This Pinewood Furniture Hack Makes Old Wooden Furniture Look so Much More Stylish
Give your furniture a new lease of life with this simple DIY idea


The Scandi aesthetic continues to dominate the design world, and we aren't mad about it. However, I am mad about the fact that all my wooden furniture has that unsightly orange tinge that works against the desired look, instantly dating my space. Fortunately, though, I've found out that there's a way to fix this.
Striping wood is not a new trick for avid DIYers, however, it is a great way of giving your existing furniture the Scandi touch and a new lease of life. This specific DIY idea will remove any orange tint the wood currently has to produce a light ash-toned wood that's integral to the neutral, pared-back design style we all know and love. Use this idea on all that dated-looking pinewood furniture and you'll instantly tone down your space and create a more harmonious neutral color scheme. Here's how it's done.
How do I remove orange tones from my wooden furniture?
Upcycling furniture is a great way to update older pieces of well-made furniture and be more sustainable. Sometimes you love the shape of a piece of furniture but just wish it was a different color to match the rest of your interior. Trends change quickly, color trends included, meaning what was in a few years ago might be in need of an update by now. For example, older styles of furniture tend to have a warm undertone, but the trend now leans towards cooler ashy shades.
Luckily there's a simple method to transform your old furniture to look like something that belongs in a stylish Copenhagen coffee shop. Avid DIYer and upcycling influencer Michelle McRae (@shellychicboutique) recently shared this trick, and we were shocked at the results.
To achieve the pale wood color you first want to strip your wood, this will remove the finish of the wood, including any stained varnish. While this will remove the bulk of color, it can also leave an orange tint that isn't the intended look.
Luckily, getting rid of these undertones is easy. All you need to do is brush over a little paint wash and voila - you're left with a piece of furniture that looks super stylish and chic. It really is as simple as a couple of paint strokes!
If a Scandi decor style is your desired look, applying this simple hack to your wooden furniture will help you seal the deal.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletters are your inside source for what’s shaping interiors now - and what’s next. Discover trend forecasts, smart style ideas, and curated shopping inspiration that brings design to life. Subscribe today and stay ahead of the curve.
A post shared by Michelle McRae | “Shelly” Your DIY BFF (@shellychicboutique)
A photo posted by on
You will need

Formerly a news writer for Livingetc, Amy completed an MA in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London, and has experience writing for Women’s lifestyle publications across arts, culture, and beauty. She has a particular love for the minimalist aesthetic mixed with mid-century furniture, especially combining unique vintage finds with more modern pieces. Her previous work in luxury jewellery has given her a keen eye for beautiful things and clever design, that plays into her love of interiors. As a result, Amy will often be heard justifying homeware purchases as 'an investment', wise words to live by.
-
Pleated Lampshades Are the Silhouette of the Season — I've Found 9 For Well Under $100 (You'll Never Guess Where)
Leave it to Walmart to bless us with a collection of stunning pleated lampshades — proving this old-fashioned feature can look fresh and modern
By Devin Toolen
-
I Found the "Healthiest” Bedding for Earth Month — Why Ettitude Is the Sustainable Sleep Label to Know
Softer than silk and smarter than cotton, Ettitude’s innovative take on bedding delivers luxury with a conscience
By Julia Demer