Is your furniture looking a little worse for wear? Instead of throwing old items out, give them a new lease of life with a quick and creative makeover. A lick of paint, a strip of wallpaper or even a simple Sharpie pen can transform tired items into treasured pieces in no time at all. With a bit of elbow grease, some imagination and minimal expense, you'll end up with a completely unique home interior or why not flip your furniture and sell it on to make money for more homewares – win-win! Here's how to get started...

Upholstering a headboard might sound like a daunting project, but it's actually a relatively painless DIY project. You'll need to remove the headboard before beginning, which could prove to be the trickiest part. Then you'll need to source some one-inch foam, wadding and fabric. Cut the foam to size and glue it in place before affixing the wadding and finally the fabric to the headboard using a staple gun. If you don't quite have the skills, fabric glue will also do the job – just ensure the fabric is taut.

Rattan furniture is hot right now, but you don't need to break the bank in order to create an on-trend interior. This stunning cabinet was quickly transformed by the team at Furniture And Choice, by simply removing and replacing the inner door sections with a roll of cane webbing. They also painted the unit in a deep, contrasting black hue and finished it with chic golden handles. 

If you want to bring on-trend metallics into your homeworking space without compromising on style, rose gold is the hue to choose. Warm and welcoming, this Rust-Oleum upcycle brings a plain metal desk bang up to date in this pretty pastel scheme.

If you have a limited budget and not a lot of time in which to undertake an upcycling project, then the quickest and easiest way to spruce up old pieces and retro furniture is by simply changing up the handles. From characterful porcelain options to these sleek hand-cast polished brass handles from PullCast, there are endless options out there when it comes to furniture hardware. Get creative then sit back and admire your handy work.

Animal print isn't going anywhere fast, so we're delighted that Annie Sloan and her resident paint experts have come up with this gorgeous leopard print upcycle project. The effect is created by layering paint and wax – a technique inspired by traditional batik printmaking.

Challenged with the task of upcycling a charity store find, blogger Medina Grillo chose this mid-century dresser. She started by sanding it, and after the initial plan of stencilling half circles along the bottom drawer didn't turn out as she envisioned, she turned to plan B. After sanding off the paint, she stained two-thirds of the piece with a dark wax. Once dry she applied white chalk paint to the bottom drawer using a dry brush technique, applying the paint in quick upward motions. The result, a cool ombré effect!

This second-hand bar cart from Facebook Marketplace cost Siobhan Murphy just £300 ($406). After giving it a quick lick of Dowsing & Reynolds baby pink paint, with the apt name of Get Plastered, Siobhan added gold leaf to the countertop to give the bar a chic Art Deco finish. Styled with kitsch accessories, it is now the perfect place to while away the hours.

Don't forget the kids' furniture! Blogger @theottohouse gave this IKEA DUKTIG play kitchen a revamp to test out her own full-size kitchen plans. Providing a chance to put her plywood and ribbed wood dreams into real life, she used plywood for the splashback and covered the doors with lengths of ribbed wood which she cut to size. Black spray paint gave the sink, tap and handles a modern update.

A really quick way to update furniture is to add detail with washi tape. This removable craft tape is perfect for making over any unloved pieces and here crafter Hester van Overbeek has transformed IKEA MALM drawers. Start by sticking lengths of tape to your drawer, making different sized triangles, squares, and other geometric shapes. Press the tape on by sliding your finger over it and cut the ends of the tape in neat straight lines for a professional finish.

Don't ditch that garden bench, bring it back to life with a coat of exterior wood paint in a rich jewel tone. Give it a sand and clean first, then apply the stain with a large brush. If you have any fretwork or other details, paint them a contrasting colour. This features gold detail for a luxe finish. Why not complete your outdoor set with an upcycled pallet table in a contrasting jewel tone?

Just how beautiful is this boho-inspired chest of drawers by @lesrecreationsakim? A plain teak or oak unit like this can easily be found in a house clearance or charity shop. Give it a quick sand and wipe it down, then paint the two top drawers and apply stencil detailing onto the others. All you need is white paint and some mandala stencils or a steady hand!

Boring bookcases begone! This is a paint decorating idea you'll definitely want to try. If you're looking to decorate a room, why not create a cohesive flow and paint your furniture to match? Here the walls and a plain cabinet have been painted a stunning azure blue. For added interest a band of white runs along the centre of both the walls and bookcase. Make sure you use a suitable primer before painting your bookcase and measure and mark out the band with a good quality painter's tape for a crisp finish.

