Asked on Dec 18, 2016

Need ideas for repurposing an antique footboard

Monique Daviau
by Monique Daviau
was thinking of a bench or a wall hanging, but I definetly don't want to paint it.
found a photo of a bench, we call in french "banc de quèteux" In the old days these were used for itinirants that asked for refuge, a bed was made to acommadate tem in the bench. But I have no clue how to do it. I have had this footboard for close to 20 years.
  16 answers
  • Shawna Bailey Shawna Bailey on Dec 19, 2016

    This is such a great idea of seen plans for this bench.

    http://www.buzznick.com/diy-bench-bed/

    here's an example of something similar.

  • Christine Christine on Dec 19, 2016

    You have a back, but no bench; I have an old pine bed that I'm thinking of converting to a day bed, with plans to have a back - slatted will do for what I have in mind - made for it. Perhaps you could tour the junk shops for an old bed in a similar wood and make an upholstered seat for it. Maybe a child's bed, a full-length bed would probably be too big.

  • GBK GBK on Dec 19, 2016

    How about turn it upside down, mount it to the wall, and put coat hooks underneath? That way all the beautiful wood and applique will still be visible.

  • 9530106 9530106 on Dec 20, 2016

    Perhaps turn it upside down, then mount a nicely finished piece of wood to the underside of the straight middle piece. This would make it a shelf, while still showcasing the beautiful details!

  • Susan Susan on Dec 20, 2016

    I would use as headboard, regardless of size- just Center it, or just a wall hanging. It's too beautiful to reconstruct or paint.

    • Monique Daviau Monique Daviau on Dec 20, 2016

      I already have a live edge maple plank for my headboard to go with my live edge night table.

  • GBK GBK on Dec 21, 2016

    perhaps there's a way to incorporate it into a fireplace mantel design....by a talented woodworker or a local artist.......

  • Carter Whitson Carter Whitson on Dec 21, 2016

    It would make a beautiful closet door.

  • GBK GBK on Dec 21, 2016

    I hope you post it when you have completed your project, I'll be very interested to see!

  • Laura Kackman Laura Kackman on Dec 21, 2016

    If you have a home office that is big enough and your desk is against the wall you could move it away and turn it around. Then attach the footboard to the back and have a "new " beautiful desk! Please post what you did, we can't wait to see! Good luck and Merry Christmas!! 🎄🙂🎄

    • Monique Daviau Monique Daviau on Dec 22, 2016

      You're suggestion is one of the best I have received so far. I live in an 3 and 1/2 apartment. I have to work outside, so I am limited to warm weather. I also don't have an office or work shop. Wish I did! Happy Holidays to everyone part of our Hometalk group.

  • Kj Kj on Dec 22, 2016

    I was looking at the shape of it, thinking it would be an amazing table, but you have limited space. So I was thinking that if you attached some strong hinges to one of the long sides, underneath, you could mount it to the wall with a single leg support in the front to create either a fold away breakfast/coffee nook, or in a more common area to create an occasional table or fold down desk. Having a sturdy piece of plexiglass cut to the rectangular demensions and storing it until needed under it, against the wall would work. This would not cause a lot of wall damage if you take your time and do it right. Good luck!

  • UpState UpState on Dec 26, 2016

    It could be a great gift for a good friend or a nice neighbor !

    Clean it up and paint your friends' (or neighbors')name on it - cover it with a good marine varnish, dig some holes at the end of your friends' (or neighbors') driveway, put the legs into the holes, and pour in some cement.

    A great gift that your friend (or neighbor) will admire every day !

  • Candy Walsh Candy Walsh on Dec 26, 2016

    It such a beautiful piece and if you don't want to paint it, I think I would use it as a wall hanging, maybe in your entryway with hooks as a coat rack. The workmanship on it is gorgeous!

  • Monique Daviau Monique Daviau on Dec 26, 2016

    Would last one winter here, don't feel like wasting a 100 year old piece to the elements, I've been saving this foot board for over 20 years, certainly not for the neighbors.

    • Sue Peet Sue Peet on Jan 11, 2017

      I agree about not putting it outside, its a gorgeous piece and should only be kept inside. If you have a wall big enough and if you have any old photos of relatives it would look really good on the wall with old photos on it. In my opinion since its an older piece displaying photos, poems, or even souvenirs of your travels. I just think it would be a such a beautiful piece hanging on the wall, a way of displaying items. Then you could enjoy it every day.

  • Robby Treichel Robby Treichel on Dec 28, 2016

    The legs are beautiful, but I would still remove them and save for something else. Mount it on the wall just above your couch. You could even add two oblong mirrors, horizontally, one on each blank side of it. I also really liked the desk backing idea. It wouldn't have to be a desk; it could be some other nice piece of furniture.

  • Tina Tina on Dec 28, 2016

    Remove the decorative rectangular panel from the sides/legs and top sections and use it as a wainscotted panel on the front of a bathtub. Use the cut off top section as a backsplash behind the sink and the sides/legs turned upside down (feet become finials) as frames for a vanity mirror.