34 Repurposed Furniture Ideas for Small Homes
The best new furniture for a small home is the old furniture you already own.
Repurposing means you give an old piece a new job. You keep the wood and the shape and you change what it does for you.
A small home has little floor space to spare. A flat or a tiny room needs pieces that work hard and fit close to the wall.
You can save money this way too. A thrifted piece costs less than a new one and it often feels stronger in your hands.
I like pieces that do two jobs at once. A desk can hold your papers and a box can hide your spare sheets under a bed.
This post stays with simple tools and simple paint. You only need sandpaper, paint, new knobs or handles, and a bit of fabric when a piece needs it.
All 34 ideas are in this one post for you. You get every idea right here, with nothing saved for later.
1. Turn a Crib Into a Small Desk
An old crib can turn into a small desk for a tight corner. You take out one long side and you keep the frame low and neat.
The crib rails make a handy low shelf at the back. Your books can lean there while you work at the front edge.
Sand the rough spots with light strokes in a well-aired spot near an open window. Wear a plain mask while you sand so the dust stays out of your nose.
Paint the frame a soft white and let each coat dry fully before you add the next one. The white paint makes the small desk look clean in a little room.
Add a flat wood board on top for the work surface. The board sits level and it gives you room for a notebook and a cup of pens.
The desk stays slim and it fits close to a wall. You can push a small stool under it when you are done for the day.
Put a small lamp on the left side and a pencil cup on the right side. A notebook stays open in the middle for your lists and plans.
A small tin of white paint and a board for the top costs $18 to $29.
This desk works well in a small bedroom or a shared living room. You get a work spot without taking up the whole room.
2. Turn an Old Wooden Case Into a Writing Desk
An old case can turn into a wide writing desk for a small room. You keep the wood case and the strong legs and you take out the parts inside that you do not need.
The flat top gives you a long work surface for paper and books. The front panel stays low so your legs fit under it with ease.
Sand the worn spots in a well-aired place with the windows open. Put on a plain mask while you sand and wipe the dust off with a dry cloth.
Rub a little clear wax over the wood when it feels dry. The warm brown wood looks soft and the top feels smooth under your hands.
The legs stay strong and the case stays low and wide. You can slide a small chair under the front when you need the floor space back.
Put a jar of pens on one end and a stack of notebooks on the other end. A small lamp sits near the back so you can see your page at night.
A drawer from the old case can hold paper clips and spare pens.
A tin of wax and one new brass pull costs $12 to $21.
This desk fits a small flat because it uses one wall and no extra floor space. You get a calm work spot from a piece that was too big to keep as it was.
3. Turn a Bed Frame Into a Daybed for a Small Living Room
An old bed frame can turn into a daybed for a small living room. You lower the frame and you keep it close to the wall.
The daybed looks like a small sofa during the day. You can sit on it to read and you can stretch out on it for a short rest.
Sand the frame in a well-aired room and wear a plain mask for the dust. Let the paint dry fully before you put any fabric on the frame.
Paint the wood frame a soft grey and add two white cushions on top. The grey frame and white cushions look calm in a small room.
A long cushion makes the seat soft and a small pillow sits at each end. You can fold a light blanket over one arm for cool nights.
The space under the frame can hold two flat boxes. Your spare sheets and books stay out of sight but close to hand.
Put a small tray on the seat for a cup and a book. The tray comes off fast when you want the full seat back.
A tin of grey paint and two plain cushions costs $31 to $48.
This daybed saves floor space because it is a seat by day and a rest spot by night. You do not need a sofa and a spare bed in one small room.
4. Turn an Old Cabinet Into a Home Bar
An old cabinet can turn into a home bar for a small living room. You keep the tall shape and you change the inside shelves for glasses and cups.
Take out the middle shelves and leave room for tall glasses. The top shelf can hold small plates and a jar of tea bags.
Sand the doors in a well-aired spot and wear a plain mask while you work. Wipe the dust off and let the paint dry fully before you load the shelves.
Paint the cabinet a deep blue and add new brass knobs to the doors. The blue cabinet stands out but it still fits in a tight corner.
