Turning a repurposed desk into a new piece of furniture is so much better than throwing it out. I'm sure you've seen a lot of repurposed desks into nightstands. But have you ever seen the two drawer sections stacked?
My favorite had been the desk I repurposed into a kitchen island. But now I have a new favorite.
Grab something to drink and/or a snack folks—this is a long post!
Here's the shorter version in video form:
The desk enjoyed quite the life back in the 90’s:
circa 1992
While my daughter Jamie was still playing with Barbies. 🙂 However, it had been stored in the basement for about ten years.
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Let's see how I repurposed this desk into a tall lingerie chest . . .
Perfect Repurposed Desk Candidate
The vintage desk had definitely seen better days. Unfortunately there was some water damage on the bottom trim. In addition, you can see there is some separation of the knee-hole board in the back.
Step 1 Dismantle Desk
To begin, I removed the top of the desk, and all of the bottom trim pieces, stacking the left side on top of the right side to see if my vision was really going to work.
Step 2 Add Base to chest
It's a good idea to test your fun feet before moving forward.
Step 3 How to add legs to furniture
Indeed, I thought they would work. I got busy attaching them. I first drew circles around each of the four feet. The bottom and top of this cabinet are pieces of MDF I had left over from when I built my media center.
TIP: Drill four pilot holes inside each of the circles. Gorilla Wood Glue was used for extra hold with the screws.
Drilling the pilot holes is a must to get the screws successfully into the feet.
Step 4 Add trim to lingerie chest
In order to get the crown molding to clear the drawers, I had to beef up the top. (I later filled those large holes with some wood putty and then spackling)
I cut some 1x’s down to size, and attached them with pocket holes using my Kreg Jig.
Need more details on using a Kreg Jig? See my article How to use a Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System
Using the original drawer sections of the repurposed desk, you can see that had I put the MDF directly on top of the drawer tower that I would not have had room for the crown molding trim?
Step 5 Attach two drawer sections to one another
I used some of the original holes and added some pocket holes to attach the two pieces together. The two pieces were still a little unstable.
Step 6 Add a Plywood Back
You know how that cheap furniture has cardboard backings that you tack on with those little nails to keep is “squared up”? I decided my tower needed a little strength in the back.
In other words, I used a piece of thin plywood to sturdy it, and keep it squared.
Step 7 Primer and Paint Lingerie Chest
Time to start painting. Oh-do you see those two pieces of Gorilla Tape on the drawer front? I filled all the original drawer pull handles with wood putty.
TIP: To prevent seepage, use tape to keep the putty from coming through the back side.
Painter’s tape was used to hold plastic in place. I didn’t want to paint the drawers, because I wanted them to slide in and out easily, and they were still in pretty good shape.
I used my HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer
to apply some primer to all the pieces.
After a coat of primer I saw that I still needed to do some patching. I used spackling for this.
Sanded and another coat of primer. Looks better, but not as good as I would like, hence the nickname “tower of terror”. (in hindsight, I wish I had put luan or bead board on each side of the repurposed desk chest)
After the first coat of black paint.
Step 8 Embellish with stencils
Way back when, I received some great products compliments of Plaid/Martha Stewart. These awesome stencils were part of that selection. I’m trying to figure out which stencil I wanted to use. I decide this one (far right) is too small.
The larger version seemed like the best fit. I used some of Martha’s craft paint, it was a very light shade – actually a shade of blue. An aged gray look was the end goal.
After I painted on the first sheet of stencil, I decided it was too “stark”. I was looking for more of a faded (aged) look. I didn’t want to sand back the drawer, so I actually used a damp paper towel and sort of scrubbed/scraped off some of the paint that I just painted. No pictures of this step—sometimes time is of the essence and a blogger doesn’t have time to pick up the camera! 
I laid the chest down on it’s back to do this step. Doing it this way I didn’t have to tape my stencil. I used my hem guide to make sure that the space was equal on the left and right side.
After I painted the stencil, I marked the drawers with painter’s tape so that I would easily get them in the right order when I moved it in the house.
