There's not allot else you can do with it as is. If you remove what looks like a pulley system (the workings) you might be able to make it into a shelving unit using the flat areas in the circles and the U shapes near the top to support the shelves (notched to go around the center piece) as well as a top shelf where the sewing machine used to set.
It's hard to tell in this picture, but it's possible you could leave the workings on modifying that side to fit a shelf.
I have two that I have used as tables or really more like a sideboard on my front porch and pergola. I do have a post on my blog were I showed some very creative uses. One that I saw recently used the base to sit a cast iron sink on top. To see my post, click here. .. http://awalkinthecountryside.blogspot.com/20...
I picked up my 'frame' from a neighbors driveway - added the plywood top - covered it with sewing inspired fabric, and topped it with glass...I teach sewing classes, and this is my desk area!! Sorry for the clutter!!
Love your plant holder and Jan, love the desk. Here is my photo of mine painted bright red and used as a table behind my swing on my redone porch. I topped it with a scrap piece of grantite given to me by a neighbor.
Great ideas, desk, granite top, glass top, fabric with glass, wood, and cement. They all look great! I especially love the red base Jeanette & the taupe with cement on the lovely blog.
I have a brother-in-law who is big into the antiques business and when he cleaned out an old house he used for storage on his parents rural place, he gave me 4 old sewing machine bases. I found good homes for all 4 of them since I have had one for 30 years...I now have 2! One in an upstairs bedroom and this one on the front porch!
It's hard to tell in this picture, but it's possible you could leave the workings on modifying that side to fit a shelf.