Hey Lykkers! We all know that wooden furniture, especially pieces that have been passed down or are vintage, can sometimes feel a little outdated.

But what if I told you that with just a few simple tricks, you can transform these old wooden pieces into something that feels fresh and modern?

Whether it's a family heirloom or a thrift store find, using wood furniture the right way can add soul and personality to your home. Today, let's dive into 8 tips on how to update and style your wooden furniture to keep it from looking old-fashioned.

1. Rethink the Purpose of the Piece

One of the first things we can do when incorporating older wooden furniture is to rethink its original purpose. Instead of just using a vintage dresser in a bedroom, try using it in a completely different setting, like a dining room. A dresser can make a great bar or storage space for linens and dishes. A nightstand might just be perfect as a side table in your living room if it's the right height. And don't forget about armoires—these are fantastic for storing toys, books, or games in the family room, giving you both storage and style. By thinking outside the box, you can use your wooden pieces in creative ways!

2. Mix Furniture Styles and Eras

Gone are the days of matching all your furniture to one style or time period. Mixing different wood furniture pieces from various eras actually adds history and charm to a room. For example, pairing a simple wooden dining table with mid-century chairs and a vintage hutch creates a beautiful contrast between the styles while still maintaining harmony in the wood color. It's all about creating a visual story with different pieces and letting them shine in their own way. The goal is to strike a balance—mixing things up makes your space feel dynamic and personal.

3. Pair Dark Furniture with Dark Walls

Dark wood furniture can sometimes create too much contrast against light-colored walls, making the room feel a bit jarring. If you want to tone things down, try pairing dark furniture with dark walls. This creates a calming, cozy atmosphere that allows the furniture to blend into its surroundings. For example, a dark cherry wood nightstand can look amazing against deep-colored walls, making the space feel like a cozy retreat. The key here is to balance out the darker elements with lighter accents, like white trim or bedding, to avoid making the room feel too heavy.

4. Pay Attention to Undertones

When mixing different wood pieces, it's important to pay attention to the undertones of the wood. Each type of wood has its own subtle undertones—some might lean yellow, orange, red, or even gray. To make your furniture blend seamlessly, choose pieces with similar undertones. For example, pairing a warm wood dining table with chairs that have a similar tone creates harmony. To add depth and contrast, you can also introduce a piece that's a lot lighter or darker than the rest of your furniture, like a darker vitrine or a cooler-toned cabinet.

5. Break Up Furniture "Sets"

Using too many matching wooden pieces, like a full set of matching dressers and a bed, can make a room feel crowded and outdated. We recommend breaking up these sets to create more visual interest. For instance, if you've inherited a complete bedroom set, pick one standout piece to showcase, like a beautiful wooden bed or dresser. The rest can be placed in different rooms or even donated. This will allow the piece to feel unique and not lost in a sea of identical furniture. A great example of this is a room where a traditional cherry sleigh bed is paired with white-painted furniture to create a fresh, modern look.

6. Add Colorful Accessories

One of the easiest ways to breathe new life into dark or heavy wooden furniture is by introducing colorful accessories. A bright textile runner or bold lamps can help lighten up a wooden dresser, making it feel less formal and more playful. Add artwork or mirrors to the top, or even hang colorful tassels from the handles. In a bedroom, you can bring in pops of color through bedding and wall colors. The key is to use colors that complement the undertones of the wood, creating a pleasant contrast that enhances the overall look.

7. Paint It!

If you've tried everything and still can't make your dark wood furniture work, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. You can't go wrong with classic colors like black or white, as they're timeless and versatile. Painting the furniture can also help to smooth out some of the details that might be making the piece feel dated. If you're in the mood for something more fun, try a bold color like navy blue or emerald green. Just remember, swapping out the hardware (like handles or knobs) with modern pieces can make a huge difference, giving the furniture a more contemporary vibe.

8. Give It a Wow Background

Want to make a piece of wooden furniture really stand out? Place it in front of a bold, saturated wall color. For example, a warm-toned oak desk can look stunning when set against a rich, cool-colored wall like deep green. The contrast between the wood's warm undertones and the cool background creates a visually interesting dynamic. It's all about creating balance and letting the furniture shine in its own unique way, while the wall adds a modern flair to the design.

Embrace the Charm of Wood

We hope these 8 tips have inspired you to see your old wooden furniture in a new light. With just a few adjustments, you can take a piece of vintage furniture and turn it into something that feels fresh and modern. Whether you're rethinking its purpose, mixing up furniture styles, or simply adding color, these tricks will help you give your home a more personal and stylish vibe. Have you tried any of these tips, Lykkers? We'd love to hear how you've updated your wooden pieces in your home!