Turning the Tables: How I Found Joy Through Furniture Flipping

I never imagined that I would find myself knee-deep in sawdust and paint, giving old and sometimes discarded furniture a second chance to shine. But here I am, a former customer service employee turned furniture flipper, sharing my journey with you. This is an honest story of highs and lows, successes and failures, and the therapeutic power of creativity.

From Customer Service to Creative Pursuits

For over 30 years, I worked in the world of customer service, starting from the bottom and working my way to a Senior Manager position at a record store chain. I was even named Manager of the Year in 1999. However, that company went bankrupt, and I found myself moving from one job to another, each time hoping for stability. Unfortunately, the next company I joined also closed, and the industrial supplies company where I planned to spend the rest of my career shut down my branch.

The Decision to Start Furniture Flipping

In my early fifties, I found myself at a job that just wasn’t a good fit. After years of dealing with challenging environments, I realized it was time for a change. I decided to take control of my own path and work for myself, which led me to discover the world of furniture flipping. That’s when I found the Furniture Flipping Teacher.

My First Furniture Flipping Project

My first project was a pair of vintage Duncan Phyfe-style harp back chairs that I found with my nephew while shopping at a local St. Vincent dePaul store. They were covered in an unappealing coral upholstery, but I loved their design. My music background immediately sparked an idea for a creative makeover. At just $15 each, they were a perfect find. Anyway, I brought them home and was filled with excitement and a little bit of trepidation. The process was a rollercoaster of emotions. I struggled with sanding, made mistakes with the paint, had to take the pieces apart and glue them back together, and even learned how to upholster. But when I finally finished, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. It wasn’t perfect, but it was beautiful in my eyes. The entire process took me almost a month to complete, but it was well worth the experience.

"My First Project: Before and After of a Pair of Duncan Phyfe-Style Harp Back Chairs."

Paint, Top Coat and Upholstery Used to Revive these Duncan Phyfe Style Harp Back Chairs:

For a step-by-step guide with materials and tips go here.

My First Furniture Flip Sale

I found a set of Mid-Century Modern nightstands in a dated orange color at my local Habitat for Humanity. Inspired to give them a fresh, modern look, I painted them a soothing Sage Green and added new, stylish legs. After listing them on Facebook Marketplace, I was thrilled when they sold in just two days — the fastest sale I’ve had so far! The customer loved the updated modern look, and it was a moment of validation for me, making me feel like, “Yeah, I can do this”.

"My First Sale: Before and After of a Pair of Sage Green MCM Nightstands"

Paint, Top Coat and Accessories Used to Revive this Pair of MCM Nightstands:

For a full list of supplies used on this project go here.

Learning Through Mistakes and Growing My Skills

As I continued to work on more projects, I started to develop my skills. I watched countless YouTube tutorials, read articles and books, and even took an online course. Each project taught me something new, and I began to see improvement. Of course, there were still plenty of mistakes and setbacks, but I learned to embrace them as part of the journey. The process of refurbishing furniture became a form of therapy for me, a way to unwind and focus on something tangible.

To deepen my knowledge and hone my skills, I immersed myself in several key reading materials and took specialized courses:

Reading Materials & Courses:

“My Flipping Life: The Furniture Flipping Guide for People Who Want More Than Just a Hobby” by Michele Corwin —A practical guide that transforms furniture flipping from a hobby into a profitable business. Michele shares her journey, offering tips on budget-friendly transformations, making a profit, and scaling your business.
“Restore, Redecorate: Amy Howard’s Guide to Refinishing Furniture and Accessories “ by Amy Howard— A practical guide filled with step-by-step instructions for DIY furniture restoration. Amy shares her most popular projects, offering foolproof techniques for applying faux finishes, repurposing vintage pieces, and creating unique accessories.
“Furniture Painting 101: How to Start and Run a Profitable Furniture Flipping Business” by Terri Stovall— Acomprehensive guide that shares nearly two decades of experience in the furniture painting business. It covers everything from sourcing pieces and choosing the best paints to handling quality issues and calculating retail pricing for profit.
“Furniture Restoration: Step-by-Step” by Brian Hingley — A detailed guide that provides clear, step-by-step instructions for restoring various types of furniture. It covers essential techniques, tools, and materials needed to bring old furniture back to life, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced restorers.
“Flip Up & Fix Furniture” by Christina Muscari (course)— An engaging course that teaches you how to transform thrifted furniture into stunning pieces. Christina shares her expert techniques for painting, distressing, and refinishing, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned DIY enthusiasts.

Additionally, I have subscribed to a number of YouTube channels:

YouTube:

These resources and courses have been invaluable in shaping my approach to furniture flipping, allowing me to confidently take on projects and achieve impressive results.

Balancing Highs and Lows in Furniture Flipping

There have been many highs and lows along the way. Some projects turned out beautifully and sold quickly, while others where I spent a ton of time on continue to sit in my workspace taking up room. I remember one particularly challenging piece — a gray Modern Farmhouse coffee table that seemed to fight me at every turn…. but that’s a story for another day. I didn’t give up, I tried a few different products along the way and watched a few videos and voilà, it became one of my favorite pieces. These experiences taught me that resilience and patience eventually pay off. That piece finally sold — not for the original listing price, but at least it found a new home.

"The Modern Farmhouse coffee table that tested my patience."

Paint, Top Coat and Accessories Used to Revive This Modern Farmhouse Coffee Table:

For a step-by-step guide with materials and tips go here.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Furniture Refurbishing

Working on furniture has been incredibly therapeutic. The act of sanding, painting, and repairing allows me to be present and mindful. It’s a creative outlet that helps me cope with stress and find a sense of peace. There’s something deeply satisfying about taking a neglected piece and giving it new life. It’s a reminder that reinvention is possible, both for furniture and for ourselves. Plus, I can listen to music as I am working on a piece and that makes me happy!

Advice for Aspiring Furniture Flippers

If you’re considering starting your own furniture flipping journey, my advice is to just go for it:

Start Small: Begin with small projects and gradually take on more challenging ones.
Learn from Mistakes: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — they’re an essential part of the learning process.
Seek Resources: Watch tutorials, read articles, join communities, and connect with others.
Enjoy the Process: Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

To help you get started, I’ve put together a Furniture Flipping Essentials Starter Kit . It includes all the basic tools and materials you’ll need for your projects. Go here to check it out now!

Reflection: Personal Growth and Future Goals

Embarking on this furniture flipping journey has been a life-changing experience, both personally and professionally. As I’ve immersed myself deeper into this craft, I’ve made significant changes to my daily routine and mindset. To clear my mind and stay grounded, I now take a morning walk every day, which has become a cherished ritual. Additionally, I’ve made a conscious effort to improve my diet, recognizing the impact that physical health has on my overall well-being and productivity.

One of the most profound changes has been learning not to take things as personally. The challenges and setbacks that come with flipping and upcycling furniture have taught me resilience and patience. This shift in perspective has not only enhanced my approach to business but also improved my personal interactions and overall outlook on life.

The upcycling aspect of furniture flipping has become a source of immense satisfaction and creativity. Repurposing discarded or outdated pieces into functional and stylish items has not only given me a sense of accomplishment but also fueled my passion for sustainability. The ability to breathe new life into old furniture aligns with my values and has enriched my appreciation for craftsmanship and resourcefulness.

It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and find new paths in life. I hope my story inspires you to take the leap and start your own creative journey. Share your experiences, ask questions, and let’s support each other in this wonderful adventure. I’m always here if you need help or have a question. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll do my best to find it for you. Get started today!

*This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

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