Do I keep this hutch top or not?

Question

I have this hutch and dresser that I can no longer tolerate. They are damaged and ugly! I'm painting the dresser with chalk paint and bringing it to our cottage by the ocean. The hutch, however, I'm thinking of throwing away. I hate to just throw it out, but I have no use for it - at least, I don't think I do. Does anyone have an idea what I could possibly use the hutch for since it is NOT going on top of this dresser anymore? Thanks in advance for any help you may offer. :)

M E · Answer

Beautiful piece @Marj. Is there room to keep it together? I would remove the back, and add wooden wainscotting, which I might paint a contrasting color or just stain. I would then paint the entire piece, and keep it together. I love the bones of this piece.

Starr · Answer

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/AUkQS2LrkyRlAckMnjK1HxjJ4YQBO-r0DrXGTFzdizQ5xfymXuVDgNQ/

AnnieInTexas · Answer

1. What if you turned the hutch into a shelf. You could add front legs to the front if you wanted to keep it taller, or cut that area off to make it a shorter shelf. 2. you could put hooks across the bottom and hang it on the wall in a mud room. It is too pretty to just toss. 3. It is hard to tell but you might be able to make a wine bar.

MaryStLouis · Answer

I would cut the bottom of the hutch away to make a large hanging shelf unit. Chalk paint it and either keep it or sell it. There is a huge amount of potential in that piece.

Marj MRC Creations · Answer

Thanks for the ideas! I did find some tops of hutches turned into short book shelves and I also really like the idea of installing knobs/hooks and hanging it on a wall. It is VERY heavy and just so bulky that I don't know if I can make it look much lighter and then like it enough to keep. I agree it has good bones. It's not all wood. There's some veneer, laminate and the backing is a cheaper material. I will definitely have to think on this one! :)

Marj MRC Creations · Answer

Thanks for that, Mary. :)

Gladys Kibbon · Answer

Mal<e a bar out of it. You could do it many different ways.

Mnielsen · Answer

I have a similar piece that I took apart and made a headboard out of the hutch.  It was the perfect width for the bed! I built a narrow support shelf for it to to sit on, because of the weight, and also screwed it into the wall studs.

Stormie Remus · Answer

NO!!! Ship it to me. lol It's beautiful~~~~

Kate Morris · Answer

I once used a hutch as a shelving unit. I turned it upside down and put books and knick knacks on it. I can't tell from your picture if yours would sit level upside down, but perhaps you could trim off part of the top and it could.

Creative Interiors By Connie · Answer

You can actually hang the hutch on the wall as a completely separate piece. I would look really nice painted. Turn it upside down and screw it to the wall. On the flat part, hand paint (with these great paint pens) a favorite scripture, words, verse or even decoupage some great art to it. It would look completely different without extreme effort.

Marlene Wilson · Answer

I was thinking you could hang it from the wall for a shelf also.Don't throw it away or trash it,give it to someone or donate it as a last resort!

Creative Interiors By Connie · Answer

Be sure and let me know what you do with it. I would like to see a picture.

Carole · Answer

If you paint it you may feel differently about the look of it with the hutch attached. I understand that it does look very heavy in the dark timber, but with lighter coat of paint, it may look less clunky. Please don't throw the hutch away. If you really cannot find a use for it, sell it on line. If the lower portion under the shelves welre cut out it would make a great plate rack in kitchen. Add dowel for the plate spacing. Could also display pretty containers of preserves or something on that top shelf. Large jars of preserved lemons and such would look very pretty with a row of plates underneath. Paint it to match kitchen décor. Would make a fabulous addition.

Carole · Answer

Please post again when you have made both over. Would love to see the results!

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

I'd attach it to a basement wall for off season storage. Use baskets for off-season gloves, boots, scarves, etc. You could add hooks to the bottom part or a suspended rod for hanging winter coasts, etc. Or you use it as an extra storage space for canned goods, paper products, etc. Or for tool storage.,

Marj MRC Creations · Answer

Thank you all for the great advice. No, I really do not want to throw this out at all, which is why I thought I'd ask here, knowing many of you would post some inspiring ideas. I hate to waste so I'll think on things and see what transpires. I will definitely keep you all posted! Thanks so much! :)

Vivian Huff · Answer

Painting can make a huge difference. We use Blackberry House paint. Not a chalk paint and I love it. (used lots of different chalk paint and other paint from major dealers as well) Use a degreaser to clean it really well and also a de-glosser of some kind on laminate. My husband will do a light sand on pieces just because..... Yes, the top could be removed or the back removed and replaced with Luan plywood (not sure of spelling) if the back is a paper type product. I would remove the 'fencing' in front to give it a cleaner line and besides it would be a bugger to paint. Whatever you do I'm sure it will be great and would love to see the end result.

Diana R · Answer

I got a hutch when my parents passed away. Couldnt use the hutch,but I did need the base for the 55 inch T.V. my husband wanted. The hutch top went in the basement,placed on a old table to store vases and ect. on. The base worked perfectly. We have a glass top on it and made riser to fit cable box and dvd player under the t.v..Its great to reuse as you see fit.

Belinda Todd · Answer

I'd keep the top if you have room. It's a very versatile piece. You could put in the kitchen with dishes displayed. The bathroom with towels, soaps, starfish. Living room with distressed frames of family pics and neat pieces of beach colored glass vases and or bottles.

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