Furniture flipping has become one of the fastest-growing, do-it-yourself upcycling projects for those interested in sustainability, crafting and home design. The appeal of turning old furniture into new and stylish pieces has even taken over TikTok, with users posting their unique “FlipTok” transformations to inspire their followers.
The trend is not without some controversy, especially from those who prefer the natural beauty of vintage pieces. However, their criticisms fortunately do not supersede the joy many DIY enthusiasts derive from their finished creations.
The Benefits of Furniture Flipping
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, furniture and furnishings — including sofas, tables, chairs and mattresses — accounted for 12.1 million tons of landfilled debris in 2018, or 4.1% of total municipal solid waste. Wood was the most prevalent material within this category.
Flipping furniture is a sustainable DIY project that reduces landfill waste. It also alleviates deforestation, resource depletion and carbon emissions by preventing new furniture manufacturing.
In addition to improving your environmental impact, you might enjoy refurbishing classic pieces as a creative outlet or opportunity to customize them to match individual design tastes. Oftentimes, thrifted furnishings are less expensive than buying new products and are more durable.
As a result of flipping furniture, you’ll have one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find in a store as you build new home improvement skills and a greater sense of accomplishment. When you master the process, you may also unlock the potential for a secondary income stream.
The FlipTok Trend Changing Home Design
TikTok is no stranger to trends, and furniture flipping is just one of the many rising viral moments across the platform. Users showcase their stunning DIY projects, from repainting to new upholstery and contemporary hardware upgrades. Most importantly, TikTokers have found a community with other DIYers interested in incorporating renewed old-fashioned furnishings into stylish home designs.
Not everyone is behind FlipTok, though. Many have spoken out against modifying and taking aesthetic liberties as an act of rage-baiting. Antiques dealer and TikToker Anna Kinsel is not particularly fond of chalk-painting and spray-painting original furniture, in particular, calling it cliche.
However, others argue that you should do what makes you happy. If painting a classic armoire with lavender or rainbow colors speaks to you, you can give that piece a new life and create a space that feels most like home.
Getting Started with Furniture Flipping
Your best chance of stumbling upon solid furnishing for flipping is at thrift stores, online marketplaces and garage sales. Oftentimes, you can find excellent deals for pieces on their last leg or items people want to replace quickly.
Before repainting or staining furniture, you must clean and prepare it properly. Remove as much dirt and grime as possible. An orbital sander will also help you smooth and remove residual finishes. However, it is best to consider pad sizes and orbit diameters when using these tools. You can achieve more aggressive sanding for heavy-duty projects with a larger diameter or utilize a smaller pad for lighter tasks.
After you’ve sanded the piece and wiped away the dust, repair loose joints, fill in cracks and chips, and use wood glue for other fixes. You can then prime, paint or stain, and seal it using the right type of applications — a specialist at your local paint or hardware store can guide you in making the right selection. Add new hardware or upholstery to customize it even more when it has completely dried.
Beginners should start with simpler projects like a side table or stool. This will allow them to practice different techniques and get used to various materials. As a creative project, you shouldn’t be afraid to experiment and develop an individual approach. Likewise, don’t fear making a mistake. Refurbishing furniture is a learning experience and something to have fun with.
It is important to note that antique furniture over 100 years old may be worth a lot of money, particularly if it was manufactured in the 1800s. You may want to consult with an expert before you transform the piece into something new, in case it has substantial value.
TikTok’s DIY Furniture Flip Trend Is Here to Stay
Trends come and go, but FlipTok is likely here for the long haul. As the world leans into sustainability and more people seek creative, one-of-a-kind, cost-effective solutions for their homes, transforming vintage pieces will continue to take interior design to the next level.
