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Mid Century Nightstand from Curbside Luggage

It’s that time again! The second Tuesday of each month some of my blogger friends and I get together to present to you our latest Trash to Treasure makeovers. It’s certainly one of my favorite times and hope it is for you too! Today’s project is this handmade luggage I found during our spring city cleanup. I’ve been aching to turn it into the vision I had of a Mid Century nightstand. I can’t wait!!

Handmade Wooden Luggage found on the curb gets new life | prodigalpieces.com

First, I have to ask if you would have grabbed it? It is so super cool. Check out the LBJ bumper sticker, and the…ummm…fantastic carpet lining. And get this…the back has original labels and stamps! eep!

Handmade Wooden Suitcase Found on the Curb by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

DIY TIME

Like I’ve said before, it’s made of wood, therefore it has potential. Right? Onward we go… First, the middle shelf was busted, so in order to pull it out I had to remove the carpet. My cat’s paw tool works wonders for getting into tight spots to remove nails – perfect for mouldings, etc.

Cats Paw Tool to Remove Nails from Tight Spots | prodigalpieces.com

Once the carpet was off, I had to try to remove the nails that held the shelf in place. No worries, I’ll be giving the shelf a new life too…stay tuned. hee hee!

As for the top, it had many holes drilled into it, so I plugged each one with dowel, and cut the flush with my coping saw.

Cutting Dowel with Coping Saw | prodigalpieces.com

MESS

Now all the holes are plugged, but the top was still pretty ragged. I then filled every living inch with wood filler. That there be a whole lotta wood filler. Whoa!

Wood Filler to Make Wood Repairs | prodigalpieces.com

As soon as all that wood filler had cured, I took my sander and knocked it all down smooth. Then it was time to complete the finish work of this Mid Century nightstand project.

I chose to use a soft green to freshen it up. The soft color reminded me of that Mid Century era with all its green, oranges, yellow, and wood tones.

NEXT STEPS

I began by giving everything a good coat on the outside, leaving the interior for later. While the first coat cured, I decided to cut a new shelf. I could have used my miter saw to make the cut (easy, but not everyone has one), and my table saw too (a bit cumbersome with a long plank). However, I thought I would show you an easy way to make cuts using my cordless circular saw and >my Rip Cut jig. This handy jig makes it easy to get straight cuts on big pieces like 4′ x 8′ panels and such.

Using Ryboi Ciruclar and Kreg Rip Cut to Build Mid Century Nightstand | prodigalpieces.com

Just set the guide rail to the length you want, and you’re done. So easy! I repeat my motto I’ve had since a teen, #toolsoverjewels.

 

WHATEVER

This is the point when we are working together and I say, “Isn’t this fun?” He replies, “IDK, we might as well have built the thing from scratch.” I blankly stare back at him while my brain reminds myself why I don’t take him junking. I respond with, “But this is a piece of history I save from the trash and we are giving it new life! You can’t beat that.” His poor self just doesn’t get it, but he at least is willing. I think he just needs to come with me anyway so he can experience that thrill of the hunt and victory of the score, am I right? I am convinced he just hasn’t found the right thing to get his juices flowing yet.

Okay…so we are nearly done and I’m ready to take this Mid Century nightstand to a new level. One of you awesome readers, Brenda, sent me this set of vintage furniture legs. One set being new in the box, and the other has two left. She found them in her father-in-laws stash and thought I’d love to have them.

Vintage Barton Bee Line Furniture Legs by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Boy, was she right!! I was over the moon to see these babies arrive in the mail. I’ve been waiting for just the right time to use them. TODAY! {{applause}} Isn’t the packaging awesome?!

THE REVEAL

After much lovin’ on this #trashure find, here it is all finished and ready with a new lease on life.

Repurposed Mid Century Nightstand Made from a Piece of Handmade Luggage Left on the Curb by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Fantastic Mid Century Nightstand Built by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces Using Reclaimed Luggage | prodigalpieces.com

I’m stoked it is just as I had envisioned and the legs look absolutely perfect. Love that blonde wood with brass – so pretty!

Mid Century Modern Barton's Bee Line Table Legs on a Rescued Piece of Trash by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Upcycled Mid Century Modern Nightstand Created by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Vintage Mid Century Magazine Rack by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

PAPER FUN

You have to check out the paper I used to line the shelf. I found a couple of rolls of vintage shelf liner at the thrift store, and I knew exactly what I would use it for. I love it!!

Upcycled Mid Century Modern Nightstand Created by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Retro Vintage Vignette with Mid Century Style by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Also, while at the thrift store the other day, I found this pair of van Gogh prints that had those oranges and yellows of this Mid Century era I mentioned earlier. This time period sure had a fun mix.