Hang small hooks under the middle shelf for mugs. Your cups hang in a neat row and your hands stay free to pour a drink.
Put juice glasses on the middle shelf and a small tray on the top. The glasses stand ready for guests.
The bottom shelf can hold a box of tea and a stack of napkins. You can shut the doors fast when you want the room to look tidy.
A tin of blue paint and new brass knobs costs $19 to $32.
This bar works in a flat because it uses one corner and no extra table. You get a drink spot without a big new piece.
5. Turn a Wardrobe Into a Home Office Nook
An old wardrobe can turn into a home office nook for a small home. You open the doors and you find a work spot hiding inside.
Take out the hanging rail and add a small shelf at desk height. The shelf gives you room for a notebook and a laptop.
Sand the inside edges in a well-aired room with the door open. Wear a plain mask while you sand so the dust does not bother you.
Paint the inside a soft white and let it dry fully before you set up your work things. The white inside makes the small nook feel bright.
Add a small lamp on the shelf and a pin board on the back panel. Your notes stay in front of you while you work.
The doors shut at night and hide the whole office. You can close the nook fast when guests come to visit.
Put a pencil cup and a small plant pot on the shelf. A notebook stays open in the middle for your daily list.
A small tin of white paint and a pin board costs $16 to $27.
This nook saves a whole room because your office lives in one wardrobe. You work in a corner and you shut it away when you are done.
6. Turn an Old Door Into a Folding Room Divider
An old door can turn into a folding room divider for a small flat. You cut the door into three tall panels and you join them with hinges.
The panels fold flat against a wall when you do not need them. You can pull them out fast to split one room into two small spots.
Sand the panel edges in a well-aired space near an open door. Put on a plain mask for the sanding dust and brush the dust off the wood.
Paint the panels a soft cream and let each coat dry fully before you move them. The cream panels look light and they do not block the sun.
Add plain fabric to the middle of each panel for a soft look. The fabric is a pale beige and it lets a little light through the room.
Small hinges join the panels and they fold with ease. You can move the divider with one hand when you want the room open again.
Put the divider behind a small desk to make a work corner. It gives you a bit of calm without a new wall in your home.
A tin of cream paint and three small hinges costs $21 to $34.
This divider helps a small home because one room can do two jobs. You fold it away when you need the full floor back.
7. Turn Spare Drawers Into Under-Bed Storage Boxes
Spare drawers can turn into under-bed storage boxes for a small bedroom. You take the drawers out of an old dresser and you give them a new job.
The drawers slide under a bed and they hide your spare sheets. You can pull one out with a small handle when you need a clean sheet.
Sand the drawer fronts in a well-aired place and wear a plain mask. Let the paint dry fully before you slide the boxes under the bed.
Paint the drawers a soft grey and add new wood knobs to the fronts. The grey boxes look neat when you pull them out into the room.
Add small wheels under each drawer so it rolls with ease. The wheels let you move a full box without lifting it off the floor.
Put folded sheets in one box and spare blankets in the next box. A small label on each front can tell you what is inside.
The boxes use the dead space under a bed that was empty before. You gain storage without a new chest in your small room.
A tin of grey paint and four small wheels costs $17 to $28.
This idea works well in a flat where a closet is small. You keep your spare things close and your floor stays clear.
8. Turn a Ladder Into a Hanging Pot Rack
An old ladder can turn into a hanging pot rack for a small kitchen. You hang the ladder flat from the ceiling and you use the rungs for hooks.
The ladder stays high up so it does not take floor space. Your pots hang in a neat row where you can reach them with ease.
Sand the ladder rungs in a well-aired room and wear a plain mask for the dust. Let the paint dry fully before you hang any pots from it.
Paint the ladder a soft black and add strong hooks to the rungs. The black ladder looks plain and the steel pots stand out against it.
Hang your big pots on the lower rungs and small pans on the top rungs. Spare hooks wait ready for lids so they do not take shelf space.
The rack frees your cupboards for plates and dry food. You can see each pot at a glance when you start to cook.
