It’s round three of making use of the pile of goodies my dad found for me either on the curb or at his rental leftovers. To see where I started, first you can visit my repurposed changing table post, and then my side table repair and makeover. Today is all about taking a repurposed piano bench and turning into new useful projects. Let’s get our DIY on!
So, here’s how the story goes. My oldest, Mr. I, does daily exercise that takes him up and down the street many times. On one of his adventures he came home to tell me there was a piano a few houses down sitting curbside. Me, who has absolutely no room for another piano felt bad, but left it there.
Next day, neighbor comes over to tell me the same thing. I told him the same response that I had no interest in another large piece joining my “collection”, so there it sat. Then the next day my dad came bringing the items I showed in my last post and mentioned the piano. hahaha…see a trend? Well, I didn’t know all this time that there was a bench too, so I had him snag that for me since pickup of trash was that day.
DIY TIME
I really hated to see a beautiful instrument go to the trash as I love to play piano and teach my children to do the same. However, I can’t save everything. sigh… The poor set had been left out in the rain for several days and then looked like this…
Now I have water damage and also time-worn wear like the damaged veneer to fuss with. Not too bad, and certainly salvageable. See where they used tape to hold the veneer in place?
Here begins my repurposed piano bench creation. Hang with me now. I sit and stare at this thing trying to decide what to do with it. It’s too long and a bit too short to be a side table. It’s too long to be a vanity bench, and too small to be an entry bench. Hmmm…. I debated on flipping it over to turn it into a dog/cat four poster bed, but didn’t feel that was as functional as it could be. After a few weeks of mulling it over, here’s what I decided to do.
NEXT STEPS
I took off the top and plan to save the legs to make into a vanity bench when I get to work on another one in the future. Then, I began to repair the piano bench top using wood filler, and then my sander to take down the worn finish. Once prepped, I use my Provincial Stain seen in these posts, to give a fresh new look.
Once that was dry I used some tape to make a funky design with paint and let that cure. While that was going on, I set about building the rest of my vision. I built a base using miter saw to cut my boards to length. Then using my favorite Kreg Jig and my jigsaw, I was able to get my pieces to where I needed them to be.
ASSEMBLY
Time to assemble! These right angle clamps save me a thousand slams to my forehead of frustration as they are like a few extra pairs of hands to allow me to assemble sanely using my drill. Aren’t they cool? I actually gifted them to JC for Christmas and we both love using them.
THE REVEAL
Okay, so now I essentially have built a box and here’s what I did with it.
That tired piano bench has now been repurposed into a lap desk. Woot!
This was absolute fun for me, like figuring out a puzzle. I had to design this repurposed piano bench based on the pieces I had, and also make it practical for everyday use. Thanks to sites that offer build plans like Ana White, The House of Wood, and many others, I was able to piece together my design.
USE IT FOR?
It is functional for holding your books, tablets, phones, laptop, …you name it. Then, open it up for storage while not in use.
When you’re done using it, just fold it up and store for the next time you need it. Fun!
Isn’t that fun? So many uses for it and this project spurred on many new ideas and that leaves a wonderful feeling. I love to build and create, especially using reclaimed or repurposed materials.
If you are loving the desk and want it as your own, you can find it available in my online store along with many other goodies. We ship anywhere.
SHARE
Do pin and share this repurposed piano bench because I know there are others out there looking for a new use. What could be better than a lap desk, eh?
Up next, I’ll be sharing what I did with the last of the goodies my dad brought over. Any guesses before peeking?? Head here to see. 
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Also, more projects like my repurposed piano bench:
Totally Awesome. Love that lap top desk and what a clever idea.
Thanks, Colleen! I had to think of something. 🙂
What a great idea. Your imagination just astounds me.
I am so blessed to be able to do what I do. Thanks so much, Karen!
Now that is just genius! Absolutely Love the lap desk!!! Very very cute!!! ?
Yeehaw! Thank you, Jamie. 😀
Great use! I love my stash of wood pieces. You never know when an idea will strike.
Yes, that’s it exactly!
Wowzers!! What a fabulous repurpose!! Just love how you take something that most would chuck in the bin and transform it into something so cool! Pinned and thank you for all your inspiration ???
Happy dance!! Thank you so much for the smile, Sam. I had fun!
Brilliant and Beautiful! I love portable storage that also serves to inspire writing love letters and holds a coffee cup. What a great idea to use for electronic devices; it would help to buffer some of the harmful effects like radiation and craned neck.
Yay! You are so spot on with my idea. Thank you!
This is one of the cutest, most creative ideas I’ve seen in a long time of reading and learning from amazing blogs like yours. Great use of bits and pieces of stuff, and what a wonderful thing to have around the home or to give as a gift! Congrats!
That means so much, Carol. Thank you for the encouraging words. Hugs!!
Honestly, I don’t know how your brain comes up with these ideas! God blessed you with enough creativity for 20 people! This was a great repurpose project. Probably one of my favorite ones! Thanks for sharing!
You made me blush, Renee! Thank you so much.
Clever and useful!
Thanks for saying so, Nancy!
You outdid yourself on this one, Larissa! Not only did you create a very functional item, but I love the way you designed the paint accents. I think you have some sort of inner zen with furniture – the pieces let you know what they want to be – maybe you are the “furniture whisperer”, lol.
haha! That’s not the first time I have been told that. Thanks so much for encouraging me, Karen. 🙂
What a great repurpose Larissa. Your mind must be working overtime to come up with such a great idea. And those cute feet that fold under? Too adorable!
I was having such fun with ideas and couldn’t wait to do it. Thanks!
Clever makeover Larissa! And I have NO idea what that next project will be?!! hehe
Wahooo!! Thank you for showing me love, Denise. I’m excited to share what they became. 🙂
You are so talented!! Love it!
Lindsay, you made my day. Thank you!
Seriously girl, only you would look at a piano bench and see a functional lap desk with storage. You NEVER EVER cease to amaze me with your creative talents and way around power tools. Pinning and sharing. As for those goodies you have up next, haven’t a clue what you plan on doing with them but I know you’ll blow us away once again.
Thank you, Marie. That means much as I worked hard, and don’t feel like this one was much of a hit. All that matters is I tried! 😀
I think That zi could do the same thing with an old coffee table, I could just add some drawers and make hinges so the pot can be raised like a kids school desk
Sounds good!