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The Showcase Table

ByJane & Sonja

Make a useful and lovely coffee table from the most unexpected items!

I acquired this lovely old piece (does it even qualify as vintage) back when I was in college along with a stereo system and giant speakers (and an earache) – but we are not here to talk about those now. As we were saying I had a giant collection of cassettes, being the music fan I am and this was the perfect storage for the time.

Now since we do not use cassettes anymore, it was basically taking up space in my house. Aside from lots of dust, it was in good shape and the wood was beautiful. I did not want to get rid of it, since I love to repurpose anything old, but I did not know what the perfect solution would be till my husband came up with the idea of a table. Of course, I would need the right base.

An old cassette tape holder The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com

As I may have mentioned, I have a basement that is chock full of  old decrepit stuff. This chair had been my father-in-law’s many years ago and had seen better days. I don’t know if you can tell from the picture, but the back rest was broken and it was not an easy fix. Aside from the obvious sentimental value, the wood was in good condition and it was worth salvaging.

Old broken director's chair, The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com

I knew it had a sturdy bottom and I decided to focus on that, instead of trying to repair a chair that was on its last legs. And that’s about all that it had left – legs.

Cut down director's chair The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com

​With my husband’s help I cut off the top part which was splintered.Then I set about removing the fabric, and all the nails that held it in place.  There were quite a few that had been nailed in over the years.

The frame of the bottom of the chair, The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com

I sanded it down and then applied my homemade furniture wax. You can see how much richer it looks. This would be perfect for my table base.

sanded and waxed, The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com

Next, I had to take care of the cassette holder. I cleaned it with some oil and vinegar and then the next day I varnished it with 2 coats. I should point out that I have removed some slats so that I can place my collection of sea shells inside and use it as a display. But I still had to find a way to screw the top to the base. After much trial and error, and of course with the help of hubby, we were able to screw the top onto the base.

Adding the shells inside, The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com

​Finally, I topped it off with a piece of beveled glass. The cost for this project was minimal, just the price of the glass, since I already had the varnish. Here we have my collection without the glass.

the cassette holder filled with shells, The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.  If you purchase any of these products through the links, we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. You can find our full disclosure here.

with beveled glass on top, The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com
Repurposed cassette holder The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com
stamp on the side The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com
Repurposed director's chair and cassette holder, The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com
The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com

This is a unique piece, one that I was very happy to have completed. By combining the chair and the cassette storage unit, I was able to create something more than the sum of its parts. I wanted to preserve this piece, because it reminds me of the earaches I had gotten from listening to my loud music.  But mostly because it has special meaning for my husband who fondly remembers his dad sitting in that chair.

Repurposed cassette tape holder and directors chair into display table, Side view of The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com
Picture
How to create a showcase table by repurposing a damaged director's chair and a wooden cassette tape holder. #repurposes #oldthings #trashure #directorschair #woodcassetteholder #creatingsomethingnewfromoldthings #coolfurniture #uniquefurniture #chairmakeover #showcasetable #glasstabletop #DIYProject The Showcase Table www.theboondocksblog.com
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This project originally appeared in Remodelaholic in a revised form .

Hello, we're Jane & Sonja, sisters, moms and lifelong crafters.

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107 Comments

    1. Stacy thanks for your comment, it means a lot coming from you because I admire your work so much. Glad I was able to inspire.

  2. Mary, I’ve said it before, I say it again: you’re genius!!! This is so beautiful and with memories for both you and your husbands to cherish! I wanna come take a look at your basement 😉

    1. Katrin, you do not know how much your comments mean to me. Thank you so much for your encouragement friend! You are welcome to come rummage through my basement any time.

  3. Mary, this is a treasure! I love how you combined both pieces to make a lovely one. Now, every time that both of you look at it, you’ll have nice memories.

  4. Μαίρη ,θα έρθω να βουτήξω στην αποθήκη σου !!!! Καταπληκτικό κομμάτι έγινε .Έδωσες και στα δύο κομμάτια δεύτερη ευκαιρία ζωής ,να τα χαρείτε και να θυμάστε τις όμορφες παλιές στιγμές που περάσατε με αυτά !Καλή σου βδομάδα !

    1. Ολυμπία, θα χαρώ να έρθεις στην αποθήκη μου. Ευχαριστώ για τα καλά σου λόγια και να έχεις μια καλή εβδομάδα!

    1. Thanks so much Dori. I sat on it for months before finally taking the plunge and cutting the chair. But it was worth it.

  7. I love this idea!! Very creative, great way to preserve a dear piece of furniture and some memories from college days. It’s a really beautiful table!!

    1. Keri. that cassette organizer is almost as old and me and still going strong. They don’t make them like that anymore.

    1. Thank you Debbie. I’ll tell you a secret. I was never this cr eative. It was only after I started blogging that mycreative juices began to flow. There is so much inspiration around us. It sort of seeps into your pores.

