Storage…isn’t that what many people strive for? It’s crazy how vast the differences are from one home to another and how the space is used. For me, less storage means less stuff…less to take care of. I learned that the hard way many years ago. I remodeled by sons’ bedroom and added storage. That only caused more mess, more stress. With that being said, I’m also for the use of furniture to serve more than one purpose. Let’s look at this farmhouse wooden trunk.
It’s not wonky with messed up parts (haha…maybe not in my head, anyway), but rather something that would spark my interest. This may be a shop class project from back in the day or a make-do creation with what was on hand. In either event, it’s held up and is ready for a mini makeover.
Notice the funky aluminum trim that makes no sense. Also, there are rope handles and hardware to hold it open as well. BONUS!
With that in min, I’m not new to the whole trunk game. I’ve built them to copycat a name brand HERE. In addition, I’ve made over several other trunks and chests featured OVER HERE.
DIY TIME
First, I am so anxious to remove that metal trim. Not only is it unsightly, but also dangerous. After having 6 toddlers over time in my house, you know that this kinda thing is perfect for emergency visits. ahem. So, I grab my hammer (it is also from the trash…just sayin’) and yank that stuff OFF.
Mind you, I don’t throw that trim away, but I do recycle it. woot! Next, I remove all the hardware so I can cut down the lid on my miter saw. When the original craftsman made this, they add to the lid dimensions so that aluminum trim fits. Essentially, I need to cut it down to fit the trunk better.
Then, after that, I want to dress this farmhouse wooden trunk up a bit. Enter in this hardware I had hand-forged for this workbench I made from a set of underbed drawers (one of my favorite builds!)
In addition to that, I have these iron pulls from my DIY succulent centerpiece planter.
Finally, I add the finishing touches. The hardware gets a few coats of a flat black paint to match those hand-forged brackets. Also, the trunk gets an antique white stain, while the interior gets a neutral color paint I used in this past project.
All I need to do is assemble and share my fun with you.
THE REVEAL
Last, after a few hours, I’m excited to share with you the new (old) look of this cast-off trunk. woot!
While it may not be a phenomenal new look, it sure is head-over-heels better than the before. Agreed?
The whitewash is topped off with a clear wax. Meanwhile, the hardware all gels now and is a striking contrast to the washed wood effect.
Open wiiiiiiiddddeee! This fun piece not only works as extra storage in any room, as well as serves as a coffee table, toy box, or whatever floats your trunk boat. What would you use it for?
If you’d like to make this part of your home story, you can find it and more available in my online shop. There’s something being added weekly, so stop by and see.
SHARE
Likewise, after you leave me some comment love below, do pin and share so that others can be inspired to see past the obvious and take hold of the potential that is there.
Last but not least, next week is Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION TIME! be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter. Until next time!
Also, more DIY makeovers like this farmhouse wooden trunk:
That is so cute!!! Could be a great coffee table? I have a trunk similar to that where I store generations of family photo albums! The new hardware has really given this one an expensive look!! Love it!! ?
Oh yes! That’s how I like to use them (though my kids see them as launching pads…haha) I’m a sucker for hardware for sure.
Oh wow Larissa! That is 100% improved. I would’ve just painted it but what you’ve done is sooo much better than that. Thank you for the inspiration.
The fact that it was handmade and still in great shape (wood-wise) lent me to that result. Thanks so much, Sherin! 😀
WOW! What a difference! Looks great Larissa!
What fun to hear, Susan! That makes it fun for me. Thanks!
So much better Larissa. I’m not sure how I would use it. Maybe to hide unsightly dog food containers. I have an old hope chest my hubs bought me when we were first married at a craft fair. It floats around from room to room and I don’t really use it for anything.
I like that idea too. We use ours for many things, kinda like you. Whatever suits the need at the time.
Wow Larissa! What a transformation! The before photo had me struggling to find its redeeming qualities, for sure. But true to your magic, this is now beautiful! Inside and out! Very well done ?
I wish I could meet the original craftsman and learn the story. It would be fun to see what the think. Thanks so much, Mary.
Now that looks so cute and cozy now !! Lots of possible uses.
I love the white stain finish, with the wood peaking through. The hardware is surely the biggest improvement.
The cup pulls are especially cute 🙂
Thanks for sharing.
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It’s my pleasure to share – that’s the fun part for me. I really debated to go crazy on it, but I felt less is more this time.
Hi Larissa! 110% better. I would probably throw my tools in there. I do cherish what little tools I do have.
You and me both! My motto since I was 16 years old… #toolsoverjewels
Looks so good. Many. uses. I would keep my paint in there. It freezes in my building so it lines my hall.
Oh goodness. That sounds cold! I like that idea though. Thank you for the compliment, Mary.