Top 5 Upcycled Furniture Projects in 2024
The year I took it slowly and came into my own…
2024 has been one of the most rewarding years ever, professionally and personally. Very early on I intentionally let go of many things that used to ruffle my feathers - “Hi, I’m Jaharn and I’m officially unbothered”. I slowed down, took my time and created my best work. In years past, I would burn myself into the ground trying to share as many projects as possible, but this year I was determined to make a big change. Little did I know it would end up in me finding balance and coming into my own. I’m in my lane, blinkers on, unphased and happy. It’s the best feeling and I can see that reflected in the work I’ve created this year. It’s taken me a few years to get here, but I’m more determined than ever to make 2025 even better. And as always, I look forward to having you by my side. So, let’s take a look down memory lane as I share my Top 5 Upcycled Furniture Projects from this year.
1. Upcycled Wooden Accent Chair
Jason and I were in the car and when we drove past an armchair on the kerb I couldn’t believe what I saw - it was beautiful! Why would someone abandon such a gorgeous chair? Well, their trash is my treasure! And much to my delight, it was very comfy (and bouncy lol). I threw it in our boot, took it home, and started to think about what I could do to it. Honestly, it was fine as it was but I wanted to make it fancy. After being inspired by wooden accents, I decided to add to the design using a piece of timber and my favourite RYOBI tools.
2. Upcycled Abstract Painted Room Divider
If you want to add colour to your home without the commitment of painting a wall or an entire room, this upcycling project is for you. I love finding pieces of secondhand furniture I haven’t had the pleasure of upcycling before. When I found this worse-for-wear room divider, I knew it had the potential to add all my favourite colours and experiment with the "unexpected red theory" by interior designer Taylor Migliazzo Simon where she says, "adding anything red, big or small, to a room where it doesn't match automatically makes the space look better." And I wholeheartedly agree.
3. Upcycled No Sew Bolster Cushion Armchair
I've been dreaming about this upcycled project for over a year, and it's been quite the journey. Cylindrical foam is expensive, and after months of searching and almost resorting to buying rollers you use for your muscles (I was feeling pretty desperate, guys), I finally found some affordable foam to bring my crazy idea to life.
4. Upcycled Scalloped Cabinet
Transforming a giant double microwave-looking cabinet into the scalloped cabinet of my dreams! When I first saw this very ugly cabinet at a recycling centre, I thought there was no way I could do anything with it. But I kept returning to it, time and time again, and in the end, I knew I had to bring it home with me. It was ugly, sure. Dirty and gross, yes. But it had tonnes of potential for something special. Enter Porta’s sustainably sourced Portaline timber range! While the Portaline timber range is typically used on walls, as you know, I love using materials in unexpected ways, and I decided to use it on the front of the cabinet - it was a match made in upcycling heaven!
5. Upcycled Engraved Wooden Drawers
Not to be dramatic but this may be one of my favorite upcycling projects ever! I’ve always wanted to engrave wooden furniture, and when I found these secondhand drawers at my local tip shop, I knew they'd be perfect for experimenting with this technique using my new Ryobi Rotary Station. I learned a lot along the way and loved being able to highlight the natural wood grain and knots in this gorgeous way.
