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    Home » Repurposed Furniture » How To: Turn a desk into a tall chest | Before and After Photos

    How To: Turn a desk into a tall chest | Before and After Photos

    Published by Gail | Published July 5, 2022 | Updated December 8, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Using a repurposed desk to make a tall chest, keeps all the storage area. However it creates a smaller footprint in your space. Step by step directions. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #furniture #desk #chest #organization #doityourself via @repurposedlifeUsing a repurposed desk to make a tall chest, keeps all the storage area. However it creates a smaller footprint in your space. Step by step directions. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #furniture #desk #chest #organization #doityourself via @repurposedlifeUsing a repurposed desk to make a tall chest, keeps all the storage area. However it creates a smaller footprint in your space. Step by step directions. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #furniture #desk #chest #organization #doityourself via @repurposedlifeUsing a repurposed desk to make a tall chest, keeps all the storage area. However it creates a smaller footprint in your space. Step by step directions. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #furniture #desk #chest #organization #doityourself via @repurposedlife

    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?

    UPDATE! I painted this piece, and I love the new look . . . but FIRST let's take a look how I built this unique chest out of a desk!

    My favorite repurposed desk had been the one 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!

    The desk enjoyed quite the life back in the 90’s:

    vintage tween desk repurposed
    circa 1992

    While my daughter Jamie was still playing with Barbies. 🙂 However, it had been stored in the basement for about ten years.

    Does your desk have missing drawers? See how to work around a desk with missing drawers.

    Let's see how I repurposed this desk into a tall lingerie chest . . .

    Perfect Repurposed Desk Candidate

    repurposed desk

    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.

    Dismantle Desk

    stacked desk drawer sections

    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.

    Add Base to  chest

    add a base to a lingerie chest made from a repurposed desk

    It's a good idea to test your fun feet before moving forward.

    How to add legs to furniture

    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.

    give old furniture new legs

    TIP: Drill four pilot holes inside each of the circles. Gorilla Wood Glue was used for extra hold with the screws.

    how to add a base and legs to old furniture

    Drilling the pilot holes is a must  to get the screws successfully into the feet.

    Add trim to lingerie chest

    add trim to repurposed desk lingerie cabinet

    In order to get the crown molding to clear the drawers, I had to beef up the top of the new lingerie chest. (I later filled those large holes with some wood putty and then spackling)

    add height to make room for trim

    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

    repurposed desk drawer sections make a tall chest

    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?

    Attach two drawer sections to one another

    repurposed desk

    I used some of the original holes and added some pocket holes to attach the two pieces together to change the repurposed desk into the lingerie chest. However, the two pieces were still a little unstable.

    Add a Plywood Back

    stacked drawers chest rear view angle

    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. It worked perfectly!

    Primer and Paint Lingerie Chest

    painters tape for painting repurposed drawers

    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.

    prevent over spray when painting drawers

    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.

    primer coat of paint on repurposed desk

     I used my HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer to apply some primer to all the pieces.

    patch and paint repurposed desk

    After a coat of primer I saw that I still needed to do some patching. I used spackling for this.

    second coat of primer

    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)

    paint repurposed desk lingerie chest black

    After the first coat of black paint.

    Embellish with stencils

    embellish repurposed desk with stencil

    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.

    martha stewart paint and stencils

    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.

    stencil drawer fronts

    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! Smile  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.

    stenciled drawer fronts lingerie chest made from stacked desk
    number drawers for replacement after painting

    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

    glass knobs for lingerie chest made from vintage desk

    Time for some knobs! I loved these pretty glass-look knobs.

    How to use a Hardware Jig

    hardware jig for glass knobs

    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!

    adjustable hardware jig

    You can see how adjustable this hardware installation jig is. It is very helpful.

    new glass knobs for repurposed desk into tall chest

    The knobs were installed in no time!

    tall lingerie chest made from a desk
    repurposed desk into lingerie chest

    You can see that although there are actually SIX drawers from the original repurposed 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 lingerie 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?”

    Edited to add: I have placed this beauty 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!

    Okay, now for the update! I still use this upright storage in my bedroom. It seriously doesn't get any better than this for storage. All that drawer space, with such a small footprint!

