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Repurposed Curio Cabinet into Functional Storage

Hello friends! I’m eager to share with you my latest find and what I did with it. It isn’t often I turn down a chance to take a forlorn piece and transform it into something new. It does happen though! The challenge is fun, and always takes me on an adventure. Take for instance this piece…it’s broken, worn, and ready to become my repurposed curio cabinet. Are you ready for this?

Broken Curio Cabinet Before Repurposed by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Let’s assess this piece. First, the listing said “antique” cabinet. Umm…in no way is this piece even older than I am. It’s a made in (insert foreign country) with still having the assembly stickers on it. It doesn’t have a lick of solid wood. Second, the glass shelves are missing, and also the side doors are gone.

Curio Cabinet Side with Missing Doors | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Last, I see potential. Do you?

DIY TIME

It’s time to get this repurposed curio cabinet party started! First, I took out the back panel and the mirror. Then, I taped off the front glass because I needed to break it out in order to remove it.

Breaking Curio Glass for Upcycle | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Next, with the snap of a finger, I have the pieces I need to assemble. Huge thank you to JC, my husband, for helping me out. My sore, tired body spent one week in demo of our living room, then the next week reworking all our landscaping. So tuckered, but happy to be able.

Cut Wood Pieces for Repurposed Curio Cabinet into Cupboard by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

NEXT STEPS

Once I had all the pieces, it was just a matter of assembling it all together. My Kreg Jig comes out to play to make pocket hole joints. This tools makes my work so much easier.

Pocket Hole Joints for Repurposed Curio Cabinet by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

After assembling the sides and adding the back panel, my cabinet is finally in the basic bones state.

Wood Panels added to Repurposed Curio Cabinet | prodigalpieces.com

Before I call it quits there though, I added a bit more texture to the back of the cabinet. I’m gluing strips of luan to the backing made of luan. It’s the same stuff I’ve been showing on social media in my hallway and living room remodel. Plus, it’s how we created our planked bedroom walls and faux beam ceiling.

Applying Glue to Strips of Wood for Repurposed Curio by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Cupboard Back with Planking | prodigalpieces.com

In addition, I added a birch veneer to the front edge of my plywood shelves. This will dress it up and make it more durable. This stuff is awesome and so easy to apply with an iron. You can see how I’ve used it on this sewing machine cabinet turned desk and this upcycled desk turned console.

Ironing on Veneer | prodigalpieces.com

MORE FUN

It’s finally time to put the finishing touches on my repurposed curio cabinet. First, I began by applying an antique white stain to the shelving, as well as the back of the cabinet.

Antique White Stain for Cupboard Shelves by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Then, out comes the paint. Isn’t this a beautiful blue? It’s called blueprint…just like the ones you see when building new. Perfect.

Blueprint Blue Paint for Cottage Style Cupboard | prodigalpieces.com

Painting Curio Cabinet Repurposed into Cupboard | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Last, I added a few touches to the braided trip and applique on top to draw it out.

THE REVEAL

Here’s my once curio cabinet now turned into a storage unit suited for most any room of your home.

Beautiful Blue Cottage Cabinet from Upcycled Curio by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #diy #home #homedecor #upcycled

Left Corner Cabinet in Blue by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #cottage #diy #home #homedecor

I’m happy with the outcome. Not only is it functional, but also full of style. Yay!

Cottage Style Cabinet for Linens, Books, and More by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #furniture #homedecor #cottage

Lighted Cottage Cabinet Corner with Intricate Details by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #home #homedecor

Are you lovin’ the blue? I am. Blue is definitely one of my favorite colors to work with. Oh, and don’t forget the light that’s still there making it even more functional.

Repurposed Cabinet Top in Blue | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #furniture #home #homedecor

Lighted Cottage Cabinet by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #furniture #home

If you’d like to make this upcycled curio cabinet a part of your home story, you can find it available in my online shop. We deliver to you…anywhere!

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

Upcycled Blue Cottage Cabinet by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #cottage #home #homedecor

In addition, pin and share to inspire others to look past the broken and see the potential that is there.

