What to do with this?

Question

A friend is giving me this old style school desk - free! Just wondering what you think would be good to do with it. I need to get my creative juices flowing. Been too busy to do anything the last 10 months, so a little rusty at this. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Marcy · Answer

I'm not so great with ideas, but I'm excited to see what you'll do with this- so please make sure to show an after picture!!

Tajana Pecenicic · Answer

@ Gail: Hi, I would probably consider to do something like : big jewelry box -repainting, inserting some nice velvet material and I would either leave the wooden top and maybe use it for some monogram or quote to paint on top or replace it with glass top to display my jewelry /accessories (this would probably be in my bedroom). In the living room as nicely repainted working desk and I would put my laptop inside and working material - most probably I would try to find a nice design for the top (some inspiring words or just design). As a memory box - where I would arrange photos and memory items that have special meaning to me - I would either do a glass top to display it or use a wooden one to also attach photos and items on inside top that opens. In garden or living room - to put small plants and leave the desk open. For Christmas as a Christmas display with Christmas decorations or nativity scene. For man as a nice cigar box for little kids with writing board surface on top and chalk and colors inside the table. Maybe even as a place where I put all my candles. In any case I would repaint it depending on what I would go for - could be simple white or black or grey or any other color, with some nice monogram or quote on top or nice design. Here's just a few ideas depending on purpose and style you like: Monogram ideas https://www.etsy.com/listing/37881329/vinyl-lettering-fancy-initial-smaller Man box http://www.pinterest.com/pin/313070611570101776/ Ideas of design and colors: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/home-office/furniture/be-back-to-school-cool-with-a-stenciled-desk-2164433 Desk with writing board for kids: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/426997608389617682/ Antique/ shabby repainting: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/302656037430372264/ Monogram or some lettering on top: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/46232333649272370/ hope this helps :)

Konadu · Answer

Wow, what a great detailed description Tajana! It's wonderful to see such creative energy and talent. I will take some ideas for myself too.

Marsha Schwarz · Answer

Maybe level it and make a game board out of it. Hand paint a game board by looking at some that are from days of old. Store game pieces in it or just use it for décor, store other things in it and put a lamp and remote on it next to the recliner.

Liliana Wells · Answer

Lots of good ideas from Tajana Pecenicic.

Sharon Reynolds · Answer

its so beautiful on the outside, but I agree with Tajana on some points, really upcycle the inside, maybe a window cut in the top to see in to a beautiful collection. We all have those little momentos that we don't know what to do with or have hidden in a drawer or closet. This would be a nice display case for those kinds of things from concert tickets, great vacations, wonderful family memories,etc...show ur stuff, girl, LOL.........

Sandra Bennetch · Answer

It looks in good shape, so I would protect the original, maybe some fresh varnish. I like the prior idea of using it in an entrance or living room with potted plants and flowers spilling out. A nice gift!

Ellen Doss · Answer

If it truly is an old desk and you do anything to it, you make it pretty much worthless.

Pat Zagami · Answer

I would keep it as is, it is a beautiful old piece.

Christine Turner · Answer

You could use it as a child's Lego station.  You could adhere a large Lego base to the top and use the inside to store the pieces.  My kids would have loved something like that when they were young.

Kelly S · Answer

I would use it to hide my crafts-in-progress that I'm working on downstairs. It's the perfect size for crochet or ornament projects. And yest I would leave the finish as is but then my husband hates painted wood.

Katie McCready · Answer

My old desk was nowhere near that nice but here's what I did with mine (it had holes in the base so it could drain and I lined it with plastic as well):

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What to do with this?

Be Back to School Cool With A Stenciled Desk

Suggested Project Book