How to Update and Modernise Dark Wood Furniture: Timeless Makeovers for Stag, Ercol, Nathan & More
Dark Wood Furniture looking dated? Here’s How to Modernise it with Elegant Upcycling:
Dark wood furniture from brands like Stag, Ercol, Old Charm and Nathan is often beautifully made, full of character and built to last a lifetime. But in many modern homes, these pieces can feel a little too heavy, dated or simply don’t match current interiors. That doesn’t mean they belong in the garage or on a skip run. In fact, quite the opposite — with a little creativity and craftsmanship, these traditional pieces can be transformed into timeless, elegant furniture that brings warmth, personality and soul to your home.
This is exactly what I do — I breathe new life into beautiful but tired furniture, helping you fall in love with it all over again. Whether it’s a family heirloom, a charity shop find, or something you’ve had for years but no longer feel inspired by, let me show you what’s possible.
Why Dark Wood Deserves a Second Chance
There’s something undeniably grounding about dark wood — it carries history, quality, and soul. But when too many dark pieces compete for attention in a modern space, rooms can start to feel small, gloomy, or dated. That’s where upcycling comes in.
Why paint dark wood furniture?
With soft, considered colour choices, careful preparation, and thoughtful design, even the darkest wood can be elevated into something light, elegant, and fresh — without losing the charm and quality that made it special in the first place.
If however you are not wanting to paint the piece, but would rather keep it wooden and maybe lighten it, that is an option too. You could potentially sand or strip it all down and use a tan paint wash to neutralise the red tones in the wood and then lighten it and seal afterwards. You will be amazed at some of the lovely wood grains that are hidden under layers of dark varnish.
Recent Transformations: Before & After
Let me show you just how striking the transformation can be.
How to modernise Stag furniture?
✨ Stag Minstrel Bedsides– From Dated to Dreamy
This classic set of Stag bedsides had wonderful bones, but the dark mahogany finish was overpowering in a light bedroom. I carefully prepped and painted it in a warm, soft neutral white and added contemporary crystal round knobs for a hint of sophistication. The result? A serene, calming piece that completely lifted the room.
Stag bedsides Make-over/ More Stag transformations below
✨ Ercol Sideboard / Court Cupboard– Mid-Century, Re-imagined
This Ercol Court Cupboard was a solid, well-loved piece, but its orangey finish didn’t suit my client’s newly renovated open-plan kitchen-diner. I stripped and stained the top to a neutral oak tone and painted the body in a soft, contemporary sage green. We retained the original Ercol handles for authenticity. It now sits proudly as a focal point, blending heritage with modern simplicity.
The same elegance can be seen in the two-tone grey and white Ercol sideboard - seen in the second photo. I changed the hardware on this piece to contemporary silver round knobs to match my clients kitchen cabinetry.
Or perhaps you are looking to introduce a pop of colour to your room with your furniture - then take a look at the orange red upcycled Ercol court cupboard we lovingly upcycled for a client.
Ercol upcycled court cupboard - painted soft sage green with light wooden top
Ercol sideboard - before & after
Ercol court cupboard painted a soft orangey/ red for a client
✨ Nathan Display Unit/ Dresser– Lightened and Lifted
Nathan designs are known for their clean, rounded lines — ideal for updating. This display cabinet/ dresser was refinished in a pale grey tone with a low-sheen finish, softening the lines and letting the shape speak for itself. Now, it feels calm, elegant and perfectly in step with today’s interiors.
I have also attached a photo of a Nathan drink’s cabinet I refinished for a client. This went from plain brown wood to this gorgeous rich olive with gold detailing. I replaced the handles with gold art deco style handles, giving it an extra touch of opulence.
Nathan display unit - upcycled and painted light grey
Nathan drinks cabinet now upcycled and painted olive green with gold detailing
What a Difference It Makes to Your Home
These aren’t just furniture makeovers — they’re mood changers.
When you walk into a room and see a piece that was once dark and forgotten now sitting proudly, beautifully reimagined, it’s transformative. It adds character without shouting. It makes a room feel pulled together. It often becomes a talking point — a piece with a story.
Most importantly, it evokes emotion: "That was Mum’s old dresser… and now look at it. She’d love it."
Or: "I nearly got rid of this, and now it’s my favourite thing in the house."
Why Ask Me to Upcycle Your Furniture?
I understand what your furniture means to you. Whether it’s inherited, found, or part of your home’s history, it deserves care and craftsmanship.
When you work with me, you’re not just getting a coat of paint. You’re getting:
Thoughtful bespoke design that complements your space and style
Quality preparation for a professional, long-lasting finish
Hand-finished techniques like wood staining or waxing
A warm, personal service where I listen to what you want
My farmhouse workshop is where old furniture finds new life, and no two pieces are ever the same.
Let’s Bring Your Furniture Back to Life
Do you have a piece tucked in a corner or buried in storage, just waiting to be loved again? Maybe a dark sideboard, a Stag chest of drawers, or a Nathan display cabinet that doesn’t quite suit your home anymore?
Let’s talk about how we can transform it into something beautiful, timeless, and totally you.
👉 Send me a photo and let’s get started.
You don’t need to say goodbye to your furniture — just hello to its next chapter.