Umbrella stands aren't just for umbrellas. I have a friend from England who collects antique walking sticks with carved handles. Another friend uses theirs to hold unusual musical instruments such as large bamboo flutes and rain sticks. Another friend has a collection of old yard sticks that were used for advertising by general stores/hardware stores.

You could also do swords/replicas if you're into the whole Game of Thrones thing, or pretty much any long skinny item worth showing off as a collection, if you have a majorette in the family a collection of batons.

Collecting antique parasols or Japanese wax umbrellas used to keep the sun off your skin might be fun in California. It can be difficult to find regular umbrellas for a stand these days since most are made to fold up small. Of course maybe you'd get lucky like the guy in the song by the Hollies. https://youtu.be/_3XnYpGY5Z8

I would stain very dark and there are a ton of things you could use it for, depending on where you are placing it. It would be a great bar, if you have a country kitchen, hang spices to dry on smaller hooks and baskets on the bottom shelf and some old mixing bowls. In a hallway, it's good spot to place keys and decorate appropriately for interest. You could place in a washroom as well.

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