Treasures from unwanted items—8 creative furniture repurpose ideas to give old furniture a new life

A summer cottage is often lacking in storage space. Solve the problem on a budget by repurposing items you no longer need, or creatively modifying furniture you’ve acquired secondhand.

Old wooden sideboards and cabinets can be put to use in many ways. A narrow wooden sideboard, for instance, can become an overhead kitchen cabinet if you remove the doors. The lower part of a dish cabinet can transform into a perfect island or side table with built-in storage drawers. For easy mobility, attach sturdy industrial casters to the bottom.

Old wooden boxes and trunks work perfectly as chest-style coffee tables. If the lid isn’t in good enough condition to be preserved, you can cover it with glossy 10 × 10 cm tiles using tile adhesive, a trowel, and grout. Just bear in mind that the tiles will add extra weight to the lid. This is just one of many budget-friendly furniture makeovers to explore.

1. Multipurpose table

This timeworn wooden crate was once used at the Arabia ceramics factory to transport dishware. A thin plywood panel has been attached to the top, and now the trunk table stores board games. At this allotment garden cottage, the rustic wooden sofa can also be used as a guest bed. The throw pillows have been covered with vibrant cotton fabrics. It's a prime example of DIY secondhand furniture transformations that combine style and function.

2. A customized island

A practical island has been fashioned from a 1950s wooden dish cabinet. A wide wooden countertop has been added, providing space for seating. The tabletop is supported by wooden post legs. Such furniture repurpose ideas are a sustainable way to refresh your kitchen.

3. Make use of vertical space

This old metal locker fits the proportions of the cottage porch perfectly. The lower compartments store garden tools, and the tall cabinets hold clothing. Think twice before painting: even weathered paint layers are part of a piece’s history. The metal surface can be refreshed with, for example, Maston’s Modena paint. Whether you prefer to keep its vintage appeal or opt for eco-friendly refurbished furniture ideas, you can easily update the finish for a fresh look.

4. A wooden sideboard as a vanity

The drawers of this vintage sideboard are perfect for holding toiletries. The 1950s piece has been treated with a water-resistant boat varnish. The vessel sink is by Svedbergs. The old lamp shades by Lisa Johansson-Pape feature porcelain fittings brought back into production by Ifö.

5. The nostalgic square

The living room wall features a shelf arrangement made from old, painted potato crates. These potato crates make great storage for toys, magazines, accessories, and garden tools, or even toilet paper rolls in an outhouse. They show how creative upcycling projects for furniture can help you reimagine everyday items.

6. A new purpose

This inherited antique wall cabinet is composed of a decorative open shelf and a small chest of drawers. The countertop has just enough space for a laptop, and you can close up the workstation when it’s not in use. The plastic-free, water-based furniture paint by Virtasen works well on old wooden pieces. The shade Elgö most closely matches the antique cabinet’s color. It’s a fantastic way to transform vintage furniture for modern living.

7. A spot for a basket

This open closet features a convenient storage solution—clothes and accessories are placed in wooden wine boxes and old woven birch baskets. Traditional woven baskets are available at Annansilmät-aitta. Such budget-friendly furniture makeovers are perfect for small spaces, adding functionality and style.

8. Rustic nightstand

An antique painter’s ladder has an architect lamp cleverly attached to the top step, leaving room for a pitcher of water and a glass. Best of all, the steps can hold plenty of books. A traditional wooden step stool works just as well. Such eco-friendly refurbished furniture ideas help you get creative while reducing waste.