Upcycled furniture – where classic design meets modern form
Upcycled furniture is more than restoration. It is about taking older, classic quality furniture and giving it a bolder guise and a new, modern expression – with finish, craftsmanship and a sense of timelessness in every detail.
At Plan B Design, the work starts from furniture with history, quality and character. Through redesign, careful craftsmanship and clear design decisions, classic furniture becomes one-of-a-kind design objects that work in modern homes – practically and aesthetically.
Would you like to see the look straight away? Discover our pieces: All pieces, Sideboards, Chests of drawers & bedside tables and Armchairs.
What is a upcycled piece of furniture?
A upcycled piece of furniture is an existing piece that is given a new aesthetic and, at times, functional life through design work. Unlike merely restoring the original condition, the aim is to develop the identity of the piece further – with respect for the craftsmanship, but in a new direction.
- New colour scheme or surface treatment
- Renewed fittings, details and proportions
- New materials (such as lacquer, patterns, metal or wood details)
- Newly upholstered seats for greater comfort
- Refined function for everyday life, such as better storage
More on this in this in-depth article: What is a upcycled piece of furniture?
The difference between furniture restoration and furniture design
Traditional furniture restoration usually focuses on preserving and restoring. Redesign furniture design focuses on transformation – on creating a new expression from the basic quality of the piece.
| Furniture restoration | Upcycled furniture |
|---|---|
| Restores the original | Creates a new expression |
| Preservation is central | Design interpretation |
| Repair & care | Refinement & redesign |
| Historical accuracy | Timeless form + modern feel |
For a more detailed comparison: The difference between furniture restoration and redesign.
If you are looking for a classic restoration commission rather than a redesign, see: Restorations.
Why older quality furniture is the perfect starting point
Many older pieces are built from solid wood, in constructions meant to last for generations. That makes them ideal candidates for a redesign: the quality is already there – what is renewed is the expression.
It is also a sustainable way to furnish a home. When existing resources are preserved and carried forward, the need for new production falls. More on this: Why restore furniture instead of buying new?
Practical and aesthetic – furniture for everyday use
Plan B Design redesigns furniture that works in everyday life: good storage, sideboards and cabinets that stand up to use – and chairs with softly re-upholstered seats. The practical meets the aesthetic, without compromising on finish.
Explore the categories: Sideboards, Cabinets, Drinks cabinets, Display cabinets, Chairs, Tables.
When the classic meets the futuristic
A large part of the expression lies in contrasts: classic forms that acquire a modern, at times almost futuristic feel. It might be an unexpected choice of colour, graphic finishes, new fittings or a more austere overall look.
For inspiration on bringing statement furniture into the home: Statement furniture – how to furnish with a piece that takes up space. You can also browse: All pieces.
The process behind a upcycled piece of furniture
Every piece begins with an assessment of potential and direction. Then comes work that combines construction, surface, details and finish.
- Selection & analysis – where does the strength of the piece lie, and what can be made new?
- Design idea – colour, form, details and function
- Work on the construction – stability, drawers, carcass, fittings
- Surface treatment – lacquering and finish to a durable standard
- Detail work – fittings, lines, proportions, overall impression
- Final check – function, overall look and durability
In more detail: The process behind a upcycled piece of furniture.
Finding the right piece
Would you like to begin with a particular type of furniture? Here are the quick links:
- Sideboards
- Chests of drawers & bedside tables
- Cabinets
- Drinks cabinets
- Display cabinets
- Armchairs
- Chairs
- Tables
- All pieces
FAQ – upcycled furniture
What is upcycled furniture?
Upcycled furniture is older quality furniture that has been reworked to give it a modern expression – often with a new colour scheme, details and finish, while the quality and craftsmanship of the original are preserved.
Is upcycled furniture the same as furniture restoration?
No. Furniture restoration usually aims to restore the original condition. With upcycled furniture, the aim is to create a new expression and, at times, a new function. More on this: the difference between restoration and redesign.
Does upcycled furniture suit modern homes?
Yes – it is often made precisely to work in modern surroundings. A redesigned piece can become a statement in the room while being practical in everyday life, for example as a sideboard or cabinet.
Can I submit my own piece of furniture for redesign?
Yes, Plan B Design also takes on restoration and redesign commissions. More on this here: Restorations.
Which types of furniture do you redesign most often?
Common types are chests of drawers, sideboards, cabinets, drinks cabinets and display cabinets, as well as chairs and armchairs. Examples in the categories: Chests of drawers & bedside tables, Sideboards, Drinks cabinets and Armchairs.
Next step: What is a upcycled piece of furniture? → The process behind a upcycled piece of furniture → Restorations