    1. Thank you Angelica. This one is very special, worked on it for a long time to get it just right.

  11. Great idea to turn your cassette holder into a table, and to re-purpose the chair as the base. Now you have a unique piece of furniture that has special memories for you and your husband, and a wonderful display case for your beautiful sea shells 🙂

    1. Thank you Julie. And this time I did not paint it like I usually do. I figured I would let the wood shine through.

    1. Thanks Marie. I learn from the best! Hope you are feeling well, Hurry up and come back soon, we miss you much.

  17. Hi Mary! 🙂
    Wow, it looks beautiful and the top and bottom look like they were meant for each other, they match perfectly!
    I love that you stored shells inside, so pretty!
    And reusing a sentimental piece means everything!
    Have a wonderful Wednesday!
    Kimberley 🙂

    1. Thanks Kimberly, Yes I was able to preserve 2 old pieces and display my ever growing collection of shells. Now I’m inspired to look for new one. I t hink you can appreciate that more than most. Thanks and have a great day.

  18. I love this!! Thanks for sharing on the OMHGWW! I love making new things out of old furniture. 🙂 It’s a terrible hobby since my garage is always full of junk! 😉
    -Heather

    1. Heather we are repurposers (is that even a word?) to the bone. Do not look at your garage pile as junk but as an opportunity to express your creativity. So many things to transform and play with.

  19. I’ve wanted a table like this for ages to display some of our ‘treasures’, but it never occurred to me to make my own. Love what you have done here – really clever! Spotted you over on #WAYWOW

    1. Sarah, I used to believe that too, that if I wanted something I would have to buy it, not any more, I find that starting this blog has inspired me to try things I never would have before. What’s the worst that can happen a fail…well, I’ll try again, It is all so much fun. Try looking at old furniture with a new eye and you will be amazed at what you can come up with. Thanks for visiting.

  20. I love this, Mary! It’s so fun to take pieces that are special to us, but that just aren’t serving a purpose anymore, and give them new life. What a great reminder this table will be every time you see it.
    Thanks for linking up with The Alder Collective! Your posts have been pinned to the party group board, and we hope to see you again next Tuesday at 8 EST!

    1. Thank you Abby. Is is a very special table indeed and one that I will treasure and it was a lot of fun working with the hubby on this project. Thanks for stopping by.

  21. I cannot tell you how much I love this table! I want it. I’m coveting it. I wish that I had a cassette shelf like this, it is soooooooooooo cool. I love it. But even more I love what you’ve done with it. And using a chair bottom with special meaning too, this is a one of a kind piece that your kids will fight over later!

    1. Thanks Nikki. Now you’ve got me worried, I don’t want them fighting. Maybe I can make one for each of them instead. Thank you for all your sweet and meaningful comments.

      1. LOL! They’ll have to share it! BTW, I am not getting notifications that you replied, wanted to let you know! If I check the box below the post I get everyone’s comments to my email. Not just yours. That’s a lot of comments and emails. So I don’t check that one anymore, I’ve learned the hard way!

  24. You’ve done an amazing job! What a good idea to use cassette storage to display beautiful shells and then use it as a table 🙂

    1. Thanks so much Anna. I had been staring at that thing for years before finally doing something with it. Thanks for visiting.

  25. Mary, this piece is incredible! So unique and it holds not only seashells but many memories. I absolutely love it! Thanks for linking up with Thursday Favorite Things!

    1. Jas, yes this one is really special to me and of course to the hubs. Hopefully we will be able to keep it for another 30 years.

  27. I love the table it is gorgeous – Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board.

    1. Thank you Sharon for your sweet comment. Of course, I would love to visit your party next week.

    1. Thanks so much Kim. My husband had a big hand in this too. I could even go so far as to say it was more his doing than mine.

    1. Tracy thanks so much for your sweet comment. I am so glad this project is finally finished. It was years in the making.

  32. Wow… I think that is really special! So many memories! Plus it looks awesome, as always. I wish you had a picture of it from the college days, filled with cassettes! That would be a fun before/after. 🙂

    1. Sarah Eliza, don’t even get me thinking about it. I stopped listening to them years ago when my cassette player broke down. All those tapes, and now we don’t need any of that.. Less is more!!

  34. Great idea! I have always loved these display tables. Pottery Barn had some a few years ago. Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!

    1. I didn’t know that Sherry. Humm, and I thought it was an original. Oh well, at least the pieces are very personal. Thanks for visiting.

