How can i repurpse this?

Linds
by Linds

I have an oak computer desk. We dont want to use it as a computer desk. What can we do with it. Revamp, repurpose ideas needed (no kid ideas..) we'r grandparents if older, independent grandchildren.) Its solid wood and beautiful but..

  20 answers
  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Oct 25, 2021

    You could take out the shelves and add a closet rod. It would make a great closet say for out of season coats or whatever.

  • Jacyne Jacyne on Oct 25, 2021

    We had a corner solid wood corner cabinet for our smaller TV. When it came time to get a bigger TV, I convinced my husband to cut off the top part of the cabinet, which left me with a large base for our new large screen TV. I sanded it down then painted it with dark gray satin spray paint and added copper accents. I have reused the rest of the cabinet for shelving and plan on using the leaded glass doors as stained glass in time. It turned out very well.

  • Judy in Canton. Judy in Canton. on Oct 25, 2021

    It is a beautiful piece of furniture. If you are into crafts or even puzzles I would convert it for that use. You can chose to leave it as it is or paint/decorate it to your taste.

  • You could add more shelves and use it for storage - pantry goods, blankets & throws, etc.

  • Michelle Michelle on Oct 25, 2021

    You could use it as an armoire. Add additional shelving and maybe a small rod for hanging some clothes/robes, belts etc.Then use it in a bedroom too. Great for storing sweaters, sweatshirts and bulkier items.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Oct 25, 2021

    You could convert it into a bar.

    We had one of these and it just took over the room in our small house, we ended up selling it.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Oct 25, 2021

    If you have a need for it, I would use it for a pantry or additional storage.

    If you want to change the look, you could use Heirloom Traditions paint. It's a good paint & sealer in one. I clean with TSP first but looks like you would probably need to use a deglosser on this piece. Then probably 2 coats of paint.

  • 34354174 34354174 on Oct 25, 2021

    Using it for your computer is perfect. These new wood pieces with that olden stain can always be painted. Yes, I said painted, ha.

    I don't drink, but like the idea of a bar.

    Cut the top of the door off, put shelves and glam it up. Use the lower to store the alcohol.

    You could also use it in your entry way to hang coats and put shoes.

    It's hard to advise without knowing your decorating style and preference.

  • Mogie Mogie on Oct 25, 2021

    Love the bar idea. You could add lighting that attaches under each shelf to give this a very custom and expensive look. I have seen several under the cabinets lighting units for less the $25 at amazon.

    One shelf with glasses only lit up from above with some led lighting. Could look very nice and be functional as well.

    If you don't drink no biggie make this a juice bar the grandkids could enjoy as well.

    The nice thing is this could be locked if needed so access isn't always available.

  • Annie Annie on Oct 25, 2021

    What about using it to hold your TV? Then you can just close the doors and keep it out of sight. Chalk painting it is a great option, to add some color.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Oct 25, 2021

    you could make a wine bar or coffee bar out of it- take off the doors (or not) and add more shelves and you can store your coffee maker and all your supplies right there

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Oct 25, 2021

    Hello. Beautiful piece of furniture. It would depend upon your hobbies and lifestyle. I could see it being used for crafting sewing, vinyl cutting…. any type of creative workstation.

    Additionally if you wish an utilitarian purpose could it be repurposed as a pantry IF-storage is needed. Hope you find the perfect re-purpose for the furniture.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Oct 25, 2021

    I would not advise to use it for a computer, or for a crafting station. The added bar light (shown in the picture) will be neither the correct amount of light or the right height needed for either of these types of activities. Also, with your head 'inside' the unit, you will be working largely in shadows. It will also be difficult to find a supportive chair that is the right height and depth needed for working on puzzles, etc.


    I would instead suggest to first remove the old slide out keyboard shelves. Mount a bar and hang seasonal clothing, or mount additional shelves, and use the inside for storing extra packages of tp, kleenex, and paper towels. With the door closed, no one will be the wiser as to what is inside.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 25, 2021

    Hi, Bar, Bookcase, Linen Store (Duvets & Quilts). Shoe Cabinet or Wardrobe for unexpected guests, or Suitcase Storage, Bags etc.

  • Linds Linds on Oct 25, 2021

    Yes, some great suggestions. Ty!

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Oct 26, 2021

    I would use it as a TV stand that can be closed off when the TV is not in use

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Oct 31, 2021

    Perfect storage cabinet .. You could paint .. decoupage add some mixed media and create one awesome show stopper

  • Catherine Deirdre Rodden Catherine Deirdre Rodden on Nov 09, 2021

    Personally, I would just purchase those Rubbermaid storage bins. Have one for each grandkid. Use that cabinet to store keepsakes - kids drawings, old toys, etc - and they'll know it belongs to them years down the road.


    Store games, puzzles, photo albums or other items that only come out when grandkids come to visit.


    My grandmother used a linen closet to keep all the holiday gifts. She picked up little things throughout the year and had a shelf for each kid. Kept her from going broke at Christmas. You could keep the pull out shelf and use as a wrapping station.

  • Linds Linds on Nov 18, 2021

    Ty!