Second Life of Old Furniture: Cool Ideas from Our Designers

We tend to look down on Soviet furniture and want to get rid of it at the first opportunity, but we shouldn't. We tell how to skillfully incorporate an old armchair or cabinet.

1. Carpet

In the USSR, there were always special relations with wall carpets, but they deserve a second chance. The most successful option is to put a colorful grandmother's carpet on the floor, as Oksana Panteleeva did. To avoid eye strain, it's better to keep other interior details in a monochrome palette.

Oksana Panteleeva's Apartment

2. Wardrobe

The advantage of wardrobes is that they usually consist of several sections — you can arrange them however you like. You can adapt one narrow vertical section for storing dishes in the kitchen, and use open shelves in the living room.

By the way, if you repaint the doors, the cabinet will change beyond recognition, but if you leave it in its original state, it will add coziness and vintage atmosphere to the room.

3. Armchair

You don't even need to come up with anything when it comes to an old armchair — it can look great in almost any interior by itself. If you want some change, you can reupholster it with fabric featuring a bold pattern, use covers or simply cover it with fabric, as designer Natalia Anakhina did.

Natalia Anakhina's Apartment

4. Dresser

A very functional piece that largely solves storage problems. It fits perfectly into a room with smooth light-colored walls — whether it's a bedroom, kitchen, or living room. Those who love shabby chic should paint the old dresser with white paint, while those who want more sunshine in their apartment should cover it with leftover wallpaper.

5. Table

It can look completely different depending on whether you place it in a minimalist interior or want to create an atmosphere of an old study. In the first case, such an item will stand out and draw attention, in the second — it becomes a natural part of the setting.

Maxim Tikhonov's Designer Apartment

6. Lamps with Shades, Chandeliers and Floor Lamps

Such lighting fixtures look especially great in eclectic interiors. Unusual chandeliers and solid shades become a bright detail that makes the room more interesting and can completely change its mood.

If you want to emphasize their role, hang several such lamps nearby or remove the fabric from the shade and decorate the frame with bright elements.

Nadia Zотова's Designer Apartment