The trend for mirrored and reflective furniture is not going anywhere, but it can be quite expensive. A thrifty alternative is to cover the top of an old side table with silver leaf. Using spray adhesive, apply the leaf all over and coat with a protective sealer to finish. An acrylic or glass top gives it added shine and protection. How's that for a cool DIY hack?

One for budding artists, this freehand project by Look Between The Lines transforms white plastic chairs with the help of a trusty black Sharpie marker and a whole lot of creativity. Ensure the chairs are clean and dry, then get to work drawing patterns on the underside – it might be helpful to trace out some designs on paper beforehand so you have a reference point.

Revamps don't need to be complicated and they don't need to cost the earth. Before, this 50s unit was worn and dated, but now it looks stunning. Painted in a rich navy blue with hints of its original wood peeking through, this is a gorgeous example of a mid-century update done well. @pink_pinecone has switched its original legs for a set of industrial-style gold hairpin ones and replaced the handles with sleek metal bars.

Choose a gloss lacquer paint combined with chalk paint to refresh tired metal garden furniture, for stylish outdoor dining. You can pick up an old set like this for less than £40 ($54) on eBay. Give it a quick sand down and clean and then apply a coating of chalk paint in any colour you like – go neon for a fun summer look – and follow up with a coat of a hard-wearing, water-based polyacrylic varnish to withstand general wear and tear.

How about this for an affordable luxury bathroom idea? If you're lucky enough to have a clawfoot vintage tub then make it the focus of your bathroom with this striking facelift. First, mark off the areas of the bath you don't want to paint with painter's tape, then sand lightly and wipe clean. Spray on a primer before applying two coats of your chosen colour. Finally, spray a clear lacquer for a gloss finish.

We're head over heels for this adorable pet house by @vintageinteriorxx. If you don't have a vintage television set like this, scout the listings on eBay or Gumtree. Carefully remove the internal electrics to leave the smooth shell, then line with patterned wallpaper. Pop in a soft, cosy bed and it's ready for your pet pal to snuggle up in. If you don't have pets, you could use it as a cool drinks cabinet or stylish storage for your DVDs.

How's this for bedroom inspo? A rich coat of paint on a tired wooden bedframe is an easy way to make a statement in your bedroom, especially when combined with matching bedding and contrasting vibrant pink curtains. For a project like this, you'll need chalk paint. It's quick to apply and adheres to wooden surfaces beautifully without requiring any sanding or prepping. Choose a cobalt shade to get this bold look.

Rather than throw out that dusty old suitcase in the attic, why not transform it into a stylish hall table? All you then need to do is attach a set of hairpin legs to the underside like @house_of_wildfang​. Depending on the sturdiness, it may be worth reinforcing the inside with a sheet of MDF. Not only will this vintage revamp look great in your hallway, but it makes useful extra storage too!

Breathe new life into those utilitarian folding metal chairs that we all seem to have stashed in the garage with this clever project by My Fabulous Life. Just dust them off, give them a soapy wash and leave to dry. Then, apply a generous amount of spray paint (about one can per chair) and then cover the seat pads in a quirky patterned fabric. You'll need about half a yard of material for each chair. There's no need to hide them away now!

At first glance, this dresser is muted and classic, but playful drawer detailing gives it real character. Pink candy stripes make a fun addition to any bedroom, whether you're young or young at heart. To get the look, you need chalk-finish paint, a ruler and masking tape to mark out the design.

If you think you have to spend a fortune on solid oak to get that rustic farmhouse style, think again. With a little creative thinking, White Lace Cottage has transformed a plain, lacklustre dining table into a shabby chic masterpiece. To get the look, paint your table with a coat of pale blue. Once dry, divide the tabletop into five faux planks, and place painter's tape at these points, leaving narrow gaps between each piece. Paint with a grey-brown paint and remove the tape once dry. For extra authenticity, you could also apply more paint to the 'planks' with a wood grain tool.

This worn dining table, complete with an iron scorch mark, was in desperate need of some TLC. It could've gone to the dump, but instead, Pillar Box Blue completely transformed it with this easy technique. After a quick sanding and clean up, the top was decoupaged in bright vibrant wallpaper and then coated in clear varnish to protect it from wear and tear.

