Summer is winding down and I was just telling Kev that there are a couple of things I’d still like to do before we settle back into a more structured routine. Whether we do those specific things or not, I’m hoping we can really cherish these last few days of summer before Kev goes back to school.
Theoretically, I’d be posting about this last weekly focus room, but I have confession to make – I’ve gotten nothing done on it!! My family was in town the week when I was supposed to be working on it and last week was a little crazy with different appointments and meetings. I’m planning to give it some real attention this week and I’ll post about what I was able to get done next Monday.
Today, I need your help! One thing that has me completely stumped in the living room is this bad boy.
We purchased this entertainment armoire from Craigslist a few years ago, back when we had a giant tube TV. We loved all the storage it provided and I especially loved the doors that could conceal everything. The problem: it’s HUGE!
In our current home, the armoire makes the living room feel even smaller than it already is. We upgraded to a flat screen TV years ago, so the top of the armoire no longer serves any real purpose other than to take up space. We still love all the storage that it provide underneath {we keep all the components and DVDs behind the doors}, so I hate to loose all that.
I’ve been racking my brain about different options that might provide us the storage we want but not take up so much space in the living room. And in all honesty, we don’t have any extra money to spend on a new piece of furniture. I stumbled upon this picture on Pinterest as well as this tutorial. Kev nor I are carpenters, so I’m a little nervous about tacking this b/c one wrong cut and we’ve ruined a perfectly good piece that was functional.
The other option is to sell it and use whatever money we get from it to purchase something different. We wouldn’t expect to get much for it and there’s not a whole lot out there on Craigslist right now that might suit our needs.
So here I am, asking for your opinions, dear readers. Let me know what you think.
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Convert it – I have confidence in you guys!! You can do it!! 🙂
That's what my gut is telling me, Kristin!!
Do you have a relative or a friend that's a decent carpenter who might help just with the cutting? I think you should convert it. You could also try to sell it then scour Goodwill, Restore, etc. for a good deal on something that will work. Keep in mind, old dressers can be repurposed and look amazing! The problem is, I don't know that you will get much on Craigslist for this piece. We tried to sell ours when we moved and no takers b/c everyone has gone to flat panel TVs. We ended up giving it to my SIL as she needed the storage. Convert and paint it is my vote!
We do know some friends who are decent with carpentry, but they are all saying it's probably too much of a hassle and I'm not sure if they are willing to try and help or have the time this week. A friend of mine who is always up for tackling DIY projects is planning to stop by tomorrow to help me with it….unless I pull the plug!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your vote!
Here's a link for ideas on Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=converting%20a%20tv%20armoire
I agree that not many people want to purchase a big armoire any more, however, maybe you can get a local thrift store to barter with you … swap out your armoire for a buffet cabinet, which can be converted into a TV stand! http://www.pinterest.com/explore/tv-stand-makeover/
(I know…now I gave you too much to think about! HAHAHA!)
Love your blog and wish you the best of luck with this project!
Jodi
Thanks for the ideas, Jodi! I hadn't thought about trying to barter with a thrift store for a different piece, but that's a good idea! I had seen a buffet style cabinet on Craigslist last week but it was gone by the time I responded.
Their just might be some bright ideas on pinterest for re-purposing ….after that selling would be beneficial to purchase something else, or as God could lead, there might be someone you could give it to,who really needs it .. :)… everyones ideas are great…so may God grace ya in the choosing 🙂
Thanks!! I tend to be slow in making decisions like this, but I've been pondering for so long and I'm just ready to make a decision and take the plunge either way!! 🙂
Just do it mark a line and cut. When it is done you will love it. and if you slip it will be a unique design feature.
It's probably way simpler than I'm imagining – the top with all the mouldings {that I'd like to keep intact} is what concerns me the most!! 🙂
What if you only took an eighth (or so) of the top off? It would look the same, just be a little shorter. You might even be able to cut down & use the doors, too. If you don't like it, just cut it down some more, because you already have the experience to do it!
Also, you might be able to cut right at the bottom of the molding, & just tack the whole thing right back on
I hadn't thought about that idea, but you may be onto something. I was thinking by eliminating the whole top part that it would open it up. Can you believe I'm still wracking my brain over it?? 🙂
Could you take a picture that shows your entire living room. It would help to visualize options.
I do have some pictures that I plan to share next week once I've worked on the room a little bit. It's not looking like we'll have made a final decision on the armoire, so maybe you could give your thoughts next week once that post goes live?