12 Clever Ways to Re-Purpose Your Furniture

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 junk and make it a treasure once again. By reusing your old furniture, you can add some great charm to your home décor. Not only that but being able to re-purpose furniture is actually a lot of fun. From cabinets to dressers to old doors to countertops, anything can be repurposed. All it takes is just a little creativity. So, the next time you’re ready to throw away that old side table that you’ve been holding on to for years, look at these 12 clever ways to repurpose your furniture before you do. You might get a little inspiration.

1. Use an old door as a headboard

If you have an old wooden door just lying around why not try repurposing it as a headboard to your bed. By sanding down any rough edges, your bed will have an added rustic flair. Plus, it’s really easy to do. All you need is a sander (or just sandpaper) and a bit of putty.

2. A bookcase can become a bar
No idea what to do with that old antique bookshelf? The answer is simple: make a bar! By using the shelves to store glasses, liquor, martini shakers, and maybe a couple of books, you’ll have a high-class bar right in your den, basement or living room. Complete the look by adding wine holders and wine glass holders.

3. Turn a window into a cabinet door
If you have a window that’s intact with a lot of character but too old to actually use, then try making a cabinet door out of it. You can either make a cabinet or find one without a door. Either way, attach a handle and hinges to the window, attach it to the cabinet, and you’re done. Simple and easy.

4. A dresser into a bench
Do you have an old dresser that you can’t find any use for? Just turn it into a bench. A bit of cutting, sawing, and screwing and you’ll have a nice seat for one or two. If you seal and paint it with exterior products you can even place it outside.

5. A buffet cabinet turns into a coffee station
Turning a buffet cabinet into 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 countertop. This will look great in the kitchen as a coffee station. Put your mugs, coffee maker, and cream and sugar here for a high-class look.

6. Turn a chair into a nightstand
Do you have a chair you love but it 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 take off the back and just use the seat.

7. Turn old side tables into stools
A nightstand or side table can be easily converted into a stool by simply adding a cushion to the 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 and heavy-duty 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 is a great conversation piece. Just place the TV on the bottom shelf and bring the top one down as if you were propping up a canvas.

9. Turn a secretary desk into a linen cabinet
Secretary desks, especially the ones with a tall hutch, can be repainted and placed in the bathroom or hallway as a linen cabinet. Best of all, there’s barely any fussing required.

10. A chest becomes a coffee table
If you have a heavy duty wooden chest or trunk that’s the right height, then you can easily turn it into a coffee table. Just use a sealer on the top or place a pane of glass. If you’re really handy with tools you can make the top open up like a garage door.

11. Turn a sideboard into a bathroom vanity
If you have a sideboard that you want to get rid of, don’t. A sideboard can make an excellent bathroom vanity. All you need to do is carve a hole in the top for the sink and make sure there’s enough room for the plumbing. Add a mirror to the wall above it and you’re all set.

12. Turn a headboard into a rack
Don’t have a place to hang your coat? Have an old headboard that you don’t use anymore? Then make that headboard into a coat rack by screwing on hooks to the face and hanging the whole thing on your wall. Instant success.