Asked on Nov 08, 2015

How would you design this craft area?

Lynette
by Lynette
I'm creating a sewing/craft area in my guest bedroom. The area is approx. 5' by 10'. I found these two wonderful cabinets at a garage sale fundraiser for the local VFW. I paid $80 for the two cabinets. A great deal. They are in great condition. The fold out table has a label on the underside saying it is by Eurodesign, Ltd.
These are in great condition and they are very heavy! I need to get the placement right the first time! Hubby won't be happy if he has to I keep moving them around and they need to be secured to the wall for stability.
The cabinets are 32" wide by 18" deep and 6'6" tall. I want to be able to walk around the table when it is extended and I want it where it can be left open without blocking entrance to the room.
I had hoped to have my Hubby build a short cabinet with a pegboard area above it to go in between the two cabinets. That's not looking like it will work.
Any ideas are welcome!!!
Showing the craft area with the cabinets closed.
Showing the cabinets with the work areas open.
  12 answers
  • Bron Bron on Nov 09, 2015
    Would it work if you moved the cabinet near the door closer to the door making the gap between the cabinets wider? Placing a bookcase between the cabinets would be handy to hold baskets of patterns, craft supplies etc You could have it as high as the cabinets to make it more stream lined. you may know how much room you need for supplies so if you feel the cabinet will hold enough maybe have a bench between the cabinets for the sewing machine with a smaller bookcase above. Good luck :)
    • Lynette Peavey Lynette Peavey on Nov 09, 2015
      @Bron yes, I was also thinking the same yesterday. Right now there is 19" between the two cabinets. I think I can move the cabinet on the right the 7" needed to make the gap 24" and insert a cabinet there. If my husband will make me one! On the left of the cabinet with the fold out table, I was able to put a small folding table that is the same depth as the cabinet. I will see if hubby will make me a more permanent table there as well. The fold out part of the fold out table is 70". It is awesome!
  • Lisa Lisa on Nov 09, 2015
    OMG...1st these are awesome cupboards for a craft room... What type of craft do you do? that long fold out is perfect for scrapbooking, sewing etc. I would place them on wall opposite the door (if space allows) doesn't say how long the fold out is....that fold is would then have better access from all angles and there is an outlet on that wall. ...or depending again how long the fold outs are place across from each other....as long as there is a space in between them I would designate each for a particular craft to keep things organized. A built in table in between the units would be a good idea with extra shelves above (can never have enough storage for crafts). Stools on wheels another good option so that they can be tucked under the fold out or get around to each unit with ease. I want these....LOL
    • Lynette Peavey Lynette Peavey on Nov 09, 2015
      @Lisa I agree! These were an awesome find! and I only paid $80 for the two of them!!!! They go for so much more new! I do all kinds of crafts, sew, quilt, crochet, wreaths, jewelry, cardmaking, and whatever else tickles my fancy! My daughter does scrapbooking, I haven't gotten into that yet, but may with this new awesome setup!
  • Mickey Baron Mickey Baron on Nov 09, 2015
    I like brons idea of moving them apart & placing a shelf in-between them. It will give you more storage. These are PERFECT for your crafts! I'm sure it will be fun once you start putting it together.
    • Lynette Peavey Lynette Peavey on Nov 09, 2015
      @Mickey B. & Boo Boo I like Bron's idea as well! I told hubby that's what I want for Christmas! For him to make me a shelfing cabinet (no doors) for between the two craft cabinets. And a simple table for the space against the wall next to the left cabinet!
  • Jeanne M Simpson Jeanne M Simpson on Nov 09, 2015
    Not sure why you'd need to walk around the table....be sure you need to. If not, put the table cabinet to the corner. Leave the other cabinet where it is or closer to the door. You can make a shelf! Just put a piece of molding or scrap wood, glue and screw it to the sides of each cabinet at table height. Place a 1 or 2 by the depth of the cabinets on top. 2x will be sturdier. For the pegboard, get 1x2 pieces of wood to build a frame the size the pegboard will be. If really wide, add a center board for support. Screw pegboard on. Paint all in white or a contrasting color, even make chalk paint so you can write on it too! I see there is an outlet there, so drill a 1 1/2" hole for cords to go thru the desktop before you paint. You could even make another shelf at the top of the pegboard for more storage. I have so many ideas for this area!!!
