Any ideas for repurposing or revamping this shelf stand?

Question

Hi I have had this tiered shelf stand for a while and I was wondering if you guys can help me with some ideas to either repurpose or revamp it to make it more modern and usable.

Marie · Answer

Paint it all white and embellish it with lace surrounding the edges. It will make it romantically a Victorian piece to add nick nacks to.

Empress · Answer

You have a wonderful example of Victoriana that is commanding quite a bit of attention and respect these days. It is a piece of Victorian furniture that has many shelves in order to display all of the acquired 'knick-knacks' which the new 'middle class' was displaying to show their wealth! It is a product of societal change and affluence. Please embrace its antiquity and give it a bit of TLC with very fine steel wool and some Old English furniture polish, and then rub off the excess with a cloth or towel and be amazed at its splendor! (Old English is a brand of polish that can be found in supermarkets or at Walmart.) For the hard to reach areas use an old toothbrush to brush out dust or steel wool debris. Good luck and enjoy your collectible Victoriana!

MN Mom · Answer

Please don't chalk paint this!

Bobbie · Answer

This piece is so beautiful please just clean it gently with a good quality oil and enjoy it for many more years. It's a unique piece of history !!

Judy Huppert · Answer

It is definitely an antique, worth some money if you don't mess up the original finish. Old English is fine and will greatly improve the appearance.

Jeanne Martin · Answer

It looks like one I had several years ago that I bought at a big box store.  If it is not an antique I would paint it some nifty (funky?) color(s) and put it on my porch as a plant stand.   Be sure to seal it well with urethane (spar is great for outdoor stuff).   BUT, if it is a true antique then I would also do as the other posters said...clean it, oil it and enjoy it!

Linda Johnson · Answer

I would paint it and put colorful wallpaper on the tops of the shelves. Seal it all well, though. The colors would depend on which room you're using it in.

Becky Treon · Answer

Looks some what like the one I have, mine is what I call press broad. And was wore out like yours, so I put a coat of crack paint on it let it dry then just painted it a color I liked.
It coved the bad spots, and gave it a neat look. looks like an old piece , that's been painted for years and the paint is cracking on it.

Rabia · Answer

Thanks for replying guys..I honestly have no idea about the age of this piece..it was in some of my mom's stuff..I remember seeing it as a child since the 80s..and it hasn't been in use for at least more than 20 years..I have an accompanying wall shelf as well..will put up it's picture.. So I know it's old, just not sure how old..that's why wanted to make sure that I don't ruin it by mistake..plus most of the furniture in my home is modern..so wasn't sure how to use it..but it is beautiful and well made..so wanted to do it justice..

Subha · Answer

If it is not antique and not afraid to change the color, apply a color which goes with your decor and place some nice art or pictures a small pot of flower anything you fancy. It can light up a corner. Or the corner of a staircase.

Cindi · Answer

I think it would look great with a 'funky' paint job. Maybe paint each shelf a different, bright color, with multiple colors and patters on the spindles. I've been collecting bar stools, stacking tables, etc. to do just that, I think that type painting is so cool. There's lots of examples on Pinterest, and I have a whole board on that. That would be a good piece, and a fun piece, to do that on.

Diana Deiley · Answer

White for the bathroom!

Bernice H · Answer

What is so nice,is that we can mix new ,modern,old ,antique...it all can fit,and show personality.

Marrianne Rudy · Answer

My mother had one, an antique she bought in England and brought back when we settled in Georgia. It's called a Pie Stand (hers anyway). She put hers in her bathroom with a potted plant on the top tier, and rolls of towels on the bottom and washcloths in the middle. I have no idea what my brother did with hers when she died, but Home Depot sells one that's almost exactly like hers. I have her Pink Lady bathroom mirror so I'm getting one to make my bathroom like hers to remind me of her. :) I love painted furniture....and that's a beautiful piece...I'd paint a soft color and distress it...keeping it looking older but shabby chic at the same time.

Wanda sinnema · Answer

CUTE CORNER SHELF.... If you have kids paint it to match their room decor.. great little item for a collection of ???? few animals, special photos, piggy bank on top, So adorable I would make it a place for very special mementos.....

Ann Marie · Answer

When I first saw this, I immediately thought 'plant stand'. I agree with the other posters that if it's an antique, to just clean and oil it. If it's not an antique, I say go ahead and paint it any color you prefer, or multiple colors, as some have suggested. I also like the idea of using it in the bathroom for rolled towels with a plant on top. It's a lovely piece -- please post some pics when you decide what to do with it, we'd all love to see it come back to life ! Good luck !

Any ideas for repurposing or revamping this shelf stand?

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Any ideas for repurposing or revamping this shelf stand?

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