined, contemporary look.