Yahoo Finance 
Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
1/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
This classic couch still had a lot to offer, but in order for it to keep up with the contemporary surroundings, the outdated skirt had to go.
![<body> <p>A little investigation revealed that this couch had good legs that it could show off with a <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-mini-makeovers-you-can-do-in-minutes-49077?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:mini makeover;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">mini makeover</a>. First, the staples holding the skirt were removed with a tack puller and a pair of pliers. Once the skirt was detached, the remaining fabric was tucked under the couch to create a smooth line along the bottom. Finally, decorative nailhead trim along the arms and bottom added some extra pizzazz. In the end, these few simple, targeted changes not only modernized a great couch, but also made the room look more spacious.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/don-t-make-these-7-mistakes-in-small-spaces-48562?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Don't Make These 7 Mistakes in Small Spaces;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Don't Make These 7 Mistakes in Small Spaces</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
2/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
A little investigation revealed that this couch had good legs that it could show off with a mini makeover. First, the staples holding the skirt were removed with a tack puller and a pair of pliers. Once the skirt was detached, the remaining fabric was tucked under the couch to create a smooth line along the bottom. Finally, decorative nailhead trim along the arms and bottom added some extra pizzazz. In the end, these few simple, targeted changes not only modernized a great couch, but also made the room look more spacious.
![<body> <p>This baggy and forlorn sofa had seen one too many movie nights. But all it needed was <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/new-start-21-ways-to-refresh-your-home-for-2016-49700?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:a little TLC;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">a little TLC</a> to make it chic and comfortable again.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/9-worth-every-penny-upgrades-for-the-hardworking-parts-of-your-home-49744?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:9 Worth-Every-Penny Upgrades for the Hardworking Parts of Your Home;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">9 Worth-Every-Penny Upgrades for the Hardworking Parts of Your Home</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
3/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
This baggy and forlorn sofa had seen one too many movie nights. But all it needed was a little TLC to make it chic and comfortable again.
Related: 9 Worth-Every-Penny Upgrades for the Hardworking Parts of Your Home
![<body> <p>For a quick update to this piece of <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/20-insanely-easy-ways-to-build-your-own-furniture-49790?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:furniture;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">furniture</a>, the homeowners first exposed the lovely legs that had been obscured by the couch skirt. Then, to amend the sunken seat cushions, they removed the old stuffing and replaced it with Poly-Fil batting. Finally, they traded in the floppy cushions along the back of the sofa for plush pillows that can be easily swapped out as styles change.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-ways-to-give-furniture-a-fast-facelift-49358?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:10 Ways to Give Furniture a Fast Facelift;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">10 Ways to Give Furniture a Fast Facelift</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
4/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
For a quick update to this piece of furniture, the homeowners first exposed the lovely legs that had been obscured by the couch skirt. Then, to amend the sunken seat cushions, they removed the old stuffing and replaced it with Poly-Fil batting. Finally, they traded in the floppy cushions along the back of the sofa for plush pillows that can be easily swapped out as styles change.
![<body> <p>Blogger and decorator Miss Mustard Seed saw potential in this <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-sell-on-craigslist-pro-tips/?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Craigslist;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Craigslist</a> find, but to make this sofa suit her country classic home design, she had to scrap the retro upholstery.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/16-new-things-you-can-do-with-old-furniture-49928?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:16 New Things You Can Do with Old Furniture;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">16 New Things You Can Do with Old Furniture</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
5/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
Blogger and decorator Miss Mustard Seed saw potential in this Craigslist find, but to make this sofa suit her country classic home design, she had to scrap the retro upholstery.
![<body> <p>Structurally sound and elegantly shaped, this thrifty find was in great position for a quick update. <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/cure-your-cabin-fever-with-20-easy-paint-projects-49753?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Painting;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Painting</a> and distressing the wood lightened the sofa and gave it a country flair that was enhanced by the addition of durable, neutral upholstery. To complete the makeover, gimp trim, hot-glued in place, provided a decorative finish.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/beyond-ikea-10-other-places-to-get-affordable-furniture-48281?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Beyond Ikea: 10 Other Places to Get Affordable Furniture;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Beyond Ikea: 10 Other Places to Get Affordable Furniture</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
6/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
Structurally sound and elegantly shaped, this thrifty find was in great position for a quick update. Painting and distressing the wood lightened the sofa and gave it a country flair that was enhanced by the addition of durable, neutral upholstery. To complete the makeover, gimp trim, hot-glued in place, provided a decorative finish.
Related: Beyond Ikea: 10 Other Places to Get Affordable Furniture
![<body> <p>Whether used as couches or beds, futons are a <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/articles/diy-dorm-room-decor/?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:dorm room;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">dorm room</a> staple. But what happens once you’re not a student anymore? This DIY makeover adapts this college kid must-have for a more mature living space. </p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/a-storage-hacks-for-the-best-dorm-room-on-campus-47871?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:A+ Storage Hacks for the Best Dorm Room on Campus;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">A+ Storage Hacks for the Best Dorm Room on Campus</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
7/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
Whether used as couches or beds, futons are a dorm room staple. But what happens once you’re not a student anymore? This DIY makeover adapts this college kid must-have for a more mature living space.