Put a small basket on the top rung for cloths and spare hooks. The basket stays out of the way but close to your hands.
A tin of black paint and a pack of strong hooks costs $15 to $26.
This rack helps a small kitchen because your pots leave the cupboards. You get more shelf space without a new shelf on the wall.
9. Turn a Trunk Into a Bedside Table
An old trunk can turn into a bedside table for a small bedroom. You set the trunk next to the bed and you use the flat lid as a top.
The trunk holds books and spare blankets inside its deep box. You lift the lid at night and you shut it in the morning.
Sand the lid edges in a well-aired spot and wear a plain mask while you sand. Let the paint dry fully before you put your lamp on the lid.
Paint the trunk a soft white and add a small brass pull to the front. The white trunk looks clean next to a bed with white sheets.
Put a small lamp on the lid and a book next to it. A glass of water sits on a small mat so it does not mark the paint.
The trunk is low and wide so it fits a tight space by the bed. You can reach your book and lamp without getting up at night.
Keep your night things in the top tray inside the trunk. Your phone charger and a small notebook stay in one neat spot.
A small tin of white paint and a brass pull costs $14 to $24.
This table works in a small room because it stores things and holds a lamp too. You do not need a table and a box side by side.
| Item | Main change | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| A small tin of white paint and a board for the top | paints the crib frame white and adds a flat board top | $18 to $29 |
| A tin of wax and one new brass pull | waxes the wood case and adds a brass pull to the drawer | $12 to $21 |
| A tin of grey paint and two plain cushions | paints the bed frame grey and adds white cushions | $31 to $48 |
| A tin of blue paint and new brass knobs | paints the cabinet blue and adds brass knobs | $19 to $32 |
| A small tin of white paint and a pin board | paints the wardrobe nook white and adds a pin board | $16 to $27 |
| A tin of cream paint and three small hinges | paints the door panels cream and joins them with hinges | $21 to $34 |
| A tin of grey paint and four small wheels | paints the drawers grey and adds small wheels | $17 to $28 |
| A tin of black paint and a pack of strong hooks | paints the ladder black and adds strong hooks | $15 to $26 |
| A small tin of white paint and a brass pull | paints the trunk white and adds a brass pull | $14 to $24 |
10. Turn a Headboard Into a Coat Rack
An old headboard can turn into a coat rack for a small entryway. You fix the headboard flat to the wall and you add hooks in a neat row.
The headboard is tall and slim so it fits a narrow hall. Your coats hang in a row and your floor stays clear for shoes.
Sand the wood in a well-aired space and wear a plain mask for the dust. Let the paint dry fully before you hang any coats on the hooks.
Paint the headboard a soft sage green and add five black hooks. The sage green board looks calm and the black hooks stand out in a clear way.
Hang your coat on the middle hook and a light scarf on the next hook. A small bag hangs on the end hook where you can grab it fast.
A small shelf on top of the board can hold keys and a small bowl. You can drop your keys there when you walk in the door.
The rack uses wall space that was empty before. You gain a coat spot without a big stand on the floor.
Five black hooks and a tin of sage green paint costs $13 to $22.
This rack helps a small flat because coats leave the chairs and beds. Your entryway stays tidy and your room feels bigger.
11. Turn Two Old Dining Chairs Into a Hallway Bench
My hallway was too narrow for a big bench. I looked for a slim fix that would still give me a place to sit.
I found two old dining chairs at a thrift shop.
Their wooden seats were still strong. The chairs matched in height even though the wood colour was a little different.
I took off the chair backs and kept the four front legs with the two seats. Then I joined the seats side by side with a flat wooden board screwed under them. The board made the two seats feel like one bench.
A flat board and a few screws cost $18 to $26, and the chairs were cheap at the thrift shop.
I sanded the rough spots with light strokes in a well-aired space and wore a plain mask while I sanded. Then I painted the whole bench a soft cream colour.
I let the paint dry fully before I put the bench to use.
Now the bench sits flat against my hallway wall. A small woven basket rests under it for shoes. A folded scarf hangs on a tiny hook at one end.
