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Inspiring Idea: Flexible Furniture

by | Jun 17, 2008 | Decorating Inspiration, Details

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Inspiring Idea: Flexible Furniture

There are some pieces of furniture that seem to work in any home, any setting and almost any room. A small sideboard or cupboard like this one can fill just about any need. From the dining room, to kitchen, to bathroom to laundry room to the children’s rooms, you can put a piece like this to work wherever it is needed the most.

Do you have a piece of furniture that has served many purposes over the years? I have a couple of pieces that have been with me since my very first house. If you find something like this at a yard sale, snap it up and give it a new coat of paint! It will probably be with you forever!

photo inspiration: House to Home

PS. OOPS, I forgot to mention that my Morning Solitude article was posted at Blissfully Domestic! Hope to see you there!

34 Comments

  1. southern

    I did a post about this here http://southernseven.blogspot.com/2008/02/buy-transitional-furniture.html and showed a few of my pieces that have been used in many different rooms. I also have a photo of a small desk here http://southernseven.blogspot.com/2008/03/painted-desk-and-headboard.html that was not in the other post. It was an ugly brown desk that was at his work and they were throwing out. It has a slide out extender work surface and a drawer. I origionally painted it green and just recently painted it turquoise for my daughter’s room. I pull it out every garage sale and put the money in the drawer. Everyone always tries to buy it.

    Reply
  2. Elzie

    Hi Melissa!
    Lovely picture you’re showing us today. I thought this was very beautiful.
    Hope you’re having a great week.
    Love Elzie

    Reply
  3. Jean

    Hello Melissa,
    Thanks for stopping by yesterday and leaving such a lovely comment! I’ve been lurking on your blog for quite sometime and enjoy all that you share.
    Have a wonderful week.
    Jean

    Reply
  4. rosieswhimsy

    Love that little cupboard. I do have a piece like that! It was handed down to me 20 years ago and has been in my kid’s room, as a display in my shop, and currently on my husband’s side of the bed! Hmmmm…..you’re right, I do NEED a few a couple more pieces like that!

    :-) Rosie

    Reply
  5. janet

    I have a cabinet with a marble top that I have had for a long time that has been in many rooms and served many purposes, I will never part with it.

    Janet

    Reply
  6. Monkey Giggles

    Yes I do. Actually I have a couple little sideboards that have been used for many things through the years. Right now…one is a board game cabinet and the other is storing dishes.

    Have a great day.

    Reply
  7. Jan

    I have several pieces. My love of treasures, is taking and finding old things that have a huge history attached. I find it so amazing to be surrounded from things that have a story of whence it came.

    I use an old cupboard that was made from several different houses out of Spokane, WA. I put all my glassware in it.

    I have and old wire wheeled laundry basket, that I put odds and ends in my office. I have an old wire dish rack that I house envelopes and pencils for my office.

    I could go on, but I better not. Great post.

    Reply
  8. melissa lewis - off the wall

    I have a piece my husband had as a child. I’ve used it as a side table, a bedside table and now it’s under the tv.

    I’m on the lookout always for a great piece to use in my dining room! Love the one pictured above!

    Reply
  9. Marie

    I love that cupboard in your post! I could find a few uses for that myself!

    I have a ‘bucket bench’ that my husband made for me a few years ago. It’s been used in various rooms the last few years. We move often so it never gets the same home twice! Right now it’s a plant holder out on the porch. I’m thinking of finally giving it a new paint color in honor of it’s new place in the house. But I probably won’t. lol

    Reply
  10. Teresa

    Great post…. I’m a big fan of using a piece of furniture in a different way then it was intended….it seems more interesting to me. I have a long black side-board that is used to store all our video/TV components right now- works great. also a little bat winged side table- that we use for a childs table in the playroom-
    Thanks for reminding me how fun it is to change things up.
    Have a great day.

    Reply
  11. Diana

    Great post. Yes – an old bench. The best thing ever. I normally use it as a coffee table paired with cubes. But when company comes and we need more seating…it is great for the dining table too!

    Reply
  12. Terri Steffes

    I have a variety of wardrobes and sizes of them.. they have served as game closets, linen closets, sweater closets… whereever i have needed additional help!

