The Showcase Table
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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
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.
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 🙂
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.
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.
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.
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.
It ti my most special piece Linda. I love it so much and have it proudly displayed in the house.
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
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.
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!!
Thank you Kellie. This was one of my most sentimental pieces. I’d love to see what you do with yours.
Great makeover Mary! I really love it.
Hugs,
Jenny
Thank you Jenny, it is my favorite.
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
Oh yes you are… more than worthy! This one is full of sentiment.
I absolutely love this! I live near the ocean and walk Oceanside regularly. I have many treasures that would love this for a home.
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.
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
Thanks Jeannee. This has to be my favorite too. It has huge sentimental value and it also came together very nicely.
I love this repurposed project! Such a clever idea and love that you used glass on top!
This project was a labor of love for us DeDe. It combined our love for my FIL and music. And it is still standing.
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!
This was one of those supers special projects where everything came together for us. Thank you Kathy!
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!
So happy you like this idea Scarlet! Thank you for stopping by 🙂