    • See 2 previous
    • Fab and Pretty Fab and Pretty on Nov 09, 2015
      @Lynette Peavey sounds like my dream studio!
  • Charlotte Charlotte on Nov 09, 2015
    Depending on what type of craft you do would depend on how I would put them. Example... If you sew, I would swap places with each other. Use the one with the pull out drawer for my sewing machine as it looks like that drawer/shelf slides in so you can pull down a door to hide it. Use the drawers under neath for thread, etc. Then use the one with the long table attached for a cutting table. You always need a large area to do this and with it NOT being against a wall you can let fabric drape over the side if needed. Use the top open area of both for fabric. Folded up neatly would look pretty too. :-) What type of craft do you make? BTW... GREAT find. Wish I had them. :-)
    • Lynette Peavey Lynette Peavey on Nov 09, 2015
      @Charlotte See previous answers above. I do all kinds of crafts, sewing, quilting, crochet, embroidery, needlepoint, cardmaking, jewelry, etc. Whatever catches my fancy. I'm so excited to get to have a dedicated area for sewing and crafts! I am going to leave the cabinet with the fold out table on the left. I think it would block the entrance to the room if I move it to the right. It comes out into the room 52" when open, that's a big table when you add the 18" depth of the unit! I've nestled a small folding table in the corner between the wall and the cabinet on the left. it is the same depth as the cabinet and will hold an embroidery machine, serger or my laptop for creating designs. I think I will move the cabinet on the left over slightly and my hubby has agreed to build me a shelf system the same height as the cabinets and about 24" wide to fit between and leave an opening so I can get to the wall outlet if needed!
  • Lynette Peavey Lynette Peavey on Nov 09, 2015
    Thanks everyone for your help! I know what I'm going to do now. I will post when it is all put together! I can't wait to get this up and functional!
  • Lisa Lisa on Nov 09, 2015
    Lynette, with that list of crafts that fold-out is going to be perfect....would love to see a finished room picture. Saving these 2 pictures as we have 3 wall units that might be able to be converted....may give my husband the nudge to redo them...lol
    • Lynette Peavey Lynette Peavey on Nov 09, 2015
      @Lisa oh do give your husband a nudge! I'm so excited to get this space for all my crafting!
  • Lynette Peavey Lynette Peavey on Nov 09, 2015
    I have made my decision on how to layout my craft area! Thank you everyone for the ideas. The two cabinets will be nestled between 3 pieces I will get my hubby to build. A table with Pegboard above it for the corner, a 24" wide shelf unit for between the cabinets and a 12" wide cabinet with a door opening to the east wall for my Ironing board and Iron. I thought about a drop down ironing board, but it is too close to the room entrance for that.
  • Marsha Groce Marsha Groce on Nov 13, 2015
    I love the layout above. Just get some paper and draw out the best scenario for it. What about moving one up against the left wall and the other one as close to the door as you can get it. That would be in an L shape upside down L. Then YOU can take measurements of the blank wall that has the long table in front of it and make a frame and put the pegboard on the whole wall, or divide it up in thirds with cork, and etc.
    • Lynette Peavey Lynette Peavey on Nov 13, 2015
      Interesting idea but the heat vent (in the floor) would be blocked by the cabinet being on that North wall, unfortunately. I also want to be able to move around the fold out table.
  • Michele Martinez Michele Martinez on Nov 12, 2016
    Where did you get the great cabinets?
  • Dreamy!! I would load them up with my supplies and use that long table for cutting fabric and my sewing machine. I would use one for sewing supplies, fabric and ribbon and the other for more general crafts.

  • Crafty Little Hippie Crafty Little Hippie on Sep 17, 2022

    I know it’s 7 years later...but curious to see pics. A crafters dream to find cabinets like that - and to have a husband that allows you to purchase them and have the space 😄