
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basic
Uses for Old Furniture
Oversized, Vintage Message Board
Don't
 turn your back on an old mattress. Hang a mattress spring on the wall 
for a one-of-a-kind, oversized message board. Donna of 
Funky Junk Interiors
 cleaned the rust from the spring with a wire brush and treated it with a
 clear overcoat for a vintage look. Simple clothes pins hold up 
messages, and hangers keep other everyday items at hand.
 
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Cottage-Style Display Shelf
 
When you think an item has no functionality, think again. Melissa Michaels of 
The Inspired Room
 placed a small, brightly colored stepladder on the wall to function as a
 display shelf and eye-pleaser. The weathered finish on the ladder 
paired with crisp white frames on the adjacent wall gives the room a 
classic cottage look.
 
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/
Playful Kid's Dresser
 
If you don't like the look of an old dresser, update it with a bright color. Janell Beals of 
Isabella & Max Rooms
 painted a forgotten dresser with bright pinkish-red chalkboard paint 
for a playful look that works perfectly in a kid's room. The dresser 
allows kids to use their imaginations by drawing or writing anything 
they want on it, keeping the walls safe from any unexpected drawings.
 
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/
Salvaged Home Office
 
This
 home office is filled with items from the junkyard. Sawhorses make up 
the legs of the desk, a wood pallet works as the desktop and an old 
ladder provides the framework. 
Donna
 used a garage storage unit and wood pallets as back support to create 
an industrial-style shelving unit to maximize storage space. Fill the 
shelves with vintage-inspired objects to finish the rustic look.
 
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/
Cabinet Door Mantel Decor
 
When you remodel a room, you oftentimes are left with extra material. After remodeling her kitchen, 
Melissa Michaels
 placed her leftover cabinet doors on the fireplace mantel as decor. "I 
was able to reuse the cabinet door to cover up a hole from the TV," she 
says. Painting the door to match the room's color scheme and leaning it 
against the mantel gave it an entirely new purpose and look. Top off the
 look with a decorative plate and candles.
 
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/
Chalkboard Storage Container
Take an ordinary tea tin and transform it into a stylish storage container using chalkboard paint. Marian Parsons of 
Mustard Seed Interiors
 created this look by applying one coat of primer and two coats of 
chalkboard paint to the surface. "Fill the tin with office supplies, 
kitchen dry goods or bathroom toiletries," she says. Write on it with 
chalk for an easy, creative way to label the contents inside.
 
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/
Practical Antique
 
A
 piece of old, unused furniture can become functional again with a 
little creativity. This Hoosier cupboard, popular in the early 20th 
century, was sitting in a woodshop for years. With some refinishing and 
paint, 
Janell Beals
 turned it into a practical home office desk. The crisp white cupboard 
against the black walls makes it the focal point of the room. The 
cupboard drawers allow for an abundance of storage space, and the size 
of the cupboard provides plenty of room for office equipment. "The piece
 not only adds to the design of the room but holds great memories as 
well," she says. Hang framed memorabilia to add to the timeworn look.
 
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/
No Damage Here
Damaged furniture doesn't have to be thrown away. 
Marian Parsons
 suggests hiding imperfections on furniture with decoupage. She used 
aged sheets of music to hide imperfections on this neglected dresser, 
while also giving the all-white bedroom a shabby chic look. Other items 
great for decoupaging furniture are maps, book pages, letters and 
postcards. "The treatment will hide gouges, water marks, missing veneer 
and other signs of abuse on furniture," she says. Decoupaging furniture 
will also add dimension and distinct style to a room.
 
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/
Headboard Rack
 
A vintage headboard is given new life as a hanging rack. 
Donna
 painted the headboard white and attached a rack with hooks, 
transforming the headboard into a towel or coat rack for guests. "Random
 house numbers are fun additions that add some graphic interest," she 
says. The rack is also a great place to hang keys and other everyday 
items.
 
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/
Bright, Bold Focal Point
 
Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all a piece of furniture needs to breathe new life into a space. 
Melissa Michaels
 painted this once-dull coffee table into an eye-catching royal blue 
color. "The unexpected pop of color is a fun contrast to its otherwise 
traditional lines," she says. The bold color makes the table the focal 
point in this mostly neutral living room.
 
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/
From Tired to Stylish
 
Even the smallest, most outdated items can be repurposed with a little love. 
Marian Parsons
 updated a tired wood frame with decoupage using aluminum foil, 
antiquing glaze and polyurethane spray. The gold finish gives the framed
 chalkboard a contemporary, stylish look that works great resting on a 
dresser or hanging on the wall.
 
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/
Wallpaper Table
 
Turn to unexpected materials to freshen up old furniture. Will Taylor of 
Bright Bazaar
 used scraps of old wallpaper samples and some paint to transform this 
dining table into a work of art. The different patterns and colors make 
the table a versatile piece of furniture that fits any room and style.