You can sit on it to tie your shoes. It leaves plenty of room to walk past.
12. Turn a Desk Into a Vanity Table
A small desk can make a lovely vanity table in a tiny bedroom. It fits in a corner without blocking your walkway.
I picked up a plain wooden desk with one drawer.
The top was wide enough for a mirror. The drawer was deep enough for my small bits.
I smoothed the top with sandpaper in a well-aired space. A plain mask kept the dust off my face while I worked. I swept the dust off with a dry cloth.
A new knob for the drawer and a small tin of paint cost $15 to $24 in total.
Next I painted the desk a pale grey colour. I let the paint dry fully before I set anything on it.
I set a round mirror on the desk top.
It leans flat against the wall. A little tray on one side holds my brush and a few small jars. The drawer now holds my hair ties and clips.
The top stays clear and calm. That makes my small bedroom feel bigger in the morning.
13. Turn a Treadle Sewing Machine Base Into a Side Table
An old treadle sewing machine base has lovely iron legs. It suits a small living room because it takes up very little floor space.
I found one with the machine top gone.
Only the dark iron frame was left. The legs had no wobble at all.
I cleaned the iron with a damp cloth and let it dry in the sun for an hour. Then I checked that the foot pedal still moved a little.
A plain wooden board for the top and a few screws cost $12 to $20.
I rubbed the board smooth with sandpaper in a well-aired space and wore a plain mask while I sanded. Then I painted it a warm honey colour.
The paint had a full day to dry before I used the table.
I screwed the board onto the iron frame. The top sits flat and steady. A small plant pot and a book now rest on it.
The dark iron legs look smart next to my sofa. The table is easy to move when I clean.
14. Turn a Filing Cabinet Into a Bedside Table
A short filing cabinet can work as a bedside table in a small bedroom. It holds far more than a tiny nightstand.
I found a metal one with two drawers.
It was the same height as my bed. I could reach it with ease in the dark.
I wiped the metal clean and sanded a few rough spots in a well-aired space while I wore a plain mask. I brushed the dust away with a dry cloth.
Paint and new round knobs for the drawers cost $14 to $22.
After that I painted it a soft sage colour. I let the paint dry fully before I used the cabinet.
The top drawer now holds my phone charger and a small notebook.
I set a small lamp on top. The flat top has room for a glass of water too. The lower drawer keeps extra sheets folded neat.
My tiny room stays tidy. I love that the cabinet slides close to the bed.
15. Turn an Old Mirror Into a Serving Tray
An old mirror with a wooden frame can turn into a pretty serving tray. It is light enough to lift with one hand.
I found a square mirror at a thrift shop.
The frame was plain but solid. The glass had no cracks.
I sanded the frame lightly in a well-aired space and wore a plain mask while I sanded. Then I wiped it clean before I painted it.
Two small handles and a tin of paint cost $9 to $16.
Then I painted the frame a soft white colour. I waited until the paint was fully dry before I picked the tray up.
I screwed one handle onto each short side of the frame.
They feel firm in my hands. The tray now sits on my low shelf. It holds two small cups and a tiny vase.
When friends come over, I carry tea on it to my small sofa. It looks bright and fresh.
16. Turn Old Picture Frames Into a Key Holder
Old picture frames can hold your keys by the front door. They take up no floor space at all.
I found three small wooden frames at a thrift shop.
Their glass was still clear. The frames were light enough to hang with small screws.
You can pick frames in the same size. Or you can mix small and medium ones for a fun look that still feels neat.
Paint, small hooks and screws cost $8 to $14 for the whole holder.
I sanded the frames lightly in a well-aired space and wore a plain mask while I sanded. Then I painted them a soft blue colour.
I let the paint dry fully before I hung the frames up.
I screwed two small hooks into the bottom edge of each frame. I hung the frames in a neat row on the wall beside my door. I put a tiny note card inside one frame.
Now my keys hang in plain sight. I never hunt for them when I leave the flat.
