Every year, World Earth Day (22 nd April) reminds us to reflect on the impact our choices have on the planet. In 2026, as conversations around sustainability grow louder and more urgent, there are many overlooked practices quietly making a difference. One of those is furniture refinishing. At first glance, restoring an old table or cabinet might seem too small to have any impact, or even feel like a purely aesthetic choice. But when you look a little closer, you’ll find that refinishing...

If you met me at a community event stall or invited me into your home to look at a wobbly chair or tired dining table, you might have wondered how I ended up doing this for a living. Furniture refurbishment isn’t... the most obvious career path. It’s dirty, physical, and occasionally frustrating, but I absolutely love it. It’s also traditionally a male-dominated trade, which means I've had a few unexpected moments. And, as you’re about to find out, most of them are funny in hindsight, and...

In a world of fast furniture and overflowing landfills, the circular economy offers a new alternative. At its core, the circular economy is about keeping materials in use for as long as possible - reducing waste, lowering demand for new resources, and rethinking the idea that ‘old’ automatically means ‘useless’. Furniture restoration sits right at the heart of this idea. Well-made furniture, especially solid wood pieces, is often built to outlast trends, owners, and even houses. Restoring,...