    Black Lingerie Chest made from a Desk

    I still love this storage solution as much as ever, but I built it in 2011!

    This is my current throw rug in the bedroom. It's from IKEA, but they probably don't have it anymore. I keep things for years and years when I love them.

    I posted a few days ago on Facebook asking what color I should pull from the rug. The choices were dark blue, gray, or off white. Weeks ago, I decided to paint it Polo (navy blue) but as I started working on it, I was having second thoughts. Many, many people said dark blue. I think gray came in second.

    So, I stuck with my original plan of Polo. After all, I bought a quart for this project, I should use it, right?

    Easy Paint Makeover

    It's always bothered me that the "joint" where I connected the two drawer sections was so visible. Well, I guess it didn't bother me THAT much, since I've never done anything about it.

    In this photo, you can see I've already patched the side, and started painting the drawers in place. Because it was so hot outside, I opted to paint this lingerie chest in my bedroom.

    Honestly, when I started with the drawers, I still wasn't 100% sure I was going to go with blue. I use All in One Paint from Heirloom Traditions. To get the best look, I always do a very light first coat after prepping the piece. I sanded the stenciled drawers lightly to keep the flowers from showing through on the final coat. You can see they are still visible after the first coat.

    Foam Roller for Painting Furniture

    I used my small foam roller for 99% of the lingerie chest. A small paint brush was only used in the corners.

    Second coat of Polo on the drawers of the lingerie chest. You can see I sanded the seam, and it's almost ready to paint.

    After the drawers were dry, I removed them so I could paint the facing and the rest of the lingerie chest.

    If you remember, the top is MDF, so it doesn't paint up very well. Notice the parchment paper under the feet to keep paint off the floor. It's time to let the paint cure a little before doing one more coat on the top and sides. The small drawers got 2 coats and the larger drawers got 3 coats.

    Now, the makeover is complete!

    Blue Storage Chest Made from a Repurposed Desk

    Personally, I think the lingerie chest looks right at home now, much better than it did before.

    Items atop of the tall chest are a couple of favorites from a trip I took with my daughter Jamie. On the left is a keepsake shadow box I made with mementos of the trip. On the right is a postcard I picked up from an artist in Nantucket. The small perfume bottle is left over from projects I made back in 2009.

    What do you think of the new color? I'm seriously ready to make another project out of a repurposed desk, what about you?

    gail

    Related Content: More Upcycled Desk Ideas

    Sharing at Funky Junk Interiors

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    1. Tania

      July 31, 2022 at 8:40 am

      That is so cool and what a great idea!

      Tania

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 31, 2022 at 11:19 am

        Thank you Tania. I re-home many of my projects after I do the tutorial. But this is definitely one of the favorites that I've kept!

        gail

    2. Janette

      July 06, 2022 at 3:28 am

      I think this was a brilliant idea, never seen it done before but I love it and both ways it was painted too.x

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 07, 2022 at 11:00 am

        Thank you Janette!
        I've never seen anyone do it before me or after me! Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.

        gail

    3. Erica Smith

      April 27, 2022 at 9:47 am

      OOOOMGOSH how clever!! This "new" cabinet turned out perfect! Great job!! A new buy would be sooo expensive! Love flippin pieces into something new and especially pieces that hold special meaning to us!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas!!!
      Erica

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        April 29, 2022 at 3:29 pm

        Erica,

        Your sweet comment put a big smile on my face! Thank you so much. I'm thinking about updating the paint, a navy blue. I think it would match my bedroom better. Although I've loved the black with the stenciling a lot!

        gail

    4. Cheryl

      December 05, 2018 at 2:04 am

      Wow!! Would never have thought to do that. Love love love it!!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        December 06, 2018 at 9:39 am

        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

    5. Mike bartley

      November 28, 2018 at 1:36 pm

      I use industrial Velcro to attach things that I am afraid to drill into. It is very strong .

      Reply
    6. Pamela

      April 23, 2017 at 10:31 am

      This is so dope! I love it!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        April 25, 2017 at 8:31 am

        Thanks! It's still one of my all-time favorite projects. I'd love to make another someday soon.

        gail

    7. Kathryn Gutierrez

      August 17, 2016 at 6:24 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        August 18, 2016 at 8:27 am

        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

      • Kim

        May 21, 2017 at 4:22 pm

        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?

