Dishfunctional Designs: upcycled furniture

Showing posts with label upcycled furniture. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Antique Treadle Sewing Machines Upcycled & Repurposed

50 years ago if you were to ask anyone you knew if they had a treadle sewing machine in their attic there's a good chance they would've said yes!

Considered antiques even fifty years ago, treadle sewing machines--the classic wood and wrought iron machines that used a pedal or "treadle" to make them run--are classic pieces of history.

These machines are still collected, restored and used, so before you decide to repurpose one, please check with a collector or group beforehand (there are a few on them online and on Facebook) since some parts are greatly valued and needed for replacement parts.

As for upcycling and repurposing vintage Singer and other brand treadle sewing machines, you will most often see them turned into tables, utilizing the iron bases as table bases. There are other options for use too, as you will see below. Take a look and see how these creative folks transformed their old treadles & sewing machine bases into unique new creations.

I love the display of vintage books on the treadle

Wall shelf made with upcycled Singer base by Gadget Sponge

and don't forget to visit their Etsy Shop

Upcycled sewing machine transformed into a stool via Pinterest

This old treadle Singer sewing machine is now a bath cabinet with sink

A new kitchen island chopping block from a vintage repurposed Singer sewing machine

Singer Sewing Machine Grill by Cunnings Oven Builders of Victoria, BC

Here's another grill in a different style

In vibrant turquoise paint

Sewing machine base integrated into a kitchen ceiling lighting fixture

Here's an unusual use for an old Singer; a doorway gate

Table from just a little joy

In bright sunny yellow via

Table from Enjoying the simple things

Iron sewing machine base transformed into a garden trellis

From Cozy Little House

A marble-top table adds elegance

Angie from Knick Of Time created this cool repurposed antique sewing machine stand wall bins

Table with natural wood tabletop Via Batixa

Rustic charm image via Olivet

Benches constructed from treadle sewing machine bases (above and below)

Whitewashed barn wood creates a simple tabletop

In white paint in the kitchen from Country Calling

Table from Strawberryshortcakexo

Used as a plant stand

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Vintage Armoire Turned Secret Hidden Doors

A while back I did one of my upcycled and repurposed furniture blog posts entitled, The Upcycled Armoire, where I shared some very cool examples of vintage armoires that were not only refurbished, but they were also transformed to be used differently from their original purpose in the home. If you haven't seen the article, be sure to check it out (pinnable link below) for some instant inspiration!

I just came across this vintage repurposed armoire and I had to share it with you. If you're not exactly clear on what an armoire is, it is a piece of furniture similar to a closet, that is used to store clothing. Armoires, or wardrobes as they are also known, were popular in old timey days due to the lack of closets in homes. You can still buy armoires, but if you are a teaquer as I am, you already know that they are often found at thrift shops, antique malls, and in some of the nicer flea markets. So why buy new when you can buy a vintage one and transform it with your DIY skills, right? Right.

Obviously the one pictured above has been truly repurposed, gutted for whatever reason (hopefully due to damage and not just for fun), and turned into doors for a hidden room. The mirrors are an added bonus since they add depth to the room. This old armoire is certainly one of the old hulkingly giant ones, as it covers an entire doorway. Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, this armoire turned secret, hidden door transformation is one that is both charming and clever.

What do you think?

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

More Upcycled Dressers: Painted, Wallpapered, & Decoupaged

It’s been a while since my first blog post about painted and upcycled dressers so I figured it’s about time that I gather together a new collection of painted, decoupaged, and upcycled dressers, and share some new creative DIY inspiration.

Summer is just around the corner and this is a great time to tackle a nice-sized furniture project or two before the summer heat arrives full force. Unlike the cold winter months where we are stuck indoors and have to deal with paint smells and refinishing noises inside of our homes, we can now work outside or open up our garage doors for lots of fresh air and adequate ventilation.

So find a dresser, clean it from top to bottom, remove all paint and stains and oils with furniture stripper and by sanding, choose your project, pick your palette, and get to work. And wear your safety glasses!

Check out these creative upcycled and painted dressers and be inspired!