12 smart ways to repurpose 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 trash and turn it into treasure once again. By reusing your old furniture, you can add great charm to your home décor. Not only that, but being able to repurpose furniture is actually a lot of fun. From cabinets to dressers, old doors and countertops, anything can be repurposed. All it takes is a little creativity. So the next time you’re ready to throw out that old end 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 reusing it as the headboard for your bed? By sanding down any 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 bookshelf? 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 den, 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 lots of character but too old to use, try making a cabinet door out of it. You can 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 good to go. Simple and easy.

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

5. A buffet cabinet turns into a coffee station.
Converting 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 cups, pot, creamer and sugar here for a high class look.

6. Turn a chair into a nightstand
Do you have a chair that 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 remove the backrest and use the seat.

7. Turn old side tables into stools
A nightstand or side table can easily be turned 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, sturdy artist’s easel can easily be turned into a TV stand if it’s strong enough. Plus, it adds an interesting dimension to your living room and makes a great conversation piece. Simply place the TV on the bottom shelf and lower the top shelf as if you were supporting a canvas.

9. Turn a secretary into a linen closet
Secretary’s 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 turn it into a coffee table. Just use a sealant on top or put on a glass panel. If you’re really handy with tools, you can make the top open like a garage door.

11. Turn a dresser into a bathroom vanity
If you have a dresser you want to get rid of, don’t. A sideboard can be a great bathroom vanity. All you need to do is carve a hole in the top for the sink and make sure there is enough room for 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 the whole thing on the wall. Instant success.