17. Turn Wooden Crates Into a Hallway Shoe Bench
Wooden crates can stack into a shoe bench that fits a narrow hallway. The open fronts make it easy to see your shoes.
I found four plain crates at a thrift shop.
They were all the same size. Their slats were strong enough to hold shoes without bending.
I sanded the rough edges in a well-aired space and wore a plain mask while I sanded. Then I brushed off the dust with a dry cloth.
Paint and screws for joining the crates cost $16 to $25.
After that I painted the crates a warm pale wood colour. I left the paint to dry fully before I stacked the crates.
I set two crates on the floor side by side.
Then I set the other two on top of them. A flat cushion sits on the top crates so I can sit down to put on my shoes.
Each open crate holds two pairs of shoes. The bench leaves room to walk past it.
18. Turn a Wooden Barrel Into a Round Side Table
A small wooden barrel can turn into a round side table for a tiny living room corner. Its round shape fits where a square table would not.
I found a short barrel at a thrift shop.
Its wooden staves were tight and firm. It stood flat on the floor with no wobble at the base.
I sanded the top rim smooth in a well-aired space and wore a plain mask while I sanded. Then I wiped the rim clean.
A round wooden top, paint and screws cost $20 to $30.
Then I painted the barrel a deep warm brown colour. I gave the paint a full day to dry before I set the top on.
I fixed the round top onto the barrel.
It sits flat like a proper table top. A small lamp stands on it. A book rests beside the lamp.
The barrel shape fits neatly in the corner. My small room still feels open.
| Item | Main change | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Five black hooks and a tin of sage green paint | paints the headboard sage green and adds five black hooks | $13 to $22 |
| A flat board and a few screws | joins two chair seats into one hallway bench | $18 to $26 |
| A new knob for the drawer and a small tin of paint | adds a new knob and paints the desk pale grey | $15 to $24 |
| A plain wooden board for the top and a few screws | adds a wooden top to the treadle base | $12 to $20 |
| Paint and new round knobs for the drawers | paints the filing cabinet sage and adds round knobs | $14 to $22 |
| Two small handles and a tin of paint | adds two handles and paints the mirror frame white | $9 to $16 |
| Paint, small hooks and screws | paints the frames blue and adds hooks for keys | $8 to $14 |
| Paint and screws for joining the crates | paints the crates pale wood and joins them into a shoe bench | $16 to $25 |
| A round wooden top, paint and screws | adds a round wooden top and paints the barrel brown | $20 to $30 |
19. Turn a Wooden Cable Spool Into a Low Stool
A wooden cable spool can turn into a low stool that tucks under a small table. It gives you an extra seat without taking up floor space.
I found a small spool at a thrift shop.
Both round ends were flat and solid. The spool was low enough to slide under my desk.
I smoothed the round top with sandpaper in a well-aired space. I kept a plain mask on while I worked on the top. I brushed the dust off.
Paint and a round piece of fabric for the seat cost $10 to $17.
Next I painted the spool a soft cream colour. I did not use it until the paint was fully dry.
I glued the fabric onto the top round end.
It makes a soft seat. The stool now sits by my small desk. I pull it out when I need an extra seat.
When I am done, I slide it back under the desk. The floor stays clear.
20. Turn a Bench Into a Low Coffee Table
A low bench can turn into a coffee table that suits a small living room. Its low height keeps the view across the room open.
I found a plain wooden bench at a thrift shop.
Its legs were short and sturdy. The top was wide enough for a tray and a book.
You want a bench that is lower than your sofa seat. Then it feels right in front of you when you sit down.
Paint and new screws for the legs cost $13 to $21.
I smoothed the top with sandpaper in a well-aired space and wore a plain mask while I sanded. Then I painted the bench a soft grey colour.
I let the paint dry fully before I placed the tray on top.
The flat top now holds a small tray with two cups and a tiny plant pot. A few books sit under the bench where I can slide them in and out with ease.
My living room feels bigger now. The table is easy to move when I sweep the floor.
21. Turn a Bookshelf Into a Room Divider
A tall bookshelf can split one small room into two cosy spots. It gives you storage at the same time.