Pair of Van Gogh Prints for Mid Century Decor by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Oh, and did you notice that I reused the handle on the top as a drawer pull on our newly built drawer?Inside the Custom Built Drawer by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com I tried to reuse everything possible on this fun upcycled. I even reused the same nails to hold the shelf in place.

And you gotta love while the party going on at the front is happening, the history on the back is still there too.

Handmade Nightstand Back with Original Stamps by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Here is what I did with the old broken shelf…just shortened it up and added some hand-painted goodness. Gotta love the beach – woot!

Rustic Hand-Painted Beach Sign by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

This entire project really was a blast and I hope you had fun following me on my DIY journey too. If you’d like, you can purchase this nightstand, the prints, the magazine rack, and even the beach sign from my online shop.

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Retro Mid Century Bedroom Decor with Handmade Nightstand by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

SHARE

Finally, what a blast it was to recreate this handmade piece. So…would you have grabbed it? Do tell and do pin and share this Mid-Century nightstand to inspire others to see past the trash and see the #trashure potential in cast-off finds.

Say whaaat? Larissa of Prodigal Pieces found a piece of handmade luggage on the curb and turned it into a Mid Century Modern Nightstand. Awesome! See the DIY details at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #handmade #homedecor #shopping #furniture

UP NEXT

Up next is Finding Home Episode 2, where you will be able to nominate someone you know to receive one of my custom pieces. I’m so excited to do this again! Click the image below for details.

Submit Request Application for Prodigal Pieces Finding Home Program | prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Now it’s time to see what my Trash to Treasure gals have for you. See below.

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Trash to Treasure Tuesdays - Thrifted Makeover Fun | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Trash to Treasure July 2018 | prodigalpieces.com

Also, check out these fun and fantastic projects:

  1. Confessions of a Serial DIYer
  2. Bless’er House
  3. Girl in the Garage
  4. Artsy Chicks Rule

While you’re at it, more projects like this Mid-Century nightstand:

A curbside piano bench and music rest become a DIY Folding Lap Desk with Storage created by Larissa at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comMid Century Sunburst Table | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Betty says

    I definitely need to work on using my imagination more. You always come up with the best ideas for re-purposing Larissa! This is super cute.

  2. Christy says

    Oh my goodness, I absolutely love how you reimagined this piece!! Definitely a true trash-to-treasure!! XO

    • Larissa says

      How fun to hear! Thank you, Christy. Likewise on your ugly duckling too!

  3. Renee P says

    That is amazing! You have some imagination and it was working overtime with this one! I absolutely love it! This is one of my favorites yet Larissa!

  4. Hanna says

    Wow! That is one of your best transformations! You have such great vision! Truly envious of your power tool knowledge/usage!

    • Larissa says

      That made my day, Hanna! Thank you. It was fun not only to find it, but see my vision take shape. Woot!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Nancy! I couldn’t wait to put them to use. Now for the other two..hmmm…

  5. Debra Wise says

    Another amazing makeover. You have such vision to take a piece from trash to trashure. Awesome job!

  6. Becky says

    Wow, I REALLY like this one! Adding the drawer was perfect.

    • Larissa says

      I had fun picking through the goodies they had. Even got some other really cool stuff, like a vintage vinyl wallpaper sample book. Fun!

  7. Donna Gonzalez says

    You never cease to amaze me . . . and inspire me. Absolutely love how this came out!

    • Larissa says

      I’m sure excited to hear it, Donna, because inspiring it why I do what I do. Thank you so much!

  8. Marie says

    Whaaaaaaat! Love everything about this, Larissa!

    • Larissa says

      hee hee! I was actually thinking about you while working on this. So fun to do! Thanks, Marie.

  9. Mary says

    Oh Larissa what a transformation that was. I was not expecting it to look so different and so great!!

    • Larissa says

      That’s wonderful to hear, Mary. Thanks for the smile! 😀

  10. Janice says

    You are an AMAZING woman, Larissa. Your creativity blows my mind!

    • Larissa says

      How absolutely wonderful of you to say. Thank you, Janice!

  11. Ellen C says

    Larissa, as always, I am so impressed with your vision for a poor, deserted piece of history. I’m so glad you save these pieces from the landfill and return them to a one that is appreciated and admired.

    I do have one question related to your post…what the heck is a cats paw tool? That one I don’t recognize but would be interested to know. 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Thanks so much for the love, Ellen. It truly is a fun adventure for me. The cats paw is a small crowbar with two different ends. I literally use it as much or more than my drill…which is alot. haha. It’s a worthy investment!

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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