      • Gail Wilson

        May 22, 2017 at 8:54 pm

        Kim,

        That's a fun idea! I'll have to remember that for my next project that needs wheels. Thanks!
        gail

    8. Teresa

      July 22, 2016 at 6:51 am

      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.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        July 22, 2016 at 8:08 am

        Thank you Teresa. I still use this every day, and I love how little space it takes up. 🙂

        gail

    9. Mona W.

      June 17, 2016 at 4:11 pm

      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. 🙂

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        June 17, 2016 at 6:25 pm

        Mona,

        I'm so happy you found this blog post. I love this and still use it almost every day.

        gail

    10. Kim

      September 17, 2015 at 10:57 am

      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. ?

      Reply
    11. Donna atkins

      September 17, 2015 at 8:35 am

      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

      Reply
    12. alison

      May 05, 2015 at 12:36 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        May 05, 2015 at 1:07 pm

        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

      • rebecca

        March 24, 2016 at 5:34 pm

        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.

      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        March 24, 2016 at 6:14 pm

        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

    13. Carol

      April 19, 2015 at 10:44 am

      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!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        April 19, 2015 at 11:31 am

        Thank you Carol, so happy you stopped by My Repurposed Life!

        gail

    14. Deb B

      November 03, 2014 at 1:05 pm

      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

      Reply
    15. Linda Lehman

      July 30, 2014 at 11:44 am

      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!

      Reply
    16. girlfromwva

      July 30, 2014 at 10:12 am

      still an all time favorite project!!!

      Reply
    17. Mona

      December 02, 2013 at 12:46 pm

      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.

      Reply
    18. Rachel Lewter

      November 04, 2013 at 1:21 pm

      OMGosh, I want a work shop SO bad!! What an inspiration!!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        November 04, 2013 at 8:40 pm

        Thanks so much Rachel. I still use this every day, and love it so much!

        gail

    19. jenniferj

      September 13, 2013 at 9:50 am

      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!

      Reply
    20. Dawn Stagg

      July 26, 2013 at 7:34 am

      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!!!).

      Reply
    21. Bobbie

      May 25, 2013 at 1:51 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        May 26, 2013 at 8:05 am

        Thank you very much Bobbie! I appreciate your kind comment. Good luck with your furniture redos.
        Have fun, be safe!

        gail

    22. Sally

      May 25, 2013 at 10:45 am

      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. 🙂

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        May 26, 2013 at 8:06 am

        Thank you Sally! One of the few pieces I've kept. I love it still

        gail

    23. Cindi

      April 19, 2013 at 12:33 am

      "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....

      Reply
    24. Sue

      April 17, 2013 at 9:44 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        April 17, 2013 at 9:53 pm

        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

      • Bonnie Earnhardt

        April 18, 2013 at 1:57 pm

        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!

      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        April 18, 2013 at 2:02 pm

        Bonnie--I'd have to see pictures to advise you. 🙂

        Happy to inspire you!
        gail

    25. tmcarthur57

      March 23, 2013 at 9:25 am

      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

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        March 23, 2013 at 12:09 pm

        Yay! I'm glad you are inspired to make your own! 🙂 I'm here if you have any questions. good luck, have fun!
        gail

    26. Linda

      January 09, 2013 at 4:40 am

      Reply
    27. Susan Forsythe

      January 09, 2013 at 2:48 am

      O...M...G...! Be still my heart!!!

      Reply
    28. Infarrantly Creative

      December 13, 2012 at 7:01 pm

      OMGoodness! This is fantastic, perfect and completely "outside" of the box. Tremendous job!

      Reply
    29. Debi Martin

      December 13, 2012 at 6:49 pm

      Great Job!!! I love making something from nothing lol. Just a little FYI for a fellow DIYer. Hobby Lobby carries knobs and if you watch they have them for 50% off sometimes. I bought all new knobs for my kitchen and I got all the drawer pulls and knobs for under $40.00 Just thought I would share

      Reply
    30. Wanda

      December 13, 2012 at 9:36 pm

      Oh my goodness. I'll be on the lookout for an old desk now!

