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DIY Charging Station from Thrifted Box

Call me quirky, but I find it a thousand times more fun to make my own decor rather than to go out and buy it. Two reasons (1) it’s kinda like therapy (2) ain’t nobody gonna have one like it – tee hee. When I spied this little box at the thrift store, I saw the potential had to became a DIY charging station. Stay with me now.

Thrifted Wood Box Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com

It’s nothing more than a pine box, but there is potential right there. The features that I like: the size, the drawer, and the overall design with open top. However, the box was missing some wooden plugs and the finish was worn – no problem.

Thrifted Box Side for DIY Charging Station by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

DIY FUN

I replaced the missing plugs with some from my stash and stained them to match. Next, I decided to remove the finish to get an even surface, which is easy to do with the right stuff. I like to use CitriStrip for a less harsh method. Just brush it on, leave rest for an hour or so (sometimes overnight if you really have a stubborn piece), then scrape off.

Stripping Thrifted Box with CitriStrip | prodigalpieces.com

In reality I could have skipped the stripping, but in order to get the look I was after I wanted to remove that slick finish. The next step was to use petroleum jelly to create spots I wanted to resist paint. In addition, you can see how I’ve used it in past posts on furniture and the like HERE.

Distress with Petroleum Jelly on DIY Charging Station by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Just wipe it on the places you want the raw wood to show through, but keep it to a minimum and where natural wear would occur.

PAINT TIME

Time to paint! I wanted a fun color that gave a vintage vibe, so I used this Jack Fruit like I did on my chest of drawers to give it some yellowy goodness. While painting, you will see the petroleum jelly resisting the paint. Just keep going and even give it a second coat when dry.

Painting Thrifted Box DIY Charging Station | prodigalpieces.com

For a bit of whimsy, I wanted to add some typography. If you know me, I am slightly addicted to typography and will add it whenever possible. You can see all my projects using it in this collection. This truly is easy. Just create your design in a software program like Word or Photoshop or use a ready made one. Then apply using my transfer method, and paint it on.

Making Transfer for DIY Charging Station by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com
THE REVEAL

Once all is dry, use a bit of sandpaper to distress those parts you used petroleum jelly on and you’re done!

Vintage Styled Spice Box Charging Station with DIY by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I just love it! It has that 50’s vibe I was after and the best part is how it can be used. Obviously, you can most certainly use it for most anything, but check this out.

Thrifted Box with Vintage Typography as DIY Charging Station. Get the tutorial at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

It’s a DIY charging station! The top can hold perfect for a tablet and a few phones. Also, the open back makes it easy for cords to be connected. If no open back, just drill a hole. Even the drawer can be used to hide the cords. Isn’t that fun?

Power Cord Drawer in Charging Station by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

No one would ever know you have devices and you can have your vintage farmhouse kitchen too. Win-win!

Farmhouse Style DIY Charging Station Using a Thrifted Box. Tutorial available at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I’ve made several of these over the years for my shop and they never last long. You can see my repurposed bread box one in this past post. Absolutely fun to do and use.

Upcycled Charging Station from Vintage Bread Box by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

If you’re loving this newest creation, you can purchase it from my online shop.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

SHARE

Additionally, pin and share this fun tutorial how to make your own DIY charging station. It really is my goal to inspire others to make their house their home and give DIY a try. Thanks!

So cool! A thrifted box can be so much more. Turn it into a DIY charging station. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces shows you how. Head to prodigalpieces.com

Likewise, to get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

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Also, more projects like this DIY charging station:

Farmhouse Style Repurposed Bread Box turned Charging Station by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comBuild a DIY quilt rack using repurposed parts. Prodigal Pieces shows you how! Head here: prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Kimberly says

    Hi Larissa, I love seeing how utilitarian objects can be made to fit in with your decor style. Would you consider doing a post (or part of a post) that shows the best method for caring for your Zibra brushes?
    Thanks for all you do!

    • Larissa says

      Hi Kimberly! I wash immediately in warm water and occasionally use soap. If build up occurs, soak in hot vinegar for at least an hour or overnight. Hope that helps!

  2. Kristen says

    I’m trying to paint a bookcase that has wood slats for the shelves. The slats are between 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch apart. Do you have a recommendation on a brush that would work?

    • Larissa says

      Hi Kristen. 🙂 Would you mind emailing me a pic? larissa at prodigalpieces dot com. Thanks!

      • Kristen says

        Thank you. I sent an email this afternoon.

  3. Mary says

    That is so clever Larissa. I am always loosing the cord now this is a great way to keep it in one spot.

  4. Bonnie says

    Another great redo and love that color yellow!

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