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Furniture Design Dilemma Before & After

Re-purposing a blanket chest

8 years ago

Hey Houzz Friends. I have had this chest for years and it has lots of keepsakes in it (cedar lined). OK, frankly I hate the exterior. I am thinking of removing the foo-foo scrolly skirt at the bottom and replacing it with some sort of feet/legs that will give it a more udpated look. I would like to use this at the end of a king bed in a home I am completely remodeling and would like to re-purpose this piece. I am sure I will need to of sand it completely ---- and then I'm stuck for finishes/ideas. I'd love your suggestions from this really creative and innovative group. Thanks in advance.

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Comments (4)

suezbell
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
You'd need a strong base/legs but ... with some work it could become a "secretary":

https://www.westelm.com/products/mid-century-mini-secretary-h2096/?catalogId=71&sku=1654289&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Furniture%20%3E%20Desks&na_id=2018011408020885235881613205&kwid=productads-adid^267552737897-device^c-plaid^297296517026-sku^1654289-adType^PLA&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr-vzrvP-2gIV2YSzCh1jSgpwEAQYBSABEgIuifD_BwE&cm_ite=[1654289]#opi2754997066

https://www.wayfair.com/Hirsh-Industries-Industrial-Modern-Writing-Desk-2111-L32-K~GZA1040.html?refid=GX103455949243-GZA1040&device=c&ptid=276194578251&network=g&targetid=pla-276194578251&channel=GooglePLA&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlrrG8fP-2gIVSeDICh0UlQ01EAkYAyABEgJHffD_BwE
flyr4fun
8 years ago
Do you have any tools or DIY? I would jigsaw the bump off the lower skirt so I had a nice smooth flat arch that ends where the curve in the foot ends now. Hand sand with a block to get a smooth arch. Is the design a decal or painted on? Sand it well and you are ready for the stain or paint of your choice. The wood grain looks nice and even so I would stain it, it would come out well.
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chloebud
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I have a Lane cedar chest that came from my mom. The finish was originally a darkish stain. My mom...unfortunately...let my sister and me paint the exterior white years ago. :-( I want to have it refinished but wouldn't dream of altering the design. In my case, it was a wedding gift to my mom...circa 1946.
suezbell
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
If it is the art on the front you dislike:

Measure the overall size of the design (rectangle height/width) and purchase a plain wood picture frame in that size. Frame a piece of your favorite fabric from the sewing section of your local big box store -- something that goes well with your bedding -- and attach that framed fabric to the front of the chest to cover the design you dislike. If you do cross stitch, you could create your own fabric art to be framed.

http://allan.gallery.ru/watch?ph=7NL-elVaT&subpanel=zoom&zoom=8

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Large-Finished-Teddy-Bear-Cross-Stitch-Framed-Matted-Love-Bears-All-Things-/191538659272?ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

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