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…)
Think Outside the Office Supply Store
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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.
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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.
I will definitely link up on friday, and I'll add your name to my roster of linky parties in my sidebar. :o)
Plug away! I love blog linky parties. :o)
peace.
I have a "thing" for desk organizing. I love using old items to store my office goods. Love the mural too!
Stephanie
: )