They say ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ and that’s true, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take your own trash and turn it into treasure once again. By repurposing your old furniture, you can add a lot of charm to your home decor. Not only that, but being able to reuse furniture is actually a lot of fun. From cabinets to dressers, old doors and countertops, anything can be reused. All it takes is a little creativity. So the next time you’re ready to toss that old side table you’ve been clinging to for years, check out these 12 Clever Ways to Repurpose Your Furniture before you do. You might get some inspiration.
1. Use an old door as a headboard
If you have an old wooden door lying around, why not try repurposing it as a headboard for your bed? By sanding down the rough edges, your bed will have an added rustic touch. Also, it is very easy to do. All you need is a sander (or just sandpaper) and some putty.
2. A bookstore can become a bar
Have no idea what to do with that old antique bookcase? The answer is simple: make a bar! By using the shelves to store glasses, spirits, martini shakers, and maybe a couple of books, you’ll have a first-class bar in your study, basement, or living room. Complete the look by adding wine racks and wine glass holders.
3. Turn a window into a closet door
If you have a window that is intact with a lot of character but too old to use, try making a cabinet door out of it. You can make a closet or find one without a door. Either way, put a handle and hinges on the window, attach it to the cabinet, and you’re done. Simple and easy.
4. A dresser turned bench
Do you have an old chest of drawers that you can’t find a use for? Just turn it into a bank. A little bit of cutting, sawing and screwing and you’ve got a nice seat for one or two. If you seal it and paint with outdoor products you can even place it outside.
5. A buffet cabinet turns into a coffee station.
Converting a buffet cabinet to a coffee station is the easiest thing to do. All you have to do is remove the top of the cabinet and replace it with a kitchen counter. This will look great in the kitchen as a coffee station. Put your mugs, coffee pot, creamer, and sugar here for a high-class look.
6. Turn a chair into a nightstand
Have a chair that you love but doesn’t match your other chairs? Turn it into a nightstand or (if it’s big enough) a table. All you have to do is remove the backrest and use the seat.
7. Turn old side tables into stools
A nightstand or side table can easily be converted into a stool by simply adding a cushion on top. This is particularly useful if you have a lot of side tables for some reason.
8. An easel becomes a TV stand
A large, sturdy artist’s easel can easily become a TV stand if it’s strong enough. Plus, it adds an interesting dimension to your living room and makes a great conversation piece. Just put the TV on the bottom shelf and lower the top one as if you were supporting a canvas.
9. Turn a secretary desk into a linen closet
Secretary desks, especially those with a tall cupboard, can be repainted and placed in the bathroom or hallway as a linen closet. Best of all, hardly any fuss is required.
10. A trunk becomes a coffee table
If you have a sturdy wooden chest or trunk that is the right height, you can easily convert it into a coffee table. Just use a caulk on top or put in a glass panel. If you’re pretty handy with tools, you can make the top part open like a garage door.
11. Turn a dresser into a bathroom vanity
If you have a sideboard you want to get rid of, don’t. A sideboard can make a great bathroom vanity. All you need to do is carve a hole in the top for the sink and make sure there is plenty of room for the plumbing. Add a mirror to the wall above and you’re all set.
12. Turn a headboard into a coat rack
Don’t have a place to hang your coat? Do you have an old header that you no longer use? Then turn that headboard into a coat rack by screwing hooks into the face and hanging everything on the wall. Instant success.