Repurpose a Desk into a Sideboard (Buffet)
{Photo updated Nov. 2013}
You know that old piece of furniture that you have sitting in your garage ready to donate or give away? Don’t do it! If its got good bones, then fix it up, or re-purpose it into something that will be functional in your space.
I had an old desk we’d gotten at Ikea about 9 years ago. It was dark wood, in decent shape, and used in several rooms throughout the years. About a year ago, I had the genius idea to paint it white. Not sand, prime, paint, and poly-just paint it. As a result, a few months later, this is what it looked like:
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Tara says
Gorgeous, Barbara! I absolutely adore it :) (BTW, I’m *shocked* you have a blue wall in the background haha)
Rachel (I Love My Disorganized Life) says
Very impressive! It looks beautiful!
Leslie @ Violet Imperfection says
It turned out beautiful! I love it!
SJ@SweeterStill says
Oooh I love this idea! It came out great, especially with the extra shelf added in where the chair would normally slide in.
Kirsten Thompson says
I love this! I have an antique desk that I refuse to let go but have yet to to find a home for it since we moved. This project looks like a perfect solution! Thanks!
vickilicious says
What an awesome idea! Thanks!
~Heather~ says
That turned out really cute! Nice work!
Meg @ BigRedClifford says
Super cute! I love how clean it looks. Awesome job! {newest follower…}
Connie@shabbyforsure says
This really turned out pretty. Great job…Connie
The Thrifty Challenge says
It looks so beautiful now! haha, we’ve all made mistakes like your painting one when we first started doing up furniture.
I love the handles too.
Kara @ Petals to Picots says
Wow! This came out great, Barbara! Love it!
ARod says
fabulous job it looks awesome totally love it
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
what great vision! i love the details you added- gorgeous!
decorative wall shelf says
Very nice and beautiful!
STEPHANIE DIANE says
Hi Barbara!! My name is Stephanie, and I am a first-time visitor to your site today- I found you through Google when I searched “upcycling old kitchen utensils.” This post isn’t exactly what I was looking for, but I am extremely (not to mention GLEEFULLY!!) thankful for stumbling upon your website nonetheless.
So after I skimmed through this desk-turned-sideboard article, [I was too enchanted by your photos to stop and read every word!! (but I bookmarked the post so I can come back later)], I then checked out the DIY cupcake stand & cloche; marveled over your Subway-Style-Baseball Dresser; GASPED OUT LOUD (no, seriously!) when I found your blue / zebra print file cabinet; and then spent the next 45 minutes experiencing wonder & awe while navigating around your website. It is beautiful. What you do is beautiful. You have become such an inspiration to me in less than an hours time, so I wanted to really let you know how awesome you are.– in case you haven’t been told that yet today! =)
Oh! One more thing!- sorry this is so long- but thank you ALSO for helping me to (finally!) decide on something I have been going back and forth on for some time now. After looking at your 2013 Christmas mantle, I have FINALLY decided that it is time for me to go out and buy myself a stag head- stat! I love them so much, but just wasn’t sure that it was practical for me (the only plan I had for a deer-head was to hang it up in my bedroom and dangle my necklaces from its antlers)- but I see that it can be a great decorative piece out in the living room as well. So thank you! ;)
Don’t ever stop doing what you are doing, Barbara- you have incredible talent, and the world needs to experience and be inspired by creative individuals like yourself!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Stephanie, oh my goodness you have made my YEAR with your kind comment! It’s people like you that inspire me to keep pushing even at times when I want to give up! I’m so thankful for you and for your lovely comment! I hope my blog encourages you to be creative, and to have fun beautifying your space. It’s all about trial and error (try that stag head in your living room!) and seeing what sticks. I am totally being sincere when I say your comment made me a little teary eyed! Thanks again, and I hope to ‘see’ you around here more often, or on Facebook and other social media. WELCOME! XOXO