How to Embrace the Imperfections in Heirloom Furniture

Heirloom furniture isn’t always perfect, but it can be beautiful. Learn how to embrace the imperfections found in Heirloom Furniture!

What do you do with heirloom furniture that looks, well, like it’s been used? Sometimes, it looks like it has been used a lot. It’s worn out. It’s beaten up. But… Is it meaningful? Is it functional?

Embrace the imperfections.

Disclosure: Supplies for this project were provided by Plaid. All opinions are mine alone.

This stool was my great-grandmother’s. My mom cherishes it, even though it’s broken along the edges.

Some memories are tucked into imperfections. We don’t want to “make it new again” because it seems we are covering the memory of a special person or an important season of life. Today, I’m joining The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest to tell you the story of this old wooden stool, and how my mom and I are embracing the imperfections in this piece.

This month’s theme is Garden Treasures with Mod Podge, sponsored by Plaid. Plaid is a complete source for creative products and inspiration. It’s a big year for Plaid, as they are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mod Podge. To join in the celebration, each project featured in The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest will be using the Mod Podge Furniture Formula. The Garden Treasure theme can be incorporated in a variety of ways, such as using outdoor furniture or using a botanical influence in the furniture makeover.

Big thanks to Evey’s Creations, Saved by Scottie, Ritzy Parties, and featured host My DIY Envy, for hosting The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest. If you’d like to participate in future contests, interested bloggers should contact: info@fabfurnitureflippincontest.com.

How to Embrace the Imperfections in Heirloom Furniture

This little wooden footstool is nearly a century old. It received a makeover once-upon-a-time with a bit of white paint and hand-painted ivy vines. But, it was aching for a little more love.

I started with a new coat of white paint, just to freshen it up. After the paint was dry, I distressed the edges to reveal the original wood hidden underneath layers of paint. Often times, distressing techniques are used to make something look old; but it also works to bring out the beauty in pieces that are actually old. 

Next, I printed my great-grandmother’s initials onto tracing paper {vellum would also work}. At the end of this post, you can grab the free monogram template and add the correct initials. The image must be printed in reverse because it will be placed face down on the furniture. You can use this free online tool to flip an image.

Once printed, cut out the image and lay it on the furniture to determine placement before gluing. There is no need to cut out the image perfectly since the tracing paper is transparent. In fact, I left a small border around the entire image.

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge Furniture Matte to the surface and apply the transfer paper. Again, as a reminder, apply the image face down. Begin application in the center and work out to the edges. This will help to reduce bubbles in the paper. Once dry, apply a topcoat of Mod Podge over the image.

Check to ensure that the topcoat is fully dry, and then sand the image. This will remove any remaining bubbles, as well as give the image a light, farmhouse-style, distressing. 

Finally, coat the entire piece with Mod Podge Furniture Matte to seal and protect it. 

Personalizing Heirloom Furniture

I’m smitten with this idea of personalizing heirloom furniture with the initial’s of it’s original owner. It’s simple and beautiful and meaningful — all at the same time.

Do you have an old, worn-out heirloom with which you don’t want to part? Maybe it needs a little love. A bit of a refresh. Highlighting its aged beauty, and embracing the imperfections.

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