Furbish vs. Refurbish — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 28, 2024
Furbish means to polish or clean something, emphasizing improvement of appearance, while refurbish involves renovating or restoring to a previous condition, often including repairs.
Difference Between Furbish and Refurbish
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Key Differences
Furbish involves cleaning, polishing, or improving the appearance of an item, focusing on its aesthetic enhancement. On the other hand, refurbish goes a step further by not only improving appearance but also restoring functionality and condition, often involving repair work and replacement of parts.
While furbishing may be limited to surface-level improvements such as polishing wood or buffing metals to enhance their shine, refurbishing encompasses comprehensive renovations that can include structural repairs, updates to electrical systems, and more, to bring an item back to its original or a functional state.
The term furbish is often used in contexts where the main goal is to improve the look of an object without necessarily altering its functionality or structure. Refurbish, however, implies a more significant overhaul, aiming to restore both aesthetic appeal and functionality, making something old look and work like new again.
Furbishing can be a part of the refurbishing process but does not encompass the full scope of work that refurbishing implies. For example, one might furbish a piece of furniture by polishing it, whereas refurbishing the same piece might include reupholstering, fixing broken parts, and then polishing it as a final step.
The choice between furbishing and refurbishing depends on the desired outcome: whether the goal is simply to improve appearance (furbish) or to restore to a like-new condition (refurbish).
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Improving appearance
Restoring condition and functionality
Activities
Polishing, cleaning
Repairing, replacing parts, renovating
Outcome
Aesthetically enhanced
Functionally restored to original or new state
Scope
Surface-level improvements
Comprehensive overhaul including structural repairs
Typical Context
Furniture, metals
Buildings, electronics, vehicles
Compare with Definitions
Furbish
To polish or clean something to improve its appearance.
They decided to furbish the old silverware to restore its shine.
Refurbish
To renovate and restore an item to its original condition or better.
The old theater was completely refurbished to its former glory.
Furbish
Does not usually include major repairs or restoration.
To prepare for the exhibition, they furbished the artifacts to enhance their appeal.
Refurbish
Involves both cosmetic and functional overhauls.
Refurbishing the vintage car included engine repairs and a new paint job.
Furbish
Often involves simple aesthetic improvements.
Furbishing the antique mirror involved carefully cleaning and polishing its frame.
Refurbish
Can imply structural repairs and updates to modern standards.
The refurbishment of the building included new wiring and plumbing.
Furbish
Enhancing the surface look of an object without altering its functionality.
The team furbished the lobby's wooden panels, making them look brand new.
Refurbish
Often used for items that are significantly worn or outdated.
To keep the laptops usable, they were sent away to be refurbished.
Furbish
Suitable for items that do not require functional restoration.
The museum's routine to furbish exhibits ensures they always look their best.
Refurbish
Aimed at extending the lifespan and usability of an item.
Refurbishing the playground equipment made it safer and more attractive for children.
Furbish
To brighten by cleaning or rubbing; polish.
Refurbish
To make clean, bright, or fresh again; renovate.
Furbish
To restore to attractive or serviceable condition; renovate.
Refurbish
(transitive) To rebuild or replenish with all new material; to restore to original (or better) working order and appearance.
We're having the sitting room refurbished, after a leak damaged a large part of the room.
Furbish
To polish or burnish.
Refurbish
To furbish anew.
Furbish
To renovate or recondition.
Refurbish
Make brighter and prettier;
We refurbished the guest wing
My wife wants us to renovate
Furbish
To rub or scour to brightness; to clean; to burnish; as, to furbish a sword or spear.
Furbish new the name of John a Gaunt.
Furbish
Polish and make shiny;
Buff the wooden floors
Buff my shoes
Common Curiosities
Is furbishing cheaper than refurbishing?
Generally, yes, since furbishing involves less extensive work compared to the comprehensive process of refurbishing.
What is the main difference between furbish and refurbish?
Furbish focuses on improving appearance, while refurbish involves restoring both the appearance and functionality of an item.
Can refurbishing increase an item’s value?
Yes, refurbishing can significantly increase an item's value by restoring or enhancing its functionality and appearance.
Can electronic devices be furbished?
Electronic devices can be furbished to improve their appearance, but refurbishing is more common to also address functional aspects.
Is furbishing necessary before refurbishing?
While not always necessary, furbishing is often a component of the refurbishing process, typically as a final step to enhance the item’s appearance.
Why choose to furbish an item?
Furbishing is chosen to quickly and cost-effectively improve an item’s appearance without the need for extensive repairs.
Do professionals offer both furbishing and refurbishing services?
Many professionals specialize in either one or both services, depending on the nature of the items they work with.
Can an item be both furbished and refurbished?
Yes, refurbishing an item often includes furbishing as part of the process to restore it to a like-new condition.
How do I know if an item needs to be furbished or refurbished?
If the item is functionally fine and only looks worn, it may just need furbishing. If it's also functionally impaired or outdated, it likely needs refurbishing.
Can all items be refurbished?
While many items can be refurbished, some may be too damaged or obsolete for refurbishing to be cost-effective or possible.
What’s the environmental impact of furbishing?
Furbishing has a positive environmental impact by improving item aesthetics and prolonging use without extensive resource use.
Is refurbishing environmentally friendly?
Yes, refurbishing is considered environmentally friendly as it extends the life of items and reduces waste.
How long does the refurbishing process take?
The time required for refurbishing varies widely depending on the item's condition and the extent of the work needed.
Does refurbishing require specialized skills?
Yes, refurbishing often requires specialized skills, especially for complex items like electronics or buildings.
What are common items that get refurbished?
Electronics, furniture, vehicles, and buildings are common items that undergo refurbishing.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
