Refurbishing a piece of furniture can be a smart, lovely way to create a unique element for your room décor.

But it also requires some inspection and hard work.

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First, you’ll want to ensure that the piece you are refurbishing is structurally sound. If a dresser is rocking, for example, and cannot be stabilized, it may not be worth refinishing. Double check that drawers open smoothly, doors close completely, and that all the necessary parts are intact.

The first step in refurbishing a wood furniture piece is to sand the entire surface. To complete this process, you’ll need to make sure that it is solid wood, and it will be helpful to know the wood type to determine durability. If the furniture has a dark stain or paint, you’ll need to pay careful attention to remove all coloring so that your final piece does not appear discolored. Once completely sanded, you can add the new stain or a fresh coat of paint. Be sure to apply evenly; and apply enough layers to create a rich, smooth look. Finish the process with a protective coating to avoid damage to the new color. As a final step, replace any hardware with contemporary, interesting hardware. This will enhance your work and make your refurbished piece entirely unique.

Failure to plan is the most common furniture mistake. Be sure to check out the  wide selection of furniture space planners, color wheels and furniture templates available from Furniche.com