![<body> <p>This refinished futon hack would look quite at home in any grown-up space, yet it comes at a price even a recent grad can afford. To achieve this transformation, the futon frame was disassembled so the panels could be modified and rearranged in a new configuration. The original futon mattress was cut up and reconfigured to fit the new dimensions, then covered with heavy-duty canvas that had been <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/personalize-your-home-with-10-foolproof-stencil-projects-48101?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:hand-stamped;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">hand-stamped</a> in a cheerful pattern to create a one-of-a-kind couch.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/9-things-you-never-thought-to-paint-but-should-48257?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:9 Things You Never Thought to Paint—But Should;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">9 Things You Never Thought to Paint—But Should</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
8/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
This refinished futon hack would look quite at home in any grown-up space, yet it comes at a price even a recent grad can afford. To achieve this transformation, the futon frame was disassembled so the panels could be modified and rearranged in a new configuration. The original futon mattress was cut up and reconfigured to fit the new dimensions, then covered with heavy-duty canvas that had been hand-stamped in a cheerful pattern to create a one-of-a-kind couch.
![<body> <p>This unlovely thrift store find wasn't doing this backyard patio any favors, but the potential was there. </p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/if-this-then-that-your-guide-to-pairing-paint-colors-49511?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:8 DIY Pick-Me-Ups for a Plain Patio;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">8 DIY Pick-Me-Ups for a Plain Patio</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
9/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
This unlovely thrift store find wasn't doing this backyard patio any favors, but the potential was there.
Related: 8 DIY Pick-Me-Ups for a Plain Patio
![<body> <p>As it turns out, it didn’t take too much to uncover this sofa's potential. While the frame was in excellent shape, it was in desperate need of a fresh coat of <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-most-taboo-color-infiltrates-home-design-48145?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:black paint;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">black paint</a>. The cushions received an easy upgrade with a tablecloth reborn as a slipcover. A few decorative throw pillows later, this bargain find was successfully revamped into a stylish outdoor couch. </p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-ideas-to-steal-from-real-people-s-tiny-backyards-49159?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:7 Ideas to Steal from Real People’s Tiny Backyards;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">7 Ideas to Steal from Real People’s Tiny Backyards</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
10/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
As it turns out, it didn’t take too much to uncover this sofa's potential. While the frame was in excellent shape, it was in desperate need of a fresh coat of black paint. The cushions received an easy upgrade with a tablecloth reborn as a slipcover. A few decorative throw pillows later, this bargain find was successfully revamped into a stylish outdoor couch.
![<body> <p>This Ikea Karlstad sofa was the right size for this space, but it lacked the luxe look of a higher-end couch.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/21-totally-free-ways-to-upgrade-your-home-49915?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:21 Totally Free Ways to Upgrade Your Home;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">21 Totally Free Ways to Upgrade Your Home</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
11/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
This Ikea Karlstad sofa was the right size for this space, but it lacked the luxe look of a higher-end couch.
![<body> <p>Tufted cushions make this sofa appear more tailored and expensive—at little cost. The look was created by pulling thread through layers of fabric, then securing a button to the front. No one would guess that this classic tufted couch was a DIY hack. </p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-9-rules-for-rugs-that-everyone-should-know-48366?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The 9 Rules for Rugs That Everyone Should Know;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The 9 Rules for Rugs That Everyone Should Know</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
12/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
Tufted cushions make this sofa appear more tailored and expensive—at little cost. The look was created by pulling thread through layers of fabric, then securing a button to the front. No one would guess that this classic tufted couch was a DIY hack.
![<body> <p>White furniture exudes classic, clean elegance, but it’s also a magnet for stains—case in point, this once-white sofa that was impossible to <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-life-changing-tools-for-easier-spring-cleaning-48648?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:keep clean;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">keep clean</a>.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-things-you-need-to-know-before-painting-your-walls-white-48979?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:7 Things You Need to Know Before Painting Your Walls White;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">7 Things You Need to Know Before Painting Your Walls White</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
13/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
White furniture exudes classic, clean elegance, but it’s also a magnet for stains—case in point, this once-white sofa that was impossible to keep clean.
Related: 7 Things You Need to Know Before Painting Your Walls White
![<body> <p>Reupholstering is not the only solution for a stained white couch—you can <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-top-tips-to-make-any-paint-job-go-faster-48365?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:paint;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">paint</a> it too. Textile medium allows latex paint to permanently bond to fabric while staying soft and resistant to cracking. A little green paint and medium was all it took to turn this grubby sofa into a cool, vibrant fixture.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/9-things-you-can-do-with-1-gallon-of-paint-48398?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:9 Things You Can Do with 1 Gallon of Paint;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">9 Things You Can Do with 1 Gallon of Paint</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
14/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
Reupholstering is not the only solution for a stained white couch—you can paint it too. Textile medium allows latex paint to permanently bond to fabric while staying soft and resistant to cracking. A little green paint and medium was all it took to turn this grubby sofa into a cool, vibrant fixture.