  35. Wow, Mary! Ingenious (and beautiful) transformation! My husband and I used to have a ton of cassettes, too! lol He won’t let me get rid of them!:) What a great idea to use the chair legs as a base! I never would have thought of that (but will keep it in mind for future projects). Thanks for joining in the party and visiting me on FB. I’m your newest blog follower! xoKathleen

    1. Thanks so much Kathleen. I am so happy to have inspired. I love your new party, you will definitely see me there every week.

  37. Mary! What an inspirational project… I’m in love! Showcasing you at Friday’s Furniture Fix tonight at 9PM EST. Thank you for participating!.. Carrie, Thirty Eighth Street

  38. Reading this made me a little sad – I recently got rid of a broken chair similar to this one – and I did not see it’s potential. This is absolutely a gorgeous piece of furniture!

    1. Thanks Susan.. that’s why you need me around, just kidding. I’ll tell you a little secret. I’ve found that since I started blogging, because I am exposed to so much amazing talent, that my imagination has skyrocketed. I walk around and see potential in everything. My husband is afraid to come home because he does not know what he’ll find. So before you throw anything out, think of the pieces not the whole. Thanks so much for visiting.

  39. Mary, this is an inspired piece! Oh my gosh. I love it, and would never have thought to pair those things. Just stunning. Thanks for sharing at Five Star Frou-Frou this week. Love, Mimi xxx

    1. Mimi, I hope all is well with you. Thank you so much for your sweet words. Sometimes it’s fun to marry different pieces together. Have a great weekend. xoxo

    1. It is my great pleasure Kim (the one who has me laughing my head off whenever I’m on facebook). Thanks so much for choosing this piece, it really is very spcial to me and the hubs. I’ll be there tomorrow.

  41. Mary, I absolutely love what you did with the cassette holder and chair! It was brilliant and looks so lovely. You were one of my feature pics this week at the Bewitchin’ Projects Block Party at Recreated Designs. Thanks so much for linking up and I look forward to your next projects. Hugs, Lisa

    1. Lisa thanks so much, I just went over to see it. It mean so much to me that this piece in particular is getting recognition because of its sentimental value. Again thanks, and I’ve allready been over to link up.

  42. Such a good idea to repurpose furniture that has meaning to your family. It’s a much better idea to have it out in use than tucked away in storage! Thanks for linking up to #frifree4all Hope to see you there again tomorrow as #frifree4all goes live 🙂

    1. Thanks so much Hayley. This one was so special to us and I am thrilled that we were able to pull it off. Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you tomorrow.

  43. Mary, this is AWESOME! I love everything about it and especially your creativity! I have a printer drawer that’s still sitting around. This is inspiring me to do something with it.

    1. Carol, this one holds a special place in my heart. I hope you can also find your printer drawer and make something out of it. I love one of a kind pieces.

  44. What a creative ideas combining the cassette Holder and the chair base. Love how it turned out, a unique one of a kind piece. And a lovely way to preserve memories of your father in law.

    1. It ti my most special piece Linda. I love it so much and have it proudly displayed in the house.

  45. MARY! of all your wonderful projects, this is by far my favorite. It is just lovely and I know you adore it. Do you keep it outside? What a wonderful keepsake…actually 2 keepsakes! Combined into one stunning,beautiful, sentimental and functional piece of furniture. Just really lovely…
    Thanks for the great idea.
    Hugs, Lynn

    1. Thank you Lynn for all your sweet words. This is my favorite too. I had it outside last year when I made it but then moved it in. It sits in the living room next to the couch as a great reminder.

  46. I have old director’s chairs I would love to try this!! & thank you for linking up to WASTE NOT WEDNESDAY! we love having you at the party!!

    1. Thank you Kellie. This was one of my most sentimental pieces. I’d love to see what you do with yours.

  48. We’re not worthy, we’re not worthy!!! Wow Mary that is such an amazing up-cycle of two pieces. I am in awe of what you did here, love it <3

  49. I absolutely love this! I live near the ocean and walk Oceanside regularly. I have many treasures that would love this for a home.

    1. I think if you look around you should be able to find one of these Sybil. From what the ladies tell me in the upcycle group they find them all the time in yard sales. Good luck.

  50. Mary, I think this is one of your best upcycles to date! So creative and the pieces look as if they were made for each other! Incredible!
    Jeannee

    1. Thanks Jeannee. This has to be my favorite too. It has huge sentimental value and it also came together very nicely.

    1. This project was a labor of love for us DeDe. It combined our love for my FIL and music. And it is still standing.

  52. What a lovely project! I can’t bear to part with some of my family’s furniture though some of it isn’t awfully functional; this was a great solution!

    1. This was one of those supers special projects where everything came together for us. Thank you Kathy!

  53. OH my gosh! My sister collects rocks and shells and arrowheads. She is a prolific finder. This will be the perfect gift for her to be able to display her finds in her living room for all her guests to see. Thanks!

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