I found a plain wooden bookshelf at a thrift shop.
Its shelves were deep enough for books and boxes. The frame felt solid when I gave it a small shake.
You want a shelf that is tall but not too wide. Then it leaves a clear path past it.
Paint and small fabric boxes for the shelves cost $17 to $27.
I sanded the rough spots in a well-aired space and wore a plain mask while I sanded. Then I painted the shelf a soft white colour.
I waited for the paint to dry fully before I filled the shelves.
I set the shelf across one end of my studio room, with its back facing my bed. Books now fill the top shelves while fabric boxes on the lower shelves hide my small bits.
One side feels like a sleep spot. The other side feels like a small work spot.
22. Turn an Old Chest Into a Hallway Bench
I found an old chest at a thrift shop, and it cost me very little.
It was low and wide, with a flat lid and two small drawers at the front. The wood was plain pine, a pale warm colour that suited my hall.
A small hall needs seats that do more than one job.
I sanded the lid on my back step where the air moves well. I wore a plain mask while I worked.
A small tin of paint costs $7 to $11. I picked a soft cream paint for the outside and left the lid bare wood. I let the paint dry fully before I sat on it.
Now the chest holds my shoes inside and my bag on top.
Two small cushions sit on the lid, one grey and one plain white. I sit there to tie my shoes before I go out.
The bench fits flat to the wall and leaves room to walk past. My hall feels tidy now, not crowded.
An old chest makes a fine bench when you give it a new job.
23. Turn a Dining Table Into a Kitchen Island
My old dining table was too big for my small kitchen, but I did not want to throw it away.
It had a thick wood top and four strong legs. I cut the legs down a little so the top sat at waist height.
I sanded the top in my yard with the gate open for fresh air. A plain mask kept the dust out of my nose.
A small tin of paint costs $8 to $12. I picked a deep sage green for the legs and left the top bare wood.
I let the paint dry fully before I put anything on the top. Then I fixed a small shelf under the top for pots. A basket on the shelf holds my tea towels.
Now the table works as an island in the middle of my small kitchen.
A wooden chopping board and a plain jug sit on the top. My fruit bowl sits at one end, and my cookbooks stack at the other.
I chop veg on one side and wash up on the other. The island gives me room to work in a tight space.
You can push it to the wall when you need floor space. It is heavy, but the short legs make it easy to move. A big table can do a small job well.
24. Turn a Sideboard Into a Kids Craft Table
My kids had no place to draw in our small flat. An old sideboard from a thrift shop fixed that.
It was low, wide and plain, with two doors and one long drawer.
I sanded the top boards on my small balcony with the door open. I wore a plain mask the whole time. The old varnish came off fast with a rough sheet.
Paint for this table costs $7 to $11.
I picked a soft white paint for the body and a pale wood top. I let the paint dry fully before my kids used it.
The long drawer holds pens, pencils and paper. Two small jars on the top hold brushes and glue sticks.
My kids sit on two small stools at the table. They draw, cut paper and build small card houses there. The table wipes clean with a damp cloth after.
It fits flat to the living room wall and leaves room to play.
A sideboard gives kids a real work top in a small home. Mine cost less than a new craft table from a shop.
25. Turn a Nightstand Into a Bar Cart
An old nightstand made the best little drinks cart for my flat.
It had one drawer, one open shelf and four short legs. The top was just wide enough for a tray.
I sanded the top edge near an open window. I wore a plain mask while I sanded the edges.
A small tin of navy paint costs $6 to $10. I picked a dark navy paint for the body. I let the paint dry fully before I put glasses on it.
I fixed four small wheels to the feet so I can roll it to the sofa.
The top holds a tray with plain glasses and a small jug. The drawer holds straws and paper napkins.
The open shelf holds bottles of juice and soft drinks.
When friends come, I roll the cart out and we pick a drink. It saves trips to the kitchen in a small flat. Then I roll it back to its corner by the wall.
A nightstand with wheels is a drinks cart that fits anywhere.
