Asked on Jan 22, 2017

Tip: Don't throw away that beautiful antique sewing machine!

Lynda Grainger
by Lynda Grainger
Years ago I bought an old Franklin sewing machine in a lovely carved cabinet. It served as a TV stand for a while, but when I downsized I mounted the TV on the wall. I just could not part with my lovely cabinet, and then I had a revelation! I needed a vanity for my new bathroom , after painting and distressing my cabinet, I removed the sewing machine which allowed room for the plumbing. the little drawers are perfect for my makeup and various other toilI tried. With a bowl sink and rustic faucet, I have a true one of a kind bathroom vanity! I still had the heavy sewing machine, but it was so beautiful, I had to find a use for it.......stay tuned!
  10 answers
  • CJ CJ on Jan 22, 2017

    I love this idea. It is the best reinvention for an old sewing machine table I have ever seen. Well done!!

  • Lindcurt Lindcurt on Jan 22, 2017

    Lovely. And very well done

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Jan 23, 2017

    Beautiful!!

  • David Coe David Coe on Jan 23, 2017

    With machine removed they make a great hobby table, especially if they have multiple drawers. Nail/glue a back stop 2-3 inches high at the rear of the top,

  • Sharon La Tour Sharon La Tour on Jan 24, 2017

    OH.........MY..........GOSH!!!!! I now have sewing machine table/ vintage bathroom vanity ENVY now! just gorgeous!!!!

  • Susan Bechamp Susan Bechamp on Jan 24, 2017

    My first makeup case was my dads old tool box. I painted it lavender. I like yours so much better! The most unexpected recycled vanity I ever saw belongs to a neighbor. He plumbed out a roll top desk and when the roll top is lowered the sink disappears completely. All those small compartments hold a wealth of small toiletries from ointments, shaving cream, razors, toothpaste, combs and brushes. He crafted doors , recessed into the kneehole of the desk, to hide plumbing and large towels. (He used caning framed in oak to allow ventilation under the sink).

    I envy people who can not only think outside of the box, but make it look like a natural extension of it's original purpose.

  • Wilma EISEN Wilma EISEN on Jan 28, 2017

    -purchased base of old Singer machine - had a 42" table top cut - purchased

    2 old ice cream parlor rusted chairs and removed the rust and recovered chairs.

    Placed the 3 pcs in the corner of my small - total cost about $15

  • Wilma EISEN Wilma EISEN on Jan 28, 2017

    Purchased one old complete sewing machine - including iron base, petal and wheel, foldable table top, sewing machine and drawers. The cabinet was in sad

    shape - I cleaned it up painted each part of the cabinet with whimsical colorful

    patterns. It now sits in back of my living room coach with the sewing machine

    exposed and an interesting lamp


  • Redcatcec Redcatcec 5 days ago

    What a great idea, beautiful job.

  • I've never seen anyone upcycle an old sewing machine as a vanity before. This is a genius idea. Very unique! I might be tempted to add a skirt underneath to add a little more country charm, but that's just me.