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Get An Individual Look By Distressing Furniture

By Margarita Joseph


People no longer think good decorating involves a matched set with coordinating decorating accents. They want to make their own personal statement. Many also value the older pieces for their quality and style. They have withstood years of use and abuse, often at the expense of the finish. One way to take advantage of these pieces is distressing furniture.

These pieces can either be the main pieces in the decor or an unusual accent piece. Due to the limited availability, it is usually the case that only one item in a set survived. Refinishing them helps them blend with the other furnishings. Sometimes this method of finished is used on new items, but then the sturdy construction and old styles are lost.

Pieces to be finished in this manner are found in many places. One source of supply is yard sales and flea markets. Many times, these pieces can often be bought for almost nothing, as the current owner just wants to move them out of their home, but don't want to junk them. They may look horrible, but with a new finish will look lovely.

Antique shops are another source of items to distress. These may cost more, but will provide a beautiful piece of furniture for your home. There is often a bigger selection of items in the antique shop because they have a greater source of supply. You can usually find any one piece that you are seeking just by checking with different shops.

Your shed or a family shed might be the source of your supply. The fact that older pieces were strong and solidly built means they often are not worn out, so were stored. The main damage was in the finish. With just a bit of paint and varnish for a new finish, an old family heirloom may be resurrected.

You may be able to find suitable pieces at an estate sale. You may not want one of the main items, as they are in near perfect condition and quite costly. But, when the items from the attic, a basement, or shed is revealed, you may find just want you need. They are usually inexpensive due to condition.

One good place to get a piece to work with is one that is free. This is "Dumpster-diving" or picking up discarded items that have been put on the side of the street to be picked up by trash collectors. These are sometimes in less-than-perfect condition. They may even require some minor repairs. You won't want to pick up something that requires major repairs, however, unless that is something you enjoy doing. They are free, however.

Distressing furniture can be quite fun, and is very easy. It allows one to express themselves in a very individual way. In addition, you end up with a unique piece with which to decorate. Taking a chain or a hammer and beat the piece to make it look well used. Then, either varnish it or paint with two or more coats, partially wiping off each coat to let the under coat show through. This makes a unique piece.




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