26. Turn a Magazine Rack Into a Bathroom Towel Holder
My small bathroom had no place for spare towels. An old wooden magazine rack fixed that in one afternoon.
It was tall, slim and open, with three slanted slots.
I gave the rack a light sand on my porch. I wore a plain mask and kept the door open for air.
A small tin of paint costs $6 to $9.
I picked a soft white paint for the rack. I let the paint dry fully before I hung a towel on it. The white paint suits my plain bathroom tiles.
I fixed two small hooks to the wall and hung the rack flat on them. It sits just above the floor, out of the way.
Three rolled towels sit in the slots, one blue, one white and one grey. A small flannel hangs over the top edge.
The rack takes up no floor space at all, which matters in a tiny bathroom.
Towels stay neat and dry, and I can see them all at once. My bathroom feels calm now. An old rack can hold towels as well as it held magazines.
27. Turn a Wooden Box Into a Footstool
A plain wooden box from a thrift shop became my footstool.
It was low and square, with a flat lid and strong sides. The wood was pale and a little rough. I liked its simple shape from the start.
I sanded the box lid out in my yard. A plain mask kept the dust away from my face.
A small tin of paint costs $6 to $10. I picked a warm brown stain for the sides and left the lid plain.
I let the stain dry fully before I put the cushion on top.
I cut a piece of thick foam to fit the lid. Then I covered it with a plain grey fabric and fixed it tight under the lid. The cushion feels soft and stays put.
The footstool sits by my armchair in the living room. I rest my feet on it each night while I read.
The box still opens, so I keep my remote and a small book inside. It hides clutter and rests my feet at the same time.
One old box does two jobs in a small room.
28. Turn a Banister Rail Into a Wall Coat Rack
A short piece of old banister rail made a strong coat rack for my hall. I found it at a thrift shop, cut down from an old stair.
It was a plain round rail, about as long as my arm, with a smooth top edge.
I sanded the rail on my front step with fresh air all round me. I kept a plain mask on while the dust was in the air.
Paint for the rail costs $7 to $11. I picked a dark green paint for the rail. I let the paint dry fully before I hung a coat on it.
I fixed four plain black hooks along the rail. Then I fixed the rail flat to the wall by my front door.
Two coats, one scarf and my bag hang there now.
The rail sits high enough that coats do not brush the floor. My hall stays clear and my coats stay off the chairs.
I like how the round rail looks on the white wall. It feels solid when I pull a coat off a hook. A stair rail holds coats as well as it held hands.
One short rail can tidy a whole small hall.
29. Turn a Record Cabinet Into a Drinks Cabinet
An old record cabinet became a neat drinks cabinet for my living room.
It was tall and narrow, with two doors and three shelves inside. The wood was dark and the doors still shut well.
I sanded the doors on my balcony with the windows open. I wore a plain mask while I sanded.
Paint for the cabinet costs $8 to $12.
I picked a soft cream paint for the outside and left the shelves bare wood. I let the paint dry fully before I put glasses inside. Two new brass knobs went on the doors.
The top shelf holds plain glasses in a neat row. A plain jug sits at the end of the shelf.
The middle shelf holds cups and small plates. The bottom shelf holds bottles of juice and soft drinks.
When friends visit, I open the doors and we pick a drink. The cabinet keeps everything in one small spot. Then I shut the doors and the room looks tidy again.
A record cabinet holds drinks as well as it held records.
30. Turn a Telephone Table Into a Charging Station
An old telephone table now charges all my phones in one place. It was small, with one drawer and a shelf below.
The top was just wide enough for two phones side by side.
I sanded the top near my open kitchen window. I wore a plain mask and let the air move through the room.
Paint for this small table costs $6 to $9. I picked a pale grey paint for the table. I let the paint dry fully before I set a phone on it.
I cut a small hole in the back for the cords. Then I fixed a plain power strip inside the drawer.
Two phones and one tablet charge on the top each night.
The drawer hides the cords and the plugs. A small basket on the shelf below holds spare cables.
No cords trail across my small kitchen now. I can see each phone at a glance. The table sits by the wall and takes up very little floor space.
