- Gina Gaurisas-Wilson
Getting organized with your furniture

Old furniture can be transformed into anything you desire—a work space, storage, display, entertaining, play. Done with planning and care, the results can be very rewarding.
When spaces are organized, we can find what we’re looking for easily, and our minds are more clear. Furniture can be a time-saver and a space-saver.
Furniture has a utilitarian purpose, an aesthetic value, and a sentimental value—especially old pieces. The cost/benefit ratio of transforming old furniture can be more favorable than that of buying new furniture when you compare quality, durability and character.
The quality of materials in old furniture can surpass the new mass-produced furniture, which also carries a big environmental burden—deforestation, packaging and transportation. See a previous post about this subject.
Sometimes it’s not about buying another piece of furniture, but maximizing what you already have.
Here are some possibilities of how transforming old furniture can do that:
Using a single piece in multiple ways
Resizing
Combining two pieces into one
Custom add-ons to expand the use of your old furniture.
Maximize the space in your furniture
Combine custom-designed with ready-made storage solutions, offering flexibility and interest.

Close off/open areas to hide or display your containers.
Replace doors with drawers where accessibility is an issue.
Add shelves to your furniture to maximize space.

Look around your house with fresh eyes
Bring those pieces out of the attic or storage rental.
Rearrange furniture on paper to see the possibilities before moving too much around.
Sell, donate or recycle furniture you don’t want. My easy guide to sorting out furniture is a handy tool.
Find spaces with storage potential
Under stairs
Wide hallways
Armoires made into libraries of different sorts—music, books
Shelves converted into rollout trays for easy access
If you don’t have old furniture but have been interested in the benefits and advantages, adopt one from your local consignment store, where it’s likely you will find something that gets your attention and inspires you to act.
Thanks for reading.
I don't monitor this post, but feel free to contact me with questions or comments at gina@furniturerestyler.com