I have several projects in the works, but we’ve had terrible weather and nothing is completed to show you! So, I thought I would share my “new” work desk and some of the unconventional storage accessories I use in my home office.
For my work desk, I needed a piece of furniture that was long and narrow. I have been looking for a farm table or waiting for my husband to make me one out of reclaimed wood. Last week, , I realized I had totally overlooked an antique drop leaf table that was given to me a few months ago. It’s been sitting in my basement as a catch-all. You can see it here under a mirror and crib springs (I have a plan for those…)
All I did was remove the leaves, rub in a dark walnut stain, and applied two coats of wipe-on poly. The wood is just gorgeous. I even like the gate legs; they show what it once was. This is proof that you don’t have to use a desk for a desk. Try something else…
I used a glass canister to store my knobs and other furniture hardware. It’s originally meant for storing dry goods in a kitchen. I purchased this at a yard sale for $1.00, but you can find these at Wal-Mart and Target for under $10.00. This would also be a great place to store your ribbons, spools of thread, or small notepads.
My rulers and french scrolls are stored in a silver English toast rack. These are also great for sorting mail and stationary.
I house my paperclips in an antique aqua cheese crock that I purchased from a yard sale for $1.00.
And my pens and pencils are kept handy in a 105 year old Relay Race trophy from the University of Pennsylvania. This was found in my grandparent’s attic!
I purchased this wire basket from an auction for $1.00. Although it is made for an office, it is still not your ordinary file basket.
I love the texture and patina of the wire.
I am currently storing my brushes in a silver ice bucket. It’s the perfect size and keeps my brushes easily accessible.
And an old shoe form that I purchased at a yard sale for $1.00 makes a great paperweight.
I love the warmth of the old wood.
So, if you’re looking to furnish and accessorize your home office, think beyond Staples and Office Depot. Hit some yard sales, thrift stores, auctions, and shop your house for interesting and functional pieces.
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wonderful ideas!
Love your storage items, I have a wire one similar to yours with the same patina and I love it.
The "desk" turned out so pretty! I love the dark wood and gate legs too:)
Tamera@doubledelight
Love all the elements in your office…your storage solutions were fabulous…I love all the vintage pieces. My favorite by far is the trophy you found in your grandparents attic…what a find!!!
such cute & real & practice yet pretty ideas – as always!! I have visited your blog before but have not left a comment til today (I know I'm sorry!)….ya know why? you have the comment link at the top of the post but by the time I get to the bottom – I don't want to stop!! I wanna keep going & reading & absorbing so I took the time today to scroll back up & say hello friend!!
Great ideas ~ I do this myself. I use a toast rack as well, but mine holds CD's for programs and pictures. If I find something pretty or that I like I try to figure out a way to use it for something other than its intended purpose.
amazing amazing! I love it!
Are we separated at birth? Of course I couldn't do decorative painting if my life depended on it (sadness…)but I have a little toast rack on my desk and a sterling silver urn that was my great grandma's for my pencils.
You are so clever the way you re-purposed all those fun finds. But the desk from a table was REALLY creative! Wow! Linda
Such cute outside the box ideas for you office!! The desk/table turned out beautifully!
blessings
mary
What fun finds! I'm loving the new look of the blog too!
I have to tell you I was so excited to be one of the finalists in your wonderful giveaway! I can't wait to see the finished breadbox. I also had to share with you that today I found a breadbox just like your giveaway! It was 1/2 price and I was thrilled needless to say. I plan to do it with the Swedish and Dali horse theme and give it to my daughter for Christmas. I will be keeping my eyes out for another for myself. Thank you for the your blog, wonderful ideas and inspirations. Fran
Great ideas! I love your storage solutions, and you did a great job on the desk, too. I'm working on my own office right now, and you've inspired me.
Thanks for visiting me and becoming a follower!
Jane
I was sidetracked by that absolutely adorable mural!
And your ideas are great, too.
I just adore these ideas, and I love all the colors in these photos. Just lovely!
OOo I love your blog!! A woman after my own heart. I do need to see all the mural of the Nut Brown Hare!!
Wonderful ideas! I too have a desk with non-office supply items repurposed to keep all my desk items organized. I painted little tin coffee boxes to keep all my beads organized, used an old silver wine glass to hang finished earrings on, and a self-made cake tray keeps little bits of this and that handy. I love having a desk that has it's own personality!
Terrific ideas here! Did you prep the desk at all before rubbing on the stain? I never know whether to sand old finished wood down to the raw before adding the stain.
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I will definitely link up on friday, and I'll add your name to my roster of linky parties in my sidebar.
Plug away! I love blog linky parties.
peace.
I have a "thing" for desk organizing. I love using old items to store my office goods. Love the mural too!
Stephanie
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