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Repurposed Piano Bench Lap Desk

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!

Curbside Piano Bench before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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…

Broken Piano Bench and Music Holder from Curbside Piano | prodigalpieces.com

Top of Water Damaged Piano Bench | prodigalpieces.com

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?

Damaged Veneer on Piano Bench | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Staining Repurposed Piano Bench Top with Provincial Stain | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Kreg JIg Pocket Holes and Clamp Trak for Woodworking Repurposed Piano Bench Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Kreg Jig Clamps for Assembly | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Okay, so now I essentially have built a box and here’s what I did with it.

Build a Folding Lap Desk Using Repurposed Piano Bench and Music Rest by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

That tired piano bench has now been repurposed into a lap desk. Woot!

Repurposed Piano Bench becomes a Lap Desk with Storage by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.DIY Upcycled Lap Desk from Repurposed Piano Bench and Music Rest by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

A Folding Lap Desk Created by Prodigal Pieces out of Repurposed Piano Bench | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Inside DIY Folding Lap Desk from Repurposed Piano Bench by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

When you’re done using it, just fold it up and store for the next time you need it. Fun!

Folded Lap Desk Created from Repurposed Piano Bench by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Folding Lap Desk DIY by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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 shop along with many other goodies. We ship anywhere.

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

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?

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

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. Reclaimed Wood Turnings Before | prodigalpieces.com

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 projects like my repurposed piano bench:

A cast-off mirror and vintage vanity painted in a Tea Rose Pink for a makeover you don't want to miss. See more at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comDon't throw out your old glass! Turn it into a Coordinating Collection ~ Perfect for Weddings, Parties and more! | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. ColleenB. says

    Totally Awesome. Love that lap top desk and what a clever idea.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Colleen! I had to think of something. 🙂

  2. Karen R says

    What a great idea. Your imagination just astounds me.

    • Larissa says

      I am so blessed to be able to do what I do. Thanks so much, Karen!

  3. Jamie Kennemer says

    Now that is just genius! Absolutely Love the lap desk!!! Very very cute!!! ?

  4. Frances Batson says

    Great use! I love my stash of wood pieces. You never know when an idea will strike.

      • Sam - Raggedy Bits says

        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 ???

        • Larissa says

          Happy dance!! Thank you so much for the smile, Sam. I had fun!

  5. Paula says

    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.

  6. Carol S says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      That means so much, Carol. Thank you for the encouraging words. Hugs!!

  7. Renee P says

    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!

  8. Nancy Walden says

    Clever and useful!

  9. Karen Baumgardner says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      haha! That’s not the first time I have been told that. Thanks so much for encouraging me, Karen. 🙂

  10. Mary says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      I was having such fun with ideas and couldn’t wait to do it. Thanks!

  11. Denise says

    Clever makeover Larissa! And I have NO idea what that next project will be?!! hehe

    • Larissa says

      Wahooo!! Thank you for showing me love, Denise. I’m excited to share what they became. 🙂

  12. Marie says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      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! 😀

  13. Beth Catt says

    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

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