I’m excited to share Part 2 of my upcycled antique empire chest of drawers. See what the bottom half became in this Part 1 post. Today, the rest of the pieces are heading to become a reclaimed bench. Yes, really!
At the beginning, what you’re looking at is the top of the chest and the broken drawers. All these leftovers are prime for upcycling. Do you see it?
Previously, if you check out the first post, you see that the top had contact paper covering this damaged veneer. Yeah…that isn’t a small spot of damage.
That’s what led me to cut off the entire top and build the bench from the base. And, because I’m a waste not want not kinda gal, the rest of the chest needs a new life too.
DIY TIME
First, I remove the two thick layers of veneer. In addition, you can see what I’ve done to remove veneer in past posts with my towel soak method. However, this time, it is coming off easy enough I don’t need to use it.
Underneath it is looking pretty good once I hit it with my sander.
Next, it’s time to dig into my stash. If you’ve been around for a couple months, you can see how I took some curbside finds and made two coffee tables. In order to make those tables I used parts of a beaten up upright grand piano. The scraps are going to help me finish this project off right. Just look at those oak beauties! Too good trash.
NEXT STEPS
Oh, and Lily is here to supervise. What a hoot!
Last, but not least, I’m making use of the drawers. After a few whacks of a hammer, the fronts are ready for a chop. Don’t worry I plan to make use of every bit of them.
I cut the fronts to length and then use my pocket jig to make joints so that I can use the fronts as the skirt of my reclaimed bench. Afterward, I use a reactive stain to give it a uniform color and a poly topcoat.
THE REVEAL
Finally, here’s my reclaimed bench ready for a new lease on life.
Indeed, I do believe I’m smitten. My favorite part…the skirt.
Also, my misfit drawer fronts with original escutcheons are just the right touch, don’t you think? I’m a sucker for all things old. Oh, and then there’s my other favorite…the top.
That grain is gorgeous and so are the worn holes and character. In spite of the obvious, would you have guessed it was a dresser top married to a skirt of drawer fronts and antique upright grand piano parts for legs?
As with all my projects, my goal is set on inspiring you. Maybe there’s more to the things we consider trash? You know it. It’s called #trashure. 
In addition, pin and share my reclaimed bench to inspire others to see the potential in the the #trashure. You know it’s there; it just needs new life.
UP NEXT
Up next, Part 3 of my antique empire chest dismantling and upcycle is where the drawer parts become something more. HEAD HERE TO SEE.
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Also, more upcycled builds like my reclaimed bench:
very nice, you never fail to impress.
Thank you, Vickie. These projects are always fun for me. 😀
You are truly a repurposer extraordinaire!!
haha…I love that title. Thanks, Mary!
So nice and great use of the pieces.
What is a reactive stain?
Cynthia
Thanks, Cynthia. It’s a natural stain that works with the tannins of the wood to age it.
Nice rescue!
Thank you, Rebecca! 😀
The escutcheons totally makes this a “WOW!” ?
Right? The grain on the top with the breadboard ends really makes my heart pitter-pat too.
WOW! You sure put in a lot of work on saving all that wood. You’ve made it into a functional and wonderful piece.
Well done!
And Lily is a cutie!!!!
It feels so good to make use and not waste (as well as create). Part 3 coming soon! Thank you, Michele.
You are so inspiring, Larissa!! This is absolutely beautiful and I love the skirt too! XOXO
Aww…thank you, Christy. Right back at ya! 😀
Wow! As I sat and looked at the photo you shared of the pieces, I thought to myself, I have NO clue what I would do with that??? And wow! this bench is amazing! I love the skirts, the top, the big chunky legs. You have such a gift! Thank you for sharing and inspiring us, although I just don’t think I’ll ever train my brain to see things that yours does 🙂 🙂
It is such a treat for me to be able to work on things like this. Thanks so much for the smile, Mary. 😉
I think this is my favorite project of yours–love the escutcheons on the skirt!
sweet to hear! Thank you for the kind words, Susan. 🙂
I’m with Mary. I had NO idea where you were going with these salvaged pieces but you’re knocking these projects out of the ballpark my friend! The keyholes on the skirt are SO charming and that wood… omygosh… love your supervisor too! ?
haha…yeah, I’m a nut like that. 😉 So fun to make use of these and share them with you. Thank you, Denise! Lily says I need a vacay now.
I love it so much!! You are a master at repurposing!!❤️
Thank you, Nancy.
What a great idea, Larissa – it looks so good!! <3
Thank you, Jen. 🙂
It’s amazing! The skirt is my favorite part too. The keyholes!
I just love those skeleton keys and the stories they tell. Thanks, Kim!
This is great!
Thanks so much, Becky.