Making White Furniture Look Rustic

Sand the edges of the arms, seat or back rest of the white furniture to make it look more worn and rustic. Choose spots that would normally receive the most wear--corners, edges and tops--and sand off the paint with a fine-grit sandpaper.

Distress the white furniture by abusing it with a mallet, brick or other sharp or heavy object. Distressing furniture makes it look rustic because it appears older and more worn than it may actually be. Scrape the furniture with a brick. Make dents and other rustic marks by hitting it it with a mallet or large stone.

Stain the white furniture to dull its bright finish. Place the clean furniture on a drop cloth and apply a wood stain by lightly brushing it on the furniture then wiping it back with a clean cloth. Stain only one section at a time. Allow the stain to dry according the manufacturer's recommendations and finish with a clear sealant if the furniture receives more than average wear.