Not only is refinishing old furniture a great way to save some money, it’s also a fun hobby! Before you purchase a new table or bureau for your apartment try refinishing some old pieces to freshen them up with these tips!

1 – Check to see if the furniture has been painted. If a piece is painted, there’s usually a reason for it. A previous owner may have painted the furniture to cover up dents, scratches or other imperfections.

2 – Before you start working, check on the piece’s value. If it’s really old, it may be valuable in it’s current condition. Consult an antique shop for answers to your questions.

3 – Get inspiration. Check Pinterest for some photos of how other pieces look in certain colors before you get started.

4 – Don’t rush the sanding process. If you’ve decided to sand and re-stain the piece, make sure you have taken enough time to sand thoroughly. It will make a huge impact on the final product.

5 – Don’t forget the photos! Snap a before picture before you get started and don’t forget to snap the after for comparison. You’ll love seeing the difference in your new and improved furniture pieces.