According to the dictionary definition repurpose means “ to change or adapt something so it can be used for a purpose other than it’s original intent.” As one of the many who spend their free time “repurposing” I like to think of it as bringing new life to what my neighbor thought was trash. Just give me a 3-legged table and a couple of old doors and I am content for the day! If you have been admiring the furniture at repurposed shops and outdoor upscale recycling markets this summer, but are a little taken aback at the high cost of “trash” these days, here are a few simple ideas that I have found. And believe me, if I can do it, you can do it.
Early 1900s doors — These make wonderful folding screens. Just use the original hardware or add standard hinges to connect three doors, then refinish or paint to fit your decor. Looking for unique coffee or sofa table? All you need is a door and some of the screw on legs that are carried by wood crafting shops and most major hardware stores. These legs are available in varying heights, to suit your needs. Once they are attached just release your creativity with paint or stain of you choice and voila — you have a one-of-a-kind table!
Old wooden soda pop crates (the kind with the dividers) and a group of old short baby food jars, with the lids, make great storage cubbies. Hang one in the kitchen as a spice rack or connect a cluster of four for all of those loose nails and screws in your workshop.
Broken dining room tables — Damaged dining room tables, especially those missing a leg are a common find on heavy trash day. I drove past them for many years, barely giving them a glance. Now they are one of my favorite finds. Round or oval tables that are split to accommodate a leaf are the best finds as they make great half/console tables. Just remove the bolts holding the two sections of table together, nail a piece of 2 by 2 inch plywood to the wall the height of the table top, screw through the table to the wood support, fill the holes, sand and paint.
Old buffets — To me a buffet is the most perfect piece of furniture ever created. It stores anything from your good china in the dining room to your winter sweaters in the bedroom. It holds your favorite dishes for company to serve themselves, or it makes a great base for a counter mount wash basin in the master bath. But what do you do when the dogs chew off half of one leg? I kept looking at the teeth marks on my grandma’s buffet, the leg half eaten by a dog we were sitting, and wondering what to do since I did not have the heart to pitch it and the repair estimate was pricey. Then it came to me: Cut off the other legs and you still have the same great storage in the form of a low chest. A great option here is to add a cushion to the top and you have both storage and seating!
For many years damaged pieces were simply fodder for the city landfill. Today many people have come to view chests missing drawers, beds without a foot board and chairs without a back as materials that can be turned into unique furniture for their home, and the best part is they are usually free for the hauling. So, gas up the pick up truck, get a schedule of heavy trash day in your neighborhood and let’s go shopping……it’s time to repurpose!
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-429-7887 or lkennett@indy.rr.com