How to Create a Vintage Look on Furniture

Set the furniture on a plastic tarp, which catches any paint drips or sawdust. Sand down the wood furniture with fine-grit sandpaper, removing any old paint or stain left on the wood. Use special care on edges or decorative areas where the textures catch excess stain.

Distress the wood with a variety of objects, including nail heads, belt buckles, chains and rocks. Turn the nails upside down and hit the opposite end with a hammer. Hit the wood with the other items, using enough force that you leave an imprint of the object behind.

Dip an old rag in the wood stain and rub against the wood. Rub the rag in a back-and-forth motion, following the natural grain of the wood. Rub a second rag against the wood, removing any of the excess stain. Wipe down the surface with another rag and let the stain dry.

Rub the piece with a second piece of fine-grit sandpaper. Focus on areas that typically show more wear, such as the areas around handles and the edges of the top. Dip a rag in rubbing alcohol and rub against different areas of the wood, which removes some color and lets the natural wood show through.

Apply a coat of polyurethane to the piece with a sponge paintbrush. Paint the polyurethane over all areas of the wood, including the sides, top and any legs. The polyurethane dries clear, but protects the wood from moisture and peeling.