Beautiful Repurposed Curio Cabinet into Cupboard by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #furniture #home #cottage #homedecor

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 furniture makeovers like this repurposed curio cabinet:

Vintage Curio Cabinet Gets Tissue Paper Transformation by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comFrom damaged to Boho beauty, this vintage Ikat Mid Century Modern Dresser Makeover is one you need to see. Full step-by-step video tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.come #prodigalpieces #diy #furniture #home #homedecor #homedecorideas #bedroom #boho #midcenturymodern #vintage

Comments

  1. ColleenB.~Tx. says

    First; thank you for this wonderful giveaway opportunity.
    Daughter has a couple of small tables that she would like for me to paint so guess I will doing those for her………someday soon.

    • ColleenB.~Tx. says

      I guess painting my husbands bald spot on top of his head is out of the question? :}

    • Larissa says

      You are most welcome. I wish I had a set to give to everyone.

  2. Debbie Roberts says

    Love what you did with the curio! The blue looks stunning on it! And I like what you did with the inside on the back, it almost looks like bead board which is my favorite. Great re-purpose Larissa!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks so much, Debbie! 😀 I had envisioned those scrap pieces like that the minute I had them, so this was fun.

  3. MaryAnn Smith says

    I love the color you used. I would use the same to paint a kitchen island.

    • Larissa says

      I’m a sucker for blue most all the time. Thanks so much, MaryAnn.

  4. Lisa Viles says

    I can’t believe how you turned this piece into something functional! The color is perfect! I would love to try the brushes out on a side table that I have been wanting to transform into a beautiful painted piece!

    • Larissa says

      I’m doing a happy dance, Lisa. Thanks so much! You will love the Zibra brushes.

  5. Alison S says

    Thank you for the chance to win. I would use the brushes to paint a dresser that holds my kids dress up clothes.

    • Larissa says

      You’re welcome. I hope you enjoyed my work I shared today. 🙂

  6. Judy Burnside says

    Beautiful makeover Larissa! I too love the color blue in almost anything. I am so inspired and encouraged by how you are able to see beyond the imperfections to see potential for something beautiful and functional, just as we should (like Jesus!) see other people that way too. Thank you for your ministry of hope!

  7. Susan says

    It seems like forlorn, unwanted furniture finds its way to you pretty often. Thank goodness because you breathe new life into every piece you touch! Great job with the curio! Keep doing what you’re doing dear Larissa, you inspire us all!
    God bless!

  8. Ginny says

    This makeover is beautiful! I love the blue paint! I have a bathroom cabinet that needs a makeover. New brushes would be perfect for this project. Thanks for the opportunity to win this giveaway!

    • Larissa says

      Sounds like you have the perfect project piece, Ginny. You are most welcome!

  9. Sherry Riggs says

    Very pretty and functional.

  10. Babette Thurston says

    Hi Larissa!
    I love the way you repurposed the curio! So beautiful in that blue color! I would paint my console with those amazing Zibra brushes! I’ve been needing to repaint it and this would be perfect! Thanks for the giveaway!

    • Larissa says

      Hi Babette!
      You are such a fun gal and I know you’ll love the Zibra brushes like I do. 😀

  11. Babette Thurston says

    Oh goodness I typed my email wrong in the first comment so I’m sending another one.

  12. Candace Boyer says

    Turned out Great! When you said, I see potential, do you? I was like Ah, No! Just goes to show what a little creativity and some paint can do! I have so many projects in the wings. I have an old sewing machine cabinet I would like to turn into a summer drink station!

    • Larissa says

      haha…it sure is fun, that’s for sure! 😀 Thank you so much. Sounds like a fun project to tackle.

  13. Rebecca says

    I think this is one of your best transformations!!! I’ve been dealing with some very difficult family health issues and your posts do so much to lift my spirit!!!! I find myself looking forward to every post…….Thanks for being a bright spot!!!

    • Larissa says

      I wish I could pop over to give you hugs and lift your spirits in person, Rebecca. I’m lifting you and your family members up in prayer. Thank you for making MY day.

  14. Margaret Heinkel says

    I LOVE that blue! You stated it is called “Blueprint” but did not see the brand – would you provide the information please – I need to buy a quart! Can’t wait to see the inside of your house finished – you do such awesome work!

    • Larissa says

      It made me think of a summer day. I have it mixed in the Glidden Premium Eggshell, but it is a Behr color. Thanks for the love!

  15. Kathy E. says

    I am always inspired by you! I have a smaller curio that I store my thread spools in. In its former life, it was a gold ball holder! It needs painting in a crisp white. Thanks!

    • Larissa says

      How fun is that?! I love that you are using it to what suits you, Kathy.

  16. gwen says

    this is so cute! and that color ‘blueprint’ is my NEW favorite color! it looks super Larissa!

