An old wooden chair, a hand-me-down vanity, a plain living room bureau – all of these items may seem to be disposable eyesores, but with a little touching up they can quickly become your new favorite piece. Thanks to sites such as Pinterest (check us out), homeowners are developing a taste for DIY furniture repurposing and homemade décor. Just a few minor changes can transform furniture into one-of-a-kind pieces. So, instead of hauling off your old furnishings to the junk yard, consider rejuvenating them with appliqués.

When it comes to decorating your dwelling, aesthetics is likely your primary concern. Appliqués are a great way to add appeal to any piece of furniture without spending hundreds of dollars on reupholstering or other extensive updates. Furniture appliqués are inexpensive in comparison to other repurposing options, and are easy to complete. They are generally made of metal or wood and can be purchased from craft stores and specialty shops.

Depending on the material you choose, you can use carpenter’s glue, hot glue or epoxy adhesive. Some appliqués even come ready to use with their own adhesive backing.

One thing you need to keep in mind is that the appliqué may be a slightly different color than the furniture piece. In order to create a more cohesive appearance, you may choose to paint the entire piece one color.

For a bolder more high-end look, consider painting the appliqué with gold gilt or bronze paint.

There are many different appliqué styles and designs to choose from – including floral carvings, geometric shapes, Roman-inspired impressions and more.

Don’t be afraid to showcase your own personal style because, after all, when it comes to your home your own satisfaction is top priority.

(Image inspiration by 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5)