Talk to me about getting rid of old furniture

[Blackcloids]

We have pine wardrobe and chest of drawers which don't really work for our bedroom. They look old fashioned and although I love the shape would like to upcycle them etc, realistically it won't happen
Will I regret getting rid and buying ikea white stuff for a sleeker look? My ideal decor is more to the shabby chic but I don't have a big enough bedroom / house and too much stuff to store easily in the old style. Plus my grandad's inheritance paid for them so I'm a bit emotional.
Have you replaced old with new furniture and not regretted it?

I’ve got furniture that I was going to upcycle, but in reality it’s gathering dust in the garage. Get rid and free your mind.
Someone on Freecycle will be very grateful for it.

Personally I prefer solid wood furniture to flat-pack and I’d upcycle. I’ve done some with chalk paint before and it’s come out great. If you really don’t think you’ll get around to it, you could pay a decorator do it for you?

It's got kind of a waxy coating to it. Would it all need sanding? I've no clue where to start. Watched a few videos but they assume a level of knowledge I just don't have !

You could easily use chalk paint on it.

Agree with pp that solid wood is superior to flatpack.

Chalk paint is designed to need no prep so you should be fine, but a light sand wouldn’t hurt.

I remember thinking the same about the tutorials before I started! Best just to go for it, you can to a test on the back of the drawers or something and you’ll be away in no time! If you have a local chalk paint stockist they are usually very helpful.

I'm swinging between decisions right now. I yearn for smooth drawer closing and better use of space. Hanging space has big gap under it crammed with handbags and bedding - I love the ikea organised aesthetic but my heart is more comfort and cosy. Gah. Maybe I should store them and get new and see if I miss them? I'd go built in if it wasn't the cost of selling a child/ limb/ kidney

Can't you have a look for already upcycled wooden furniture on Facebook market place or eBay? I'm sure you'll find something you like. It will probably be cheaper than IKEA too.

I've pretty much given up buying furniture new because you can get so much quality stuff second hand.

It's so easy to paint them! Just have a go. 2 hours of your time will yield a total transformation. Just slap on furniture paint, maybe get a fine sanding pad from Homebase for a couple of quid and sand it really quickly (just wipe the pad like a scouring pad over a pot)! I swear by Scumble Goosie's house paint, but frenchchic is good, or Annie Sloan plus wax looks lovely. You do want a slightly imperfect result, so seeing the odd brush stroke or little chip is part of the charm. I regret several Ikea buys, they always break, but I never got tired of solid wooden furniture.

It's also a cheap possibility to add another shelf to an existing wardrobe to maximise storage. I like solid wooden furniture but I get my storage boxes etc from IKEA. To maximise storage, you could paint your old wardrobe and drawer, maybe add new handles, and then place nice looking boxes (wicker, fabric or even paper) on top for items used less frequently.

Paint them. It's easy and quick. Add a shelf inside the wardrobe or something.