      Reply
    31. Jo Anne

      December 11, 2012 at 4:33 am

      This was a great, new idea with excellent tutorial. I love high chests and this is really cool. NRN.

      Reply
    32. Audrey

      November 12, 2012 at 3:31 am

      Beautiful ... great job
      Blessings,
      Audrey Z. http://audreyzumwalt.blogspot.com/
      Timeless Treasures

      Reply
    33. Anonymous

      September 18, 2012 at 11:44 am

      LOVE IT WANT ONE

      Reply
    34. Anonymous

      September 14, 2012 at 2:54 pm

      Wonderful idea!! And excellent job!! Love it!
      NRN ~ Lisa

      Reply
    35. Jill

      July 01, 2012 at 8:57 am

      That is so gorgeous, I love the black and white. And the end result compared to what it started out as is just amazing! I would love to give a project like this a try, not sure it would turn out quite as well though!

      Reply
    36. Anonymous

      May 29, 2012 at 3:39 pm

      Awesome idea! I have a srudent teachers desk in excellent condition but is too big for us. Unless I figure out how to make a kitchen island, not sure what to do. Never thought about sawing it in half. 2 end tables would be perfect! Thanks!
      Jennifer...jmcorazza@yahoo.com

      Reply
    37. Tisha

      February 07, 2012 at 1:46 pm

      Amazing! Your creativity is so inspiring, and your tutorial has some great tips! I bought some feet to attach to an old dresser, and I'm having trouble with them staying secure - but it never occurred to me to mount them on a solid piece of MDF and set the whole thing on top! I'd love it if you'd share this at my Show & Tell party, going on now @ the Delectable Home.

      Reply
    38. driftwoodesign

      February 04, 2012 at 5:36 pm

      Way to go Gail, you did a fabulous job!
      Kristy @ 4 the love of WOOD

      Reply
    39. Good Time Charlie

      February 02, 2012 at 11:41 pm

      Thanks again for sharing Gail, I am sharing tomorrow at my party!

      Reply
    40. Michell @ Girl In Air

      January 27, 2012 at 11:34 pm

      Gail I'm not sure if I got a chance to stop by and tell you how amazing this project is....WOW! So inspiring...I hope I get time to do something like this with the many pieces I have in my garage..

      Reply
    41. Good Time Charlie

      January 27, 2012 at 10:50 pm

      Gail this is amazing!!! I truly cannot believe what these pieces started out life as. Congrats on making top 10 at DIY club. I would looove it if you linked this up at my party today. It is my idea of a fantastic Redoux!

      Reply
    42. Holly Lefevre

      January 22, 2012 at 5:36 am

      That is a fantastic repurpose - it looks amazing - great save on that desk!

      Reply
    43. Lillie

      January 12, 2012 at 6:13 pm

      This very tall dresser is exactly what I have been searching all over for, to put in my extremely small bedroom. They are so hard to find! And in my search, I landed on your blog. It's amazing that you were able to build this ... I wish it were for sale!

      Reply
    44. Baye

      January 06, 2012 at 6:13 pm

      I'd put in in the back of my walk-in closet to hold all kinds of things! Love this! Maybe this summer I'll give it a try.

      Reply
    45. Clarissa Emily

      January 06, 2012 at 4:29 pm

      Uh-May-Zing! You are such an inspiration! I'll be on the lookout for one of these next time I'm out thrifting! It would be perfect for storing my piano sheet music. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
      ~Clarissa @ A Little Stone House

      Reply
    46. Our Delightful Home

      January 06, 2012 at 1:10 pm

      You did an amazing job!

      ~Mrs. Delightful
      ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

      Reply
    47. michelle@somedaycrafts

      January 06, 2012 at 8:18 am

      You are more than a repurposing rockstar! You are a repurposing genius!!!!! i am featuring this today at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com.