If you're new to upcycling then you may want to start with a smaller project like this bedside cabinet transformation by @happyretrofurniture. If you don't have a unit in need of TLC already, take a look on Gumtree or eBay and pick up one for pennies. A tester pot of paint, a few samples of wallpaper and PVA glue are all you need to master this bright and cheerful revamp.

This vintage sideboard was spotted in a charity shop for only £15 ($20) and has been given a total revamp with a simple lick of paint and some patterned wallpaper. Choose satin finish furniture paint – you can apply with a roller and you won’t need to prime – and go for self-adhesive paper for a mess-free finish. Play around with colour options and clashing patterns for a bold look.

Why settle for a boring brown patio set? This vibrant makeover idea by @solaris100 screams sunshine! It only took one afternoon to complete and requires painter's tape and spray paints of your choice – the brighter the better. Outline different sections of the tabletop with tape and spray each with a different colour, for the ultimate colour combo. Paint the top of the chairs for a playful two-tone look and finish with neutral seat pads. And there's still time for Pimms!

Victorian-style metal bedframes make a quirky addition to children's bedrooms, but you don't need to stick to traditional neutral colours. Instead, paint the frame a warming primary shade and carry it across accessories for a cohesive look. Depending on the quality of the frame to start with, you may have to sand and clean the metalwork before applying a primer. Coat twice with coloured spray paint or brush on chalk paint. Pair with cute stuffed toys to finish!

Created by the clever folk at Rust-Oleum, this super-easy constellation side table is a great addition to a modern living room. Using painter's tape, mark out a geometric moon design and a zodiac formation of your choice – this one is Aquarius – and paint with shimmery gold paint. Leave to dry before peeling away the tape to reveal your gorgeous design.

A lick of paint is a stylish and speedy way to update a piece of old furniture that's seen better days. This console table has been given a swift makeover with a touch of warming yellow. Leaving the top in its original state, just coat the legs and underside in chalk paint for a vibrant finish. If you want it to be a little more rustic, give the paintwork a slight sand to roughen it up.

To add a little colour into your living spaces, adorn old wooden chairs with a watered-down wash of paint like @lastressillas. Their soft graduated hue is a great alternative to brash neon shades and adds a delicate finish to a dining room set. Play around with designs, for example, you could paint half the legs for an on-trend two-tone look.

A classic IKEA staple, everyone has owned a RAST chest of drawers at some point or another. Primed for a facelift, these units are the ideal blank canvas for your creative whims. Painted in bright coral, this project by How to Nest for Less features gemstone details and pendant drawer pulls for a glamorous finish. We do love a genius IKEA hack!

Granny chic florals are springing forth this season, so what better way to revamp your soft furnishings? Give a plain armchair that has seen better days a facelift with a new cover. You could either sew a slip to go over the top or tackle the upholstery from scratch.

Freehand painting is a great way to update furniture quickly and with little expense. This mid-century coffee table has been given a striking new look by ​@trashfurniture. Sand and clean the item before you start, then paint its legs in grey. With acrylic or latex paint, trace your motifs on the top and seal with clear varnish once dry.

For very little cost, these old wooden school chairs have been given a unique makeover by Pillar Box Blue. To get the look, dismantle the chairs, sand them and then wipe them down. Using PVA glue and a selection of maps from your favourite spots around the world, carefully decoupage the paper onto the wooden fronts. Once totally dried, apply a coat of protective varnish and reassemble.

Marble is so on-trend, but the real deal costs a pretty penny. Get yourself the look without breaking the bank by following these simple steps from Splendor Styling. All you need is some sticky-back plastic and a surface to cover – tables, chairs, bookcases and worktops all work well. Plus, there are so many other designs you can choose from if you tire of marble. This quick style fix is one you simply have to try.

Be sure not to forget your bathroom when you're upcycling your home furnishings. This vanity unit, designed by @happyretrofurniture, is actually an old chest of drawers that's been revamped with a bright geometric pattern. A wash basin has been plumbed into the top to make it functional as well as funky. A cheap flea market find, totally flipped!

This stunning mid-century sideboard was effortlessly transformed by the team at Conscious Cubby. They opted to spray paint the unit's wooden surface in a deep blue shade and finish it with a decoupaged gold palm leaf print, which was replicated on the cabinet's feet. The handles were painted gold to match, adding a touch of Golden Age glamour to this chic and stylish piece. Before undertaking a project like this, be sure to purchase the right paints for use on hardware and wood.

Loved this? Here's 65 ways to transform your old stuff