Do you feel the upcycling vibe? If you have followed me for any length of time, you know I’ll pretty much tackle any kind of junk to turn it into something new (aka. #trashure). A few weeks ago, I was given an unwanted antique vanity and turned it into a whimsical chest of drawers. However, I still have remnants that need a new life and purpose. Let’s create upcycled vanity storage!
What you’re looking at above is the center surface and drawer between the original piece of furniture vanity drawers.
There’s no need to toss those parts of this old piece of furniture as they’re solid wood and have plenty of potential Even the knobs are cool!!
Now we have our bare bones, but what to do with them? Well, it only took me a second to know what to do with that curved top piece. Also, I just have to say that it’s always intriguing how these are put together. I love that I found the backside of the wood is notched, steamed, and bent. I’ll show you that in a bit.
LET’S BEGIN
First things first…I turn the piece around to decide how I want this to play out. Instantly, I knew I had just the right scrap lumber to make this into a wall pocket. Not only do I have this awesome vanity piece to work with, but also these leftover legs from my baby crib upcycle. Nothing goes to waste around here!! {{fist pump}}
Then, I just need to cut them to length, fill in the holes with dowel, mark with my pencil, and attach using my nailer with a horizontal placement. Simple, enough, right?
After that, I sand off those scratches and rough texture on the current backside.
As soon as my prep work is complete, I use my blue paint to give it a couple coats letting cure in between. You know I’m a sucker for this color on a vintage piece. tee hee.
Remember that I said I’d show you a close-up of how the ply is cut and bent using steam? I just love this kinda thing.
Last, I add mounting hardware so it can attach to the wall. While I usually use keyhole hardware, I also have hardware that can hang straight as-is or using heavy duty wire too.
FIRST REVEAL
For my first reveal, checkout my upcycled vanity top transformed into a wall pocket suitable for use in any room in your home.
While I’ve staged it with my cutting boards, you can use it for towels, magazines, books, plates…you get the idea. What would you use it for?
PROJECT 2
Up next, I need to figure out the new purpose of that center drawer. You can see how I’ve repurposed drawers in the past HERE. I head to my “junk” stash and pull out this magnetic strip and a piece of luan (thin plywood).
The magnetic strip is leftover from our kitchen remodel when I installed magnetic spice racks that I just love.
However, in order to prepare the drawer, I need to add the luan on the back side for extra strength and durability. First, I glue it on and then drill pilot holes for the screws.
Next, I use a black milk paint to paint the drawer bottom which is now the back.
Then, after that I paint the rest of the drawer in the same blue as I did the wall rack. Are you ready to see it complete? I am!
REVEAL 2
Finally, here is the last part of my upcycled vanity parts turned storage.
Again, while I have this staged with craft supplies, you can certainly use it in the kitchen, office, bathroom and other nooks. What would you use this for? I don’t know about you, but I store my leftover embroidery floss on mini clothespins with the numbers written on each so that if I ever need more I can find it easily.
With that, I hope you are coming away with inspiration to tackle your own DIY project. Maybe you have something hanging around that you were going to toss that could use new life. Creating is half the fun!
If either of these catches your fancy, you can find them and much more available in my online shop.
SHARE
In addition to leaving some comment love below, do pin and share my upcycled vanity parts. Many folks let go to waste the remnants of a DIY, but I love to make use of it all.
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see what becomes of this vintage bread box. SEE THE REVEAL HERE. Not only will you get your Furniture Buying Checklist, but also a special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Carol says
I have my Grandma’s vanity that looks almost exactly like this one and you have given me some great inspiration! Love your trashures!!!
Larissa says
Ooh…you have a treasure! They are so much fun to revive in different ways. Thanks for the giggle!
Rebecca - NC says
Those are both so useful. I can think of a million uses for each. Does your creative brain ever rest or do you dream project ideas?!? 😂💕 You are such an inspiration!!!! 🥰
Larissa says
haha!! You mean nightmares? Just kidding!! It gives me an outlet as well as provides with feeling like I contribute something positive to this world. Hugs and thank you, Rebecca.
Niki says
Very good ideas Larissa. A wall pocket is always a good thing especially in small spaces. Still have made no progress on my pile of stuff-it’ll probably all get sold at rummage sale in the spring.
Larissa says
Thanks! I often give away my stuff as it feels good to share and resets my noggin’. 😀