![<body> <p>A luxurious velvet couch is divine, but with age, these <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-classic-colors-we-love-to-live-with-48317?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:classic;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">classic</a> sofas become worn and rickety. But the impressive length of this sofa and its invitingly curved form are features that you won’t easily find in new furniture. The good bones made an investment of time—and a few dollars—worthwhile.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/14-retro-home-trends-it-s-time-to-revisit-49385?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:14 Retro Home Trends It’s Time to Revisit;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">14 Retro Home Trends It’s Time to Revisit</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
15/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
A luxurious velvet couch is divine, but with age, these classic sofas become worn and rickety. But the impressive length of this sofa and its invitingly curved form are features that you won’t easily find in new furniture. The good bones made an investment of time—and a few dollars—worthwhile.
![<body> <p>Once the old fabric was stripped away, it was easy to <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/21-brilliant-hacks-for-everyday-home-repairs-49944?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:repair;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">repair</a> the structure underneath and add fresh batting and foam. Finally, new velvet and a retufted back transformed this old sofa into a one-of-a-kind showpiece.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-ways-to-fill-a-blank-wall-for-under-20-49429?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:10 Ways to Fill a Blank Wall for Under $20;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">10 Ways to Fill a Blank Wall for Under $20</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
16/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
Once the old fabric was stripped away, it was easy to repair the structure underneath and add fresh batting and foam. Finally, new velvet and a retufted back transformed this old sofa into a one-of-a-kind showpiece.
![<body> <p>In the hands of a child, a permanent marker can transform a couch into a mess of scribbles. While <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-7-room-layout-mistakes-almost-everyone-makes-49231?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:accidents;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">accidents</a> can be forgiven, permanent marker is not so easily forgotten.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-quick-and-easy-diys-to-do-with-a-sharpie-48496?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:10 Quick and Easy DIYs to Do with a Sharpie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">10 Quick and Easy DIYs to Do with a Sharpie</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
17/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
In the hands of a child, a permanent marker can transform a couch into a mess of scribbles. While accidents can be forgiven, permanent marker is not so easily forgotten.
![<body> <p>Permanent marker is tough to remove, despite <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/11-things-you-didn-t-know-you-can-clean-in-your-washing-machine-49045?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:washing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">washing</a> and dry cleaning, so recovering the cushions was the best solution. This no-sew slipcover project offered a simple alternative to reupholstering, while the graphic print paid playful homage to the couch's stained past. </p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-new-neutrals-9-colors-you-can-trust-for-today-s-home-48677?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The New Neutrals: 9 Colors You Can Trust for Today's Home;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The New Neutrals: 9 Colors You Can Trust for Today's Home</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
18/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
Permanent marker is tough to remove, despite washing and dry cleaning, so recovering the cushions was the best solution. This no-sew slipcover project offered a simple alternative to reupholstering, while the graphic print paid playful homage to the couch's stained past.
Related: The New Neutrals: 9 Colors You Can Trust for Today's Home
![<body> <p>Vintage furniture has a certain shape and style that <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/a-home-you-both-love-12-solutions-for-your-biggest-decor-disputes-49792?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:some people love;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">some people love</a>, but it’s often difficult to find a piece in perfect condition. This worn-out retro sofa was almost ideal for this blogger, but it needed some TLC.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-remedies-to-rescue-a-dying-lawn-48982?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:7 Remedies to Rescue a Dying Lawn;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">7 Remedies to Rescue a Dying Lawn</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
19/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
Vintage furniture has a certain shape and style that some people love, but it’s often difficult to find a piece in perfect condition. This worn-out retro sofa was almost ideal for this blogger, but it needed some TLC.
Related: 7 Remedies to Rescue a Dying Lawn
![<body> <p>While the structure of this retro sofa was sturdy, the tired <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-ways-to-use-leather-in-your-next-project-47987?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:leather;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">leather</a> needed to be replaced. As the cushions weren't removable, the entire couch had to be reupholstered with one giant piece of leather. The slimmer legs that complete this transformation paradoxically make this vintage sofa seem even more of its era—and yet perfect for ours.</p> <p><strong>Related: <a rel="nofollow noopener" href=" http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-best-plants-for-every-room-of-the-house-49559?bv=yahoo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Best Plants for Every Room of the House;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Best Plants for Every Room of the House</a> </strong> </p> </body>]()
20/20Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch
While the structure of this retro sofa was sturdy, the tired leather needed to be replaced. As the cushions weren't removable, the entire couch had to be reupholstered with one giant piece of leather. The slimmer legs that complete this transformation paradoxically make this vintage sofa seem even more of its era—and yet perfect for ours.
It’s not surprising that the couch is the focal point of most living rooms. It’s often one of the largest pieces of furniture, and family and friends alike make a beeline to its ample seating. Over the years, however, a sofa can become stained, outdated, or saggy, tempting us to bite the bullet and spring for a new one. But you can upgrade your sofa without buying new. So, before you buy, check out these clever ways to revitalize an old sofa. | By Anja Sonnenberg, BobVila.com
