REUSE - REPURPOSE - RECYCLE
Designers do this often to create a unique look or emphasize a client's personal style. What is to prevent you from finding new ways to use your own furniture?
Think about it. We label furniture and determine its function but it does not have to remain this way! A bedside table does not necessarily need to stay beside a bed, it can find a new use as an end table in the living area or as a plant stand or beverage cart on the patio. An armoire is not just for entertainment systems... a plain wooden chair or a collection of small bottles have a plethora of uses! Reusing is about seeing what we already have in our homes with a new vision.
'HOW TO' TiP:
You can easily find more uses for your furniture if you focus on your need rather than on the traditional function of a particular piece. Think outside the box when looking for an existing piece of furniture to fill your need. Re-using furniture has a way of infusing new life into existing pieces and giving a savvy update to flea market finds.
A few ideas to 'jump start' your creativity...
DRESSERS
The most common re-purposed piece of furniture is a dresser. Its uses are as broad as your creativity. The look can be changed by painting it, swapping out the drawers or hardware, resurfacing the top or simply by moving it to a new room and adding a mirror, lamp and art around it.
* Convert a dresser into a vanity adding a sink on top and plumbing below.
* Used in the dining room it becomes a sideboard to store china and linens and display art.
* In the kitchen it becomes a work surface with storage below.
* In the garage or outside, a old dresser can be useful as a surface for potting or displaying plants.
TABLES
* A library table, dining table or anything with a unique flat surface can become a coffee table by shortening legs or adding casters or wheels.
* Dining/Kitchen tables make excellent desks for an office area.
* Bedside tables can be useful as service carts, end tables or hallway 'catch-all' areas.
ARMOIRES
Entertainment armoires have lost favor with the growing popularity of wall-mount, flat screen televisions. No worries! An armoire can be easily re-purposed for other uses.
* Turn an armoire into clothing storage in a bedroom. It can easily replace a dresser or two!
* Use it as toy/book/stuffed animal storage for children in a bedroom or play area.
* An armoire makes an the ideal linen closet.
* Pack it with bathrobes for two, a basket of toilettries, towels, sheets, blankets and extra pillows and it becomes a supply closet for guests; ready at a moment's notice!
* Office supplies stored in an armoire give a home to paper, card stock, reference books, computer parts and peripheral supplies.
FLEA MARKET FiNDS
Antiques, salvaged or vintage finds can find new homes in unexpected places! Why not put a chandelier in the laundry room or bedroom? How about use a garden gate as a headboard?
Apply a coat or two of primer and enamel to furniture and breathe new life into dull pieces!
GREEN THUMBS
Creative containers become indoor/outdoor planters for herbs and flowers. If the vessel holds soil and has a hole for draining off excess water, it's worth a try!
Re-purposing furniture and everyday items is both economical and ultra creative. Whatever you need might be already existing in your home. Open your eyes to new possibilities and have some fun!
"Do your little bit of good where you are;
it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world
(for the better)."
(for the better)."
-Archbishop Desmond Tutu (italics are mine)