    • Larissa says

      Yay! It sure makes a smile come on my face. Thanks for the love, Gwen.

  17. Linda Maria Priebe says

    This is so beautiful! I want to find one and make one for myself lol

  18. Donna says

    I love this transformation! Well done and I’m with you! I love the blues. Also thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! It just suited this piece perfectly. You’re welcome.

  19. Nancy F Lambert says

    Larissa,
    It is Beautiful.

  20. Micah says

    very nice! I do like that blue. thanks fo the giveaway as well!

  21. Jo says

    I love your creativity! So inspiring ❤️

  22. Amanda Pennington says

    The combination of blue and interior wood slats is just lovely! It seems like a perfect piece for extra storage in a small bathroom. Blessings!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! I would love to keep it if I had a bathroom big enough just for that purpose. 😉

  23. Jennifer says

    I love the new all-purpose cabinet! Blue is my favorite color to use and I love that blue! You always inspire me!

    • Larissa says

      Happy dance! This was kinda like therapy to take that awful before and make it new. Here’s to BLUE! 😀

  24. Lorena Keech says

    We have a china cabinet that needs some help. I’ve been eyeing it forever, it could use some new paint.

  25. Becky Fischer says

    Thank you for the opportunity to possibly win the Zibra set of brushes. I love how you made a broken piece of furniture into something so beautiful. I agree that the blue you used is wonderful. I love your writing, I was able to completely follow what you had done.

    • Larissa says

      I’m delighted to share, Becky. Thank you so much for the affirmation.

  26. Catherine ten Hertog says

    Larissa this is gorgeous. Loved your description of the “antique”. Beautiful shade of blue. Keep them coming.

    • Larissa says

      tee hee! Yes, just a bit crazy how folks see something. I’m happy to have made it new again. Thank you, Catherine.

  27. Renata Hall says

    Love the color blue you picked and the beadboard backing. You can make just about anything look wonderful Larissa!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Renata. You are so sweet! Just FYI, that isn’t beadboard, but strips of wood I glued in instead. 😉

  28. ae minx says

    I’d repaint an old bookcase that’s become a bit of an eye sore

  29. Stephanie Conrad says

    I love, love, love that color! I entered the paintbrush giveaway because I love what they do and really want some of those. I don’t have a Pinterest or Instragram or YouTube account, but I’m still hopeful!

    • Larissa says

      You are so sweet, Stephanie. I’m envious of you as I used to be the same without social media. haha. My job is that now. That’s the spirit!

  30. Kelsey P says

    This is amazing. I am going to be paying more attention to curios now. I love that it’s lighted!

    • Larissa says

      Fun! I hope you find one and enjoy reworking it too. 😀

  31. Amber Kolb says

    It’s so beautiful!! I would use the paint brushes on the vintage buffet we purchased for $75. It definitely needs an upgrade!

  32. Sheryl says

    What a great piece!! Love that blue!!

  33. Monica says

    The cabinet turned out great. I’m really not sure what I would paint first. Too many projects and not enough tim e, lol. Thanks for the giveaway.

  34. Michelle J. says

    I would paint my daughter’s dresser.

  35. Sara says

    I have several home decor projects and updates I want to tackle. These Zibra brushes would be fantastic for all those projects and your blog is a great inspiration for all my projects.

  36. joann Collins says

    That is a beautiful blue color, I love you made it so much more functional. I hate to see things tossed out when they can be reused. You are an inspiration to all of us. Those brushes would be so much fun to use for all kinds of projects. Thank You again .

    • Larissa says

      How fun for me to hear, Joann. Thank you! You will love this set for sure.

  37. Tara says

    I love learning from your projects. You really help me see possibilities in the pieces I have and the ones I’m thinking of purchasing. Thank you.

  38. Rebecca says

    Always amazed at your creativity and vision. I love everything about this makeove! It’s pretty and practical. My next project is an old hoosier cabinet.
    Happy Summertime!

  39. Sonja Hansen says

    Very clever transformation. You always have great vision and see beyond whatever the condition of your find. I will soon be painting the doors to our kitchen pantry and the utility closet. Great brushes will be a real help. Keep up the good work and stay well.

  40. Trisha G says

    Thanks for reminding me about the birch veneer. I picked up a bookcase off of the curb the other day and one of the strips of veener is missing. I was thinking about taking the others off, but it’s pretty ugly underneath. I’ll have to go get myself some of that instead and try it out!