      Reply
    48. Chris

      December 26, 2011 at 8:45 pm

      Hi Gail, what a fantastic job you did in converting an older desk into a modern "tower". It is absolutely beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing and Happy New Year. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
      http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.com/

      Reply
    49. Shelly @A Creative Space

      December 15, 2011 at 4:11 pm

      Seriously? What awesome tales you tell! Yep, had my cup of coffee with me, enjoyed the whole story. Wonderful results! About 10 years ago, my poor dresser set was combined, one on top of the other, very basic design. And that was that.
      It lives in the garage and still houses tools, electrical cords, etc. Someday, it may be disassembled and allowed back inside... your post has given it hope! Have a great day. 🙂

      Reply
    50. Lori

      December 15, 2011 at 6:01 am

      You the Bomb! LOL...You really did a fantastic rebuild! Love it.

      Reply
    51. Allison @ House of Hepworths

      December 15, 2011 at 2:26 am

      You are awesome so I featured you at my Hookin Up with HoH Party!

      Feel free to stop by for a button if you'd like. 🙂

      xoxo

      Allison @ House of Hepworths

      Reply
    52. SheilaG

      December 14, 2011 at 2:50 pm

      Amazing- I love it! This would make a great lingerie/jewelry chest. Love the feet and the knobs, good job!

      Reply
    53. Jen Lossing, The Consigner Designer

      December 12, 2011 at 7:36 pm

      What! This is amazing. I had no idea. So very talented. Great job!

      Reply
    54. Kim@todayismysome-day

      December 12, 2011 at 5:01 pm

      This is just wonderful! Can't wait until I am comfortable enough to remake a piece. Great job!

      Kim
      http://www.todayismysome-day.blogspot.com

      Reply
    55. My Indulgences

      December 09, 2011 at 3:21 pm

      I'm bookmarking this post in my Inspiration folder. I have the old desk and the perfect place for the "tower".... now I just need the time to make it happen. Looks like the perfect winter project for me after the holidays.

      Great post with detailed instructions...much appreciated! Feel free to browse my site if you find the time.

      I'll be back!

      Lora

      Reply
    56. Beth

      December 09, 2011 at 12:12 pm

      This is ingenious! A lot of work, but so worth it in the end! I adore the stenciling along the front that really sets this piece off.

      Reply
    57. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal

      December 09, 2011 at 4:39 am

      What a fantastic was to repurpose a desk! It is nice to have so much storage but not take up so much space. Hope you're feeling better. 🙂

      Reply
    58. Cinthya

      December 08, 2011 at 5:21 pm

      That is an incredible makeover. Wow. I can't believe all the work you put into it. I would like to invite you to my linky party at: http://eyehearttoday.blogspot.com/2011/12/last-weeks-linky-party-was-success-and.html

      Reply
    59. Sandi @ The Primitive Skate

      December 08, 2011 at 2:49 pm

      Looks like alot of hard work went into making this, but it turned out Beautiful. You do amazing work, Gail.

      Reply
    60. Cherica

      December 08, 2011 at 2:11 pm

      You are such a creative genius!

      Reply
    61. Mel

      December 08, 2011 at 11:58 am

      Oh my goodness, you've blown my socks off! Love every little thing about this. Well done.

      Reply
    62. Mimi@blueroofcabin

      December 08, 2011 at 6:20 am

      That is inspired! I love what you did to that old desk. I am very impressed!

      Reply
    63. marissa

      December 08, 2011 at 6:10 am

      wow that is beyond impressive I'd love you to add it to what we wore and made party over at http://raegunwear.blogspot.com

      Reply
    64. Jennifer @ Just A Girl

      December 08, 2011 at 5:45 am

      NO WAY! I am in awe! this looks awesome!!

      Reply
    65. Leslie

      December 08, 2011 at 4:15 am

      wow - I am amazed!! I would never have come up with something like that in a million years!!

      Reply
    66. Margaret

      December 08, 2011 at 3:28 am

      Oh, I've seen a lot of fantastic projects on various blogs this year, but this, girl, takes the cake! What vision, and I know firsthand how difficult MDF furniture can be when trying to take a "sow's ear and turn it into a silk purse."

