How can I make my big and clumsy armoire smaller?

Hi Avril, do you perhaps have a picture you could share? It will help us give you the proper advice.

If it was made as one piece, it may be difficult to do. There will be a lot of work needed to finish the cut edge of both pieces. Do you have a picture?

you could remove the doors and have it open; paint it or antique it; as far as how tall it is, it would cost more in materials and work to cut it down and make it look good again than it would be to replace it- you can look at thrift stores for a replacement

Most of the time these are one solid piece without a way to take them apart. Check the back just in case, and see if there are seams. I had a sideboard that I learned was 3 pieces so I was able to take them apart.

We used to have one of these in cherry-solid wood, it was beautiful, but as you say, it was becoming an eyesore.

If the sides and back of yours are 1 piece vertically, short of cutting it in half just above the top of the drawer section might prove difficult. If it is not, then maybe you can separate the 2 halves, making it into the drawer section and then the hutch-like top. If you plan to separate it like that what are your plans for the top?

How we resolved our problem was we sold the armoire, that might be a solution for you, then take the money and buy what you need.

Best to you.

If you could add a photo we could offer better advice. However, in general you can do that but you may end up with one usable piece and trash.

Perhaps this will give you some ideas and inspiration. The DIY is pretty detailed. https://christinafayerepurposed.com/repurposed-television-armoire-cabinet/

A photo would really help you get some more accurate and detailed answers. Thanks!!!

You can separate it if it was built to separate or built in parts. Otherwise you can still separate it, it’s just a lot trickier and you’ll have some patching/adding of tops/parts etc. to do.