Step 9 Install Glass Knobs
Time for some knobs! I loved these pretty glass-look knobs.
How to use a Hardware Jig
If you’ve ever tried to center hardware and get it the same on each drawer, you know how difficult it can be. This handy Jig from Rockler makes it easy.
The block on the left lines your hole from left to right, while the plastic piece centers your hole top to bottom. The automatic center punch “dents” a little hole which acts as a guide for your drill bit. LOVE it!
You can see how adjustable this hardware installation jig is. It is very helpful.
The knobs were installed in no time!
You can see that although there are actually SIX drawers from the original repurosed desk. I like the fact that the two very deep drawers appear to be two drawers instead of one. Therefore I put EIGHT knobs on this chest.
This repurposed desk turned into a chest can be multi-purposed. I’m not sure which room it will land in, nor what I will actually use it for. It can be used for office/tax papers, lingerie, or even jewelry. If used as a file cabinet, the deep drawers could hold file folders. If used to organize accessories, the smaller drawers could hold belts, while the deep drawers could hold handbags or boots.
What would you store in the “tower of terror?”
gail
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Edited to add: I have placed this beaut in my bedroom. The larger drawers hold some boots. The smaller drawers hold all my blog stationary stuff like business cards, stickers, etc. The top drawer holds my orphan socks...you know the ones the dryer didn't eat!
Wow!! Would never have thought to do that. Love love love it!!
I've never seen it done, before or since! 🙂
I have no idea how I came up with it.
thank you for your sweet comment!
gail
I use industrial Velcro to attach things that I am afraid to drill into. It is very strong .
This is so dope! I love it!
Thanks! It's still one of my all-time favorite projects. I'd love to make another someday soon.
gail
This is wonderful. I am going to sale an old desk on craigslist soon. I just have no more room even for a smaller item. I do have an old metal Army footlocker that was my father's, he was a 30 year veteran, that I want to put casters on but I'm reluctant to drill holes to hold the casters or cleats for the casters. Any suggestions on how to attach the casters without changing the integrity of the footlocker?
Kathryn,
I really don't have a good suggestion about attaching casters without drilling or screws. You can see how I did one here: https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/army-footlocker-coffee-table-storage/
Wishing you the best of luck.
gail
How about making a shallow tray with wheels on it to set the foot locker IN so you don't have to add them ONTO the footlocker itself?
Kim,
That's a fun idea! I'll have to remember that for my next project that needs wheels. Thanks!
gail
This is such a neat idea. You really are very good at these projects. I love looking at your ideas and finished projects. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Teresa. I still use this every day, and I love how little space it takes up. 🙂
gail
Wowza Gail! This is gorgeous! I love it! You are a genius at these re-purposing projects. Truly inspirational. The little glass knobs remind me of the old house I grew up in. All the door knobs were glass. Brought back memories. PS I live in a small mobile home and space is always an issue, so going vertical is always my way to go because of the lack of floor space. 🙂
Mona,
I'm so happy you found this blog post. I love this and still use it almost every day.
gail
Wow! Beautiful piece! Your creativity and abilities are just over the top. I am so fascinated by your projects but to timid to try this on my own. Maybe someone in my area will give a repurposing class one day. ?
Beautiful, I agree with using two knobs on the deep drawers, looks great. Love the stencil, the design is just enough to make a statement . Job well done and a beautiful piece
Love this project top to bottom! When I first saw the pic I thought I want that piece. I love re-purposed pieces but this one seemed too nice to not be purpose-built. I've eyed lingerie chests but this one would store so much more, especially in my tiny house. Now I'm going to be eyeing garage sales for cheap double pedestal desks, and plotting stenciling for my existing bedroom pieces.
Thank you Alison!
This is still one of my all-time favorites. It's in my bedroom and I use it all the time.
I've always wanted to make another, but haven't found the right desk!
thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.
gail
All the comments telling you how lovely, awesome and perfect this piece is -are all true. If you are near the Newport , WA area, I have a desk I will give you. Would love to see the next one you do.
