Any creative ideas to repurpose / refinish this unique box / drawer?

Leah Purdy
by Leah Purdy
I have this awesome vintage (handmade) drawer/box and have NO IDEA what to do with it! Maybe add legs and stain? Or some unique use? There are so many creative folks here -- any ideas are most appreciated!! Measures 17.5” long, 20” wide, 9.5” tall.
  11 answers
  • Dia12360815 Dia12360815 on Feb 20, 2018

    I would sand, stain and tole paint a floral border and put a monogram in middle and store memorabilia

  • Ambam80 Ambam80 on Feb 20, 2018

    You could always turn it into a checker/ chess board. Then store the pieces inside.

  • John Wolf John Wolf on Feb 20, 2018

    At first, I thought it looked like a computer stand. Depending upon the size, I'd sit my monitor on it and file away desk stuff that usually clutters my desk into it. It looks too big for that, maybe.


  • Dysko7710 Dysko7710 on Feb 20, 2018

    I like the idea of making it into a table. You could also add an upholstered cushion to the top and shorter legs and make it into a stool.

  • I see cute bun feet on it. Could use it as a memory box - ticket stubs, cocktail napkins, post cards until you can get them into a scrap book or photo album. Store your shot glass collection. Use in an office to hide everyday clutter.

  • Sharon Sharon on Feb 20, 2018

    I would stain it a dark java and get some mid-century legs and turn it into an end table or bedside table. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BQYD6U/ref=psdc_511274_t1_B000BPIM6I they also come in 22" at the bottom of the page.

  • TAMMY SPALSBURY TAMMY SPALSBURY on Feb 20, 2018

    I would sand it down wood burn an awesome saying on the top put some decorative antique corners on each Front side corne. Get a antique handle. Then stain it in a natural to medium stain to make it pop. 😁

  • Sassy Sassy on Feb 20, 2018

    You could put hairpin legs on it to create an adorable table.

  • Lov29357534 Lov29357534 on Feb 20, 2018

    The first answer above is a great one, and one I would choose if I needed more end-or-nightstand units. However I often need a wee more seating in my living room. I would buy some strong, chunky type legs maybe 6 to 8 inches stain all. Then with about 1 yard of fabric a thin piece of board cut to fit top , about 2" think dense foam rubber and my staple gun make a padded top in (pattern of fabric & color of your choice), attach top to box. It would create a sturdy stool in living room, easily moved and great storage of crochet or other handy work.


  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Feb 21, 2018

    Gorgeous box. I'd sand it then apply a clear wipe on polyurethane to bring out the luster of the natural wood. Legs would be a nice addition. And I like the idea of using it for greeting cards, papers, pens, stamps, etc. maybe next to your computer or next to your comfy chair where you can also use the top for placing your laptop for recharging. It's really a lovely box. Best of luck.

  • Buffy Edgar Bandley Buffy Edgar Bandley on Feb 21, 2018

    Don’t mess with the patina/Finish. Just wax it well and add legs for a small table.

    I hate seeing old pieces painted etc unless finish is very bad. This looks good.

    Keep it Simple always works.