One small table keeps all my charging tidy.
31. Turn an Old Linen Cupboard Into a Laundry Cupboard
My small laundry corner had no storage, so an old linen cupboard moved in.
It was tall and plain, with two doors and four shelves inside. The wood was pale and the shelves were strong.
I sanded the doors on my porch in the open air. A plain mask kept the dust out while I worked.
A small tin of paint costs $9 to $13. I picked a soft white paint for the cupboard. I let the paint dry fully before I put boxes inside.
I fixed a small rail inside one door for cloths.
The top shelf holds two plain white boxes. The next shelf holds folded towels and clean cloths.
A basket on the floor of the cupboard holds pegs and small bits.
The cupboard stands in a corner and holds all my wash day stuff. My laundry corner looks neat, not piled up.
You can shut the doors and hide the whole wash pile. That helps a lot in a small flat. An old cupboard can work hard in a new spot.
32. Turn a Single Drawer Into a Wall Spice Rack
One old drawer from a broken dresser became my spice rack. It was shallow, wide and plain, with a small knob on the front.
I took the knob off and set it aside for another job.
I sanded the drawer front by my open back door. I wore a plain mask the whole time I sanded.
A small tin of paint for the drawer costs $6 to $9.
I picked a soft cream paint for the drawer. I let the paint dry fully before I fixed it to the wall. It now sits flat to the wall above my work top.
I fixed two small rails inside the drawer to hold the jars. Eight small spice jars stand in a row, each with a plain lid.
Paprika, salt, pepper and dried herbs sit where I can see them. I reach for them while I cook and put them straight back.
The rack frees up a whole shelf in my small kitchen cupboard.
It cost very little and took one short afternoon. My spices stay neat and close at hand. One drawer can hold a whole shelf of flavour.
33. Turn a Chair Seat Into a Small Wall Shelf
A chair with a broken leg still had a good seat, so I saved it.
The seat was square, plain wood, with rounded front corners. It was just wide enough for a few small things.
I sanded the seat on my small patio with fresh air around me. I wore a plain mask while the dust rose.
Paint for the seat costs $6 to $10. I picked a warm brown paint for the seat. I let the paint dry fully before I hung it on the wall.
I fixed two small brackets under the seat and screwed it flat to the wall. It now sticks out like a tiny shelf by my door.
A small plant pot and a plain white mug sit on it now.
The shelf sits right by my door, so I see it every time I leave.
It needs no floor space at all. I like seeing the old chair seat do a new job. A broken chair can still hold a few small things.
One seat, two brackets and a wall is all it took.
34. Build Your Repurposed Furniture Kit
A set of plain butt hinges costs $4 to $7.
A pair of plain magnetic latches costs $3 to $5.
A pack of plain dowel pins costs $3 to $5.
A plain try square costs $5 to $8.
A roll of plain edge tape costs $4 to $6.
A set of plain folding brackets costs $6 to $9.
The whole kit costs $25 to $40.
I keep my kit in one small box by the door. Hinges, pins and tape sit in small bags so I can find them fast.
When a new thrift piece comes home, I grab the box first. A small kit turns a quick fix into a short job.
| Item | Main change | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| A set of plain butt hinges | joins two door panels into a folding divider | $4 to $7 |
| A pair of plain magnetic latches | holds a small cabinet door shut | $3 to $5 |
| A pack of plain dowel pins | joins two wood parts with no screws showing | $3 to $5 |
| A plain try square | marks a straight square cut on wood | $5 to $8 |
| A roll of plain edge tape | covers a raw wood edge with a neat finish | $4 to $6 |
| A set of plain folding brackets | holds a fold-down shelf flat to the wall | $6 to $9 |
| Total | $25 to $40 |
Keep Reading
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- 33 Upcycled Wood Pallet Ideas for Home and Garden
- 21 Coffee Table Flip Ideas on a Small Budget
- 28 Chair Makeover Ideas That Give Old Seats New Life
Your next favourite piece of furniture is already in your home, doing the wrong job. Go and give it the right one.