Rebecca
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment on this project. It was a fun piece to do. I'm in Louisville KY, but I thank you for the offer of the desk, I'm always up to a good challenge.
gail
Brilliant idea, one of the best I have seen. Thank you for the how to instructions. I am looking at a couple of water damaged pieces with new eyes!
Thank you Carol, so happy you stopped by My Repurposed Life!
gail
I love your repurposed desk turned tall chest and I think it's by far the best idea yet that I have come across, it looks fabulous.
You did an awesome job I must say, I also love the stencilling.
I am presently eyeing an old wooden desk someone has disposed of because the top is damaged and coming off.
I have been looking for ways I could possibly repurpose it as the rest of it is in good condition and is solid wood.
While looking for ideas I came across a picture of your desk turned chest and your blog on how you did this so I think I'm going to give this a go.
Thank you for sharing this project with us and all the how to instructions.
Deb B
I really like this! It is so useful, which to me is highest praise! I had a huge desk like this at work and always loved it but it was so large, I couldn't really use it well. I think I have to go look into the attic and see if we kept it! This would be perfect in my little house!
Thank you!
still an all time favorite project!!!
So far, this has been my favorite project.
We did this once to a credenza, making a useful filing cabinet. Ours did not turn out this great, however, because we didn't finish it out to the extent that you did. Ours was strictly utility.
OMGosh, I want a work shop SO bad!! What an inspiration!!
Thanks so much Rachel. I still use this every day, and love it so much!
gail
So thinking the corner bench was the fave, but after reading other posts, I love this tall cabinet! Have looked for one for some time. Love your ingenuity and recycle. The smaller footprint is perfect!
Gail, this project is #2 on my list of to-dos right behind doing a headboard to bench project. I talk about this more than any other project. So ingenious!!! I am still looking for the perfect desk for this. I find ones that are too nice(pricey) or too far gone.. I also want to find the perfect place for it in my home. I may have to build it, and once I see it, know where the perfect home will be. It's between my bedroom, and the guestroom, but I could use one in my sewing room. In my wanderings looking for the right one, I keep seeing old entertainment centers (kid kitchen potential - can't get that one out of my head either!!!).
This is THE most awesome re-do I have ever seen. I can't wait to tear into some of my yucky furniture to turn it into a gorgeous make-over like you did. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Thank you very much Bobbie! I appreciate your kind comment. Good luck with your furniture redos.
Have fun, be safe!
gail
Hi there . . . Just stumbled across this site today (always late!) but wanted to congratulate you on such a wonderful outcome. Gee, I wish I could think outside the box. 🙂
Thank you Sally! One of the few pieces I've kept. I love it still
gail
"The top drawer holds my orphan socks…you know the ones the dryer didn’t eat!"
Oh my, I thought I was the only one that had a drawer like that rofl....
Love this! And have my eye on a similar desk at St Vincent de Paul that I really want to get and do this! Question: how did you get the top off and cut the desk apart? That's the part that has me a little leery. I'm thinking that I also want to remove the two small drawers on the top of each side; one is damaged pretty bad. Would love to take on this project if I can get my courage up 🙂
Hi there. Thank you for your kind comments on my project.
If you look under the desk top you will probably see that it has screws to hold the top on. Remove those screws and the top should come right off. I've done that with several desks and they all have screws underneath the top.
If you have any other questions I'm always here to answer them for you.
Good luck! Have fun
Gail
I have a large, solid wood entertainment center--the kind that was used for those huge tube-type TVs. I would love to figure out how to make it into 2 nightstands. After reading your great post, I'm definitely going to put some energy into trying to make that happen. If you have any suggestions/ideas, I'd love to have them! Great post, and thanks for the inspiration!
Bonnie--I'd have to see pictures to advise you. 🙂
Happy to inspire you!
gail
Great job! Thanks for the long post, pics, and tips from your experience! I've got a desk perfect for this project... just have to get the nerve to attempt it! lol
Yay! I'm glad you are inspired to make your own! 🙂 I'm here if you have any questions. good luck, have fun!
gail