      Reply
    67. Stephanie

      December 08, 2011 at 3:09 am

      Bunco! I didn't know you played bunco! Taking those winnings and spending them on the hardware was well worth it. It just finishes off that beautiful tower of terror. This is a perfect item for a craft room! Won't take up much space, but you can fill it with a ton of stuff. Great, great job Gail, I think you should put it in your office by your work table/coffee table 🙂

      Reply
    68. Jamie @ Sew Rockin'

      December 08, 2011 at 2:33 am

      I love morphing one thing into something totally different! Awesome job 🙂

      Reply
    69. Lori C

      December 07, 2011 at 11:35 pm

      LOVE it!! Do you have a Hobby Lobby nearby?? They have fantastic knobs at great prices!! (always 50% off)I would keep all sorts of stuff in this, clothes, accessories, etc. Seems like there's never enough drawers when you need them! I may just need to make my own tower...

      Reply
    70. Full Circle Creations

      December 07, 2011 at 9:30 pm

      Oh my gosh! I'm so impressed! I love how it turned out! Great job! I even love the knobs!

      Holly

      Reply
    71. Finders Keepers

      December 07, 2011 at 9:18 pm

      Gail, I think you're brilliant! What an idea turning a desk into a tall chest of drawers! I've got several old 70's desk in my junk-furniture-storage-lean-to...they may be destined for this treatment.

      Have you ever considered using Bondo (the two-part automotive body putty) instead of spackle or wood filler? It’s pretty easy to use, sticks well, is inexpensive (relatively) easy to shape (with a sure-form rasp and sandpaper), and definitely durable. I use Bondo as my main filler on all of my furniture projects.

      Thanks for the great idea!

      Scott

      Reply
    72. Toqua's Crafts

      December 07, 2011 at 6:53 pm

      Oh I KNEW it!! When you gave us the preview on FB I knew what you had done! I love it!! I think the stencil you used is perfect... and the hardware... PERFECT!!! Wonderful Wonderful work!!

      Reply
    73. Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama

      December 07, 2011 at 6:48 pm

      Not sure what I'd use it for but I love it! Never would have thought of stacking them like that. And you cant even tell what it used to be.

      Reply
    74. Oklahomaredhead

      December 07, 2011 at 6:17 pm

      I really do like this piece you made. The black with the stencil and glass knobs! Classic and clean! You have given me more ideas for stuff than anyone else. This piece would look wonderful in a bedroom to be used as an acessory cabinet. Belts purses jewelry, etc.

      Reply
    75. Kelli

      December 07, 2011 at 6:16 pm

      OH.MY.GOODNESS. That is incredible. Seriously, Gail, you should be some sort of highly paid professional furniture repurposer! If I could, I'd create that job for you, so the entire world could see your awesomeness! If the size was right, I'd totally use that to store my scrapbook paper! It would be an amazing organizer. And very pretty, I might add 🙂

      Reply
    76. Peggy

      December 07, 2011 at 5:36 pm

      Oh Gail this is incredible! It is EXACTLY what we have been looking for in the boys' room. We have tried shelves in the closet to help with their clothes but no such luck! So Now we are looking for a TALL dresser. Thank you so very much for this tutorial! Now I know how to go about "making" my own!!

      I love the black and grey with the glass knobs. Very classic looking!

      Reply
    77. Jessie K

      December 07, 2011 at 5:08 pm

      Gorgeous! I love the black and white!

      Reply
    78. Layn @ reignalayn.blogspot.com

      December 07, 2011 at 3:16 pm

      WOW!

      Reply
    79. Korrie@RedHenHome

      December 07, 2011 at 3:02 pm

      This is a spectacular re-design! You amaze me. I love the knobs, the stencil, and the cute feet. In my house, it would probably get used to hide away fabric and patterns--then I could get rid of the ugly Sterlite drawer-thingy that I hide in my closet 😉

      Reply
    80. Felicia Kramer

      December 07, 2011 at 2:56 pm

      What an incredible redo! Wow!

      Reply
    81. Suzanne

      December 07, 2011 at 2:48 pm

      You are amazing. I love everything about this redo. There are some people who look at something and see potential -- you've definitely got that gift!

      Reply
    82. Michele {The Scrap Shoppe}

      December 07, 2011 at 2:36 pm

      Gail, this is BRILLIANT!! I never ever would have thought to do this. It looks perfect. And I adore the stenciling. Fantastic job!