  41. Cindy says

    Love the cabinet makeover! I’m helping my daughter repair a vanity and bench. It’s slow going for novices like us but once the repair is done, those brushes would be awesome!

    • Larissa says

      Sounds like a fun mother-daughter project. I hope you have a blast!

  42. Clara says

    Love you ingenuity and imagination with these pieces that need a little TLC. Thank you for the opportunity for one of us to win your paintbrush giveaway.

    • Larissa says

      Rebuilding them is a learning lesson each time. This one would have fallen over with push of a pinky finger. haha. Thanks!

  43. Kim says

    Gorgeous makeover Larissa. I am on a blue streak. I would have it in every room in my house if I could. I have a carved chest that I need to paint. It’s going to be a toy box in the “grandkids room”. Zibra brushes would be amazing to use on it. I have had the corner brush (I don’t know the actual names of them) and the square one but sure could use new ones. I think I’ve told you before but I’ll say it again…I wish I had even a tiny fraction of your vision and creativity. I hope you are well now. Still praying for your health!

    • Larissa says

      How fun!! You are an awesome grandma for gifting your grands such fun. You are so sweet!

  44. Melissa Storms says

    I love the way this project turned and that is just a perfect country blue. I have a chair I need to makeover that the brushes would definitely help complete.

    • Larissa says

      It kept reminding me of a summer sky, and that inspired my color choice. Thanks so much, Melissa.

  45. Mary Kaiser says

    Wow, you made it so beautiful now!! I have a tv console table I need to paint and I think winning these set of brushes will be perfect timing for getting it done. Thank you for such great inspiration and for having the contest for me to win the brushes!!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks you, Mary. I definitely make use of my brushes all the time and you will love these as I do.

  46. Charlotte says

    Love the piece, inspired to redo an old cabinet. Would love the brushes, have a huge (6′ x 6′) teak china closet want to paint

    • Larissa says

      Wow! That is huge. Thanks so much, Charlotte. You will love the Zibra brushes!

  47. Donna says

    Larissa,

    I see you sew a lot like me and my machine is now done. What do you recommend to do clothing, pillow covers, crafts, etc.

    Thank you.

    • Larissa says

      Hi Donna! 😀 I have a Singer Futura that also is an embroidery machine that works wonders on all materials. I believe mine is a 250. You can find them reasonable refurbished or in a resale shop too.

  48. Kaycee says

    Hello Larissa, sending you birthday blessings and a heart full of Joy. I love what you did with this cabinet, the color, the addition of wood shelves and that backboard looks sooo good.

  49. Lori says

    This piece is beautiful. I love the blue, what is the name of the color and brand. Thanks for sharing. I sure could use some new paint brushes.
    Thanks.

    • Larissa says

      I’m tickled you like it Lori. I mentioned it’s called Blueprint. I have it mixed into Glidden Premium in Eggshell, but it’s a Behr color.

  50. Deb Townley says

    Beauty in blue!
    Thanks for the chance to win! I personally have not had the pleasure of using these.

  51. Jerri says

    Wow! You sure have the magic touch. Everything you touch is given a new life. Your transformations are amazing. ( I still am speechless over the gun cabinet makeover.)
    Absolutely love the blue!

    • Larissa says

      tee hee hee! I’m delighted you enjoy my work so. I do thoroughly enjoy sharing! 😀

  52. Shelley S says

    Larissa, I don’t know how I missed seeing this when you originally posted it, as I so look forward to your posts! ?but better late than never to compliment someone on a job SUPER well done!

    This is for sure in my top 3 favorites of the projects you’ve done. I tend to cringe when folks paint wood, but I can’t imagine how you could have done this better. I just LOVE it.

    Thanks for continuing to share your talent and inspiration!

    • Larissa says

      No worries! 😀 I have so many posts, right? haha. Thank you for the love on my work – it truly means so much. Good thing this wasn’t wood then, huh? 😀 Hugs!

  53. JeanieQ says

    How did the original cabinet open? if you had to bust the glass out, it must not have opened from the front? I do like what you did with the cabinet. It turned out beautiful.

    • Larissa says

      It had doors on the side, originally, that were held with magnetic closures. Thank you.

  54. Riya Sen says

    This is a great idea for using an old curio cabinet to create storage!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! I love working with versatile pieces like this. 😀

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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

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

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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.

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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!

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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!

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