Cheerful Frugality Makes The Old Feel New
I can't believe how much better my worn brown furniture looks in a freshly-painted yellow room.
That got me thinking: what other frugal fixes help the old seem new again? What helps you stay content when you feel like starting over at Target?
Here are a few of my favorite ways to improve what I already have:
- Spray paint: white, black, or anodized bronze are my favorites.
- Shoe polish: hard leather shoes can look good for years.
- Furniture wax: gives a subtle sheen and patina.
- Old English: a quick wipe fills scratches on wood.
- Starch: crisp napkins, an old collar, recycled ribbon.
- Armor All: revitalize car interiors and outdoor plastic stuff.
- Bar Keeper's Friend: stainless sinks and other surfaces shine again.
Do you have a favorite frugal pick-me-up? What helps you love what you already have?
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8 Responses to “Cheerful Frugality Makes The Old Feel New”
April 6th, 2009 at 4:52 am
cover old beat up coffee or end tables with contact paper looks fresh and wipes clean
left over house paint rolled on to the front porch will give a fast cheerful welcome to guest
just cleaning out the flower beds of old debris is automatic pick me up
and dont forget that a quick dusting of the room (don’t forget the silk flowers and picture frames) is instant brightner. Helps to wipe those windows and let the sun shine in too!
April 6th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Heee Heee, when you said Old English, I thought you meant Olde English (beer)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_English_800
I’ll let you draw your own conclusions. Though I wonder what a good wipe of the Olde English on furniture would do
April 6th, 2009 at 8:11 am
replacing all the doilies with fresh ones after dusting/waxing….and changing the bedspreads or adding a pretty quilt or coverlet can give a room a real makeover look.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:06 am
I pull the cushions off my couch and have the girls do the cushion dance. It fluffs up those old cushions making the couch look much better – it’s also a “chore” the girls enjoy.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:42 am
I love to switch the curtains around at my house. Even if I’m just moving living room drapes to the bedroom it makes a huge difference.
April 6th, 2009 at 10:01 am
I have to second the suggestions for a fresh coat of paint and a good cleaning, but I’m really just leaving a comment so I can subscribe to the comments on this post. I love Meredith’s ideas and want to hear what others can add!
Meredith,
I think I’ve seen you discuss spray paint on your own blog. Can you share a few tips here for choosing the right brand/type? Is the really cheap stuff worth using, or will I wind up wishing I had spent the money for a better brand?
April 7th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
When I no longer love something I sell it. If I can change it up like you suggested that sometimes works but for me it is easier to sell it and buy new. I use the money I earn selling it to rebuy. If you are a careful and patient shopper you can easily sell a lamp for $20 and buy a new one for the same amount or less.
June 30th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
If we want to change our old furniture, we can sell it. And then, we can choose and buy another new one. We can search for the suitable new model of furniture through websites.
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