    Reply
  13. Terri Steffes

    I have a variety of wardrobes and sizes of them.. they have served as game closets, linen closets, sweater closets… whereever i have needed additional help!

    Reply
  14. Mrs. B

    Hi Melissa! Unfortunately I do not have any pieces like this. But I recognize their value and am always on the lookout for things like this at yardsales. I guess other people must really like them too and not want to get rid of them since I never seem to find them! Congratulations on being featured in the Seattle Times and Washington Post. How exciting!

    Reply
  15. Vee~A Haven for Vee

    I love using dressers in main rooms, but I really need to consider painting them. I don’t always care for the original wood these days…hmmm, what to do, what to do…

    Reply
  16. anne

    I love the cupboard, have just the place for it!!! :-)

    Reply
  17. A-M

    I have a beautifully ornate, AQUA BLUE! (before my white/neutral/beige addiction) french commode that will come everywhere with me for the rest of my life. It was my first PRETTY THING and at the time it took my breath away. A-M xx

    Reply
  18. Kristin

    I loved your post on Blissfully Domestic; how very true! On the mornings that I am able to “warm up” to my day, it seems that every part of my day goes smoother.

    Reply
  19. Villa Anna

    Hi Melissa,

    I am currently looking for a piece just like that one to house a stereo and dvd player and place a plasma tv on top. Ideally I’d really love a french style cupboard with the carved doors and perhaps even some feet.

    Anna :)

    p.s Thank you so warmly for your concern over the last week. I’m feeling so much better now :)

    Reply
  20. Brenda Kula

    Oh, wow! I want that white cabinet! It would serve any purpose in any room: you’re right about that!
    Brenda

    Reply
  21. courtney

    Melissa, your post over at Blissfully Domestic was SO good. In fact, it’s inspiring me to try and carve out a corner of my {small} cottage that’s just for me. Your point about seeing it there all day and reminding you to have that solitude time was a very good one. Okay…must…make…this…happen.

    Reply
  22. Christine

    Oh yes…I have a few…one in particular is a table that was my mother-in-laws…it’s been in the bathroom…held the telephone..and now is at the end of my bed holding my t.v…
    wonderful inspiration Melissa!
    XO

    Reply
  23. Lisa

    I’m going to keep my eye out for something similar. I don’t really have anything fun like that.

    Reply
  24. Barbara

    I have several tables, a chest and a large ottoman that keep getting rotated around the house depending on season and what function I need it for at the time. Classic lines on the tables let me cycle them into different rooms without having them stick out.

    Reply
  25. Laura Ingalls Gunn

    What a beautiful picture. Love the glass window on top of the dresser/buffet.
    I am off to Blissfully Domestic next.

    Reply
  26. Penny

    I love to find pieces like that to mosaic. When ever I mosaic one, they sell really quickly. You are right, there are just certain pieces of furniture that work in so many rooms.
    Hugs,
    Penny

    Reply
  27. 3CHEERS4MOM

    I love pieces of furniture that you can use for different purposes. I am always looking for places to hide stuff away when people come over, it is even better when it has a lock or a latch on it so my junk doesn’t fly out! Cheers, Amy

    Reply
  28. blazedanielle

    You have an absolutely gorgeous blog! There is so much inspiration here! Thank you for sharing such lovelies with us!

    Reply
  29. Janera

    Oh, my goodness, Melissa! Your blog is fantastic — so beautiful. You’re a very talented lady!

    It is my honor that you stopped by and visited at my blog the other day. Please email me (can’t find your email address here) so that I can send you one of the little handmade bags that I have.

    Blessings,
    Janera
    http://www.mygardenhat.blogspot.com
    gardenhat (at) hotmail (dot) com

    Reply
  30. Jrizzo

    Love the way this whole picture looks! jen r

    Reply
  31. M&Co

    This picture is so beautiful! I love furnitures like that, useful, and not too precious :-)

    Reply
  32. kayellen

    Oh!!!
    I could move right in!!!

    KayEllen

    Reply
  33. June Parrish Cookson

    Hi Melissa,

    Lovely cupboard and display! Thanks for link regarding your very enjoyable Morning Solitude feature. You have so many talents!

    Also, very appreciative for you having left such a nice comment on my blog.

    Cheers.

    Reply

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