One can combine learning and earning more money by recycling and restoring items. The best and most useful items to restore are furniture.

Used furniture can be found at auctions, flea markets, and relatives’ attics and basements. Often these items need only minor work and repair. High-end furniture is like fine wine. The older it becomes, the more likely it will move into the realm of being an antique. This makes the furniture worth reupholstering, refinishing and repairing. Interior decorators often use restored pieces to obtain the look needed for a particular room or client. Combining interior decorating courses with an upholstery and furniture restoration business is a match made in heaven. Many schools offer online classes that will provide the needed credentials for furniture restoration in only six months. A garage-sized room is all one needs to begin a profitable business.

While a person completes his or her courses in interior decorating, it is necessary to do some homework to make the furniture restoration business profitable. Learn the names of high-quality furniture brands such as Ethan Allen or Bassett and know about furniture designers such as Bob Timberlake or Raymond Goins. Studying antiques and history will point one in the most likely direction of delightful finds. Developing relationships with thrift stores, secondhand shops, auctioneers and consignment vendors will produce a steady stream of pieces. Advertising as a furniture restorer will provide numerous contacts in the local area.

High-quality furniture, cheaper pricing and working on your own terms make learning and earning a pleasure.