      Reply
    83. Katie

      December 07, 2011 at 2:32 pm

      This turned out awesome Gail! You are so creative! I love that piece for getting knobs aligned properly!

      Reply
    84. Proper Prim

      December 07, 2011 at 2:18 pm

      Gail, that is truly an amazing piece. I love the different door heights... brilliant idea. I would have never thought to repurpose it like that. You are truly inspiring. Great job... so worth the added effort.

      Loving the stencil on front too... just gives it a little more personality. I will never look at one of those desks the same again.

      Awesome job... thanks for sharing your wonderful talents.

      PS: got to find me one of those drawer hole jigs... great tool to have. I loathe measuring.

      Have a great day.

      Hugs, Deb

      Reply
    85. Corn in my Coffee-Pot

      December 07, 2011 at 2:13 pm

      Oh wow! this is adorable. I'm looking for something to use in my kitchen for a pantry and better storage for my muffin tins and junk...
      so since that's on my mind. I think this would be a perfect pantry for my kitchen!

      great job Gail!

      Pat

      Reply
    86. Anne

      December 07, 2011 at 2:00 pm

      THAT is brilliant!! Nice job (and boy did you give me some ideas!!!)

      Reply
    87. Sylvia

      December 07, 2011 at 1:56 pm

      Gail, you have done another amazing transformation! I love it!

      Reply
    88. jamie

      December 07, 2011 at 1:51 pm

      it looks awesome!! great job!!!

      Reply
    89. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      December 07, 2011 at 1:49 pm

      that is amazing!!! it looks like it was always that way! and love your finishing touches!

      Reply
    90. artistamyjo

      December 07, 2011 at 1:30 pm

      What a beautiful piece,well worth all that work.For me, well I'd put mt art supplies in it !
      Hugs

      Reply
    91. I Play Outside The Box

      December 07, 2011 at 1:27 pm

      W.O.W.!!!! You never cease to amaze me!! I wish I could spend a couple days just watching you work on your projects. Your line of tools just amazes me. I would have never known there was such a handy tool for aligning drawer pulls. I just love how this project turned out. Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
    92. My Cottage Charm

      December 07, 2011 at 1:09 pm

      Your terror of tower turned out amazing...love it! 🙂 I adore those little glass knobs...even if they did almost give you a heart attack paying for them! lol Hardware is crazy expensive!
      Thanks for your comment on my mantle...I appreciate it. 🙂 Isn't Carson the sweetest thing! lol
      Love you sweet lady, hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
      Missy

      Reply
    93. Gail

      December 07, 2011 at 12:36 pm

      A true work of art...a gal after my heart!

      Reply
    94. Pam

      December 07, 2011 at 12:31 pm

      Fantastic once again.....great job.

      Reply
    95. Terri

      December 07, 2011 at 11:55 am

      OMG...I am seriously at a loss for words! This is A-Ma-Zing! Who knew a desk could become such an awesome piece of furniture...well, you I guess! Only you could pull this off and make it look so professional. Love it!

      Also love that you shared another cool tool...that drawer hole measurer thingy (yep, my words) is a must have!

      This is why I can't wait to check out your blog everyday. As always, thanks for sharing~

      Reply
    96. Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic

      December 07, 2011 at 11:53 am

      Awesome! You really worked some magic on that one. Would never have recognized that as the circa 1992 desk.

      Reply
    97. Sue

      December 07, 2011 at 11:33 am

      The most beautiful terror I've seen! You did an amazing job with it.
      Have a great rest of the week!

      Reply
    98. Mrs BC

      December 07, 2011 at 11:25 am

      This looks AMAZING! You are such an inspiration.
      xx

      Reply
    99. Who "NEW" Creations

      December 07, 2011 at 11:10 am

      You are the most creative woman I know with a saw and hammer!!! This is truly a piece worth bragging about!.

      Reply
    100. Michelle

      December 07, 2011 at 10:32 am

      love it, LoVe It. LOVE IT!!!!

      Reply
    101. Meg and Mum's

      December 07, 2011 at 10:08 am

      Oh your vision is inspiring! You do amazing work and this is no exception. Love it. 🙂

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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