Hello World! Welcome Friends! With more people working from home, many employers have extra office workstation furniture. You might want to throw it away if you can’t easily donate or sell it. However, putting furniture in a landfill creates carbon emissions, contributing to rapidly increasing climate change.
Upcycling means transforming an old or unused product into something new, and you can do that with your desks, chair and cubicles. Here are eleven ways to upcycle your office furniture.
Desks
There are many uses for an old desk, making it almost ridiculous to throw it away. Here are five ways to upcycle your desks.
1. Create a Vanity
An old office desk makes an excellent make-up or hair vanity, providing a nice place to get ready inside or outside a bathroom.
The drawers and shelves can store make-up, nail polish, brushes and hair tools, while the desktop serves as a canvas to lay out the day’s supplies and comfortably prepare for the day’s events.
Install a large mirror on or in front of the desk to complete your new vanity. Replace the drawer handles or add an applique to make the desk feel more aesthetically pleasing.
2. Add a Dining Space
Another use for your old desk is as a dining nook. You could paint it to match the kitchen or dining room or add a different wood stain to refresh it.
Small office desks are great options for personal dining nooks or as a kids’ dining station.
You can fill the drawers with napkins, plates and cutlery this time. Also, consider storing pre-packaged foods on the desk for easy access to dessert or an easy grab-and-go option for your kids on busy school mornings.
3. Use It As a Kitchen Island
Another meal-related use for your desk is to create a kitchen island. You can cover the surface with a butcher block or laminate to get a moisture-resistant, attractive surface. Store cutting boards in the pencil holder and knife blocks in wide drawers. Store spare cutlery and dishes on shelves and countertop organizers.
4. Utilize It As An Exercise Hub
With more offices considering ergonomics, there are more opportunities than ever to get in a brief workout. If you used your standing desk to get the most movement out of each day, continue that practice.
Keep the desk up and place a television or computer on top to guide and track your exercise. Still, use any walk pads or under-desk stationary bikes as you read a book or stream your favorite show.
A sturdy, raised desk can be a great place to store your dumbbells and resistance bands away from the paws and little hands that might get hurt if they can reach them. Most also creates a nice height to help stretch your leg muscles.
5. Add a Study Area
If you or your children are in or plan to attend classes, having a dedicated study area can help. Your old office desk is a perfect place away from other home distractions to complete homework or memorize essential facts.
This idea is especially great for small homes or apartments that do not have a home office. Stick your desk against the wall or in a separate section of your bedroom and decorate it however you want.
Chairs
You might think a desk chair only has a purpose in the office, but there are multiple ways to upcycle it for home use. Here are three ways to transform your chair.
1. Make It An Ergonomic Gaming Chair
If you or someone in your household loves online gaming, chances are your old desk chair is a perfect addition to their computer or console set-up.
Your desk chair might already be ergonomic, which will help you stay energized through each round of gaming. If not, you can transform your chair into a more supportive option by purchasing a padded cover, maximizing comfort without purchasing an over-priced gaming chair.
Many office chairs now come with wheels, but if you still need to, you can purchase them separately to install on the chair for easy movement around the area.
2. Reupholster It for Guest Seating
With a sturdy base, you can transform your old office chair into comfortable seating that matches any room in your home.
Use the chair as-is, or get creative with fun patterns and extra cushioning. Strip the chair down to its frame and add your desired fillings, covering it with a fabric of your choice. Also, consider painting the edge to finish the look.
3. Turn It Into a Swing
A fun way to use an old office chair is to make it an indoor swing. Remove any wheels and the back of the chair for easy maneuvering. Then secure a rope or chain to the bottom of the swing and hang it from hooks in the ceiling. You can paint the chair or add a fun design for a unique way to get moving and destress.
Cubicles
1. Make Bulletin Boards
Most cubicles have upholstery meant to hold pins with announcements and photos. Take advantage of that property by creating bulletin boards.
You can create an informational wall or cut the cubicles up for miniature boards in your home. Place them in each room so everyone knows about different responsibilities and fun opportunities.
2. Enjoy a Ball Pit
Cubicles make great in-home ball pits. A few steps will brighten your kid’s– or your own– day.
Use smaller dividers or walls to create a space perfect for play. Place a large partition as the pit’s base to secure the balls. Remember that no child should be in any ball pit without supervision. Once you fill it, you can enjoy non-stop fun.
Upcycling Your Office Furniture
Giving new life to office furniture is a great way to save time, money and the environment. Through making both creative and practical changes, your old office set-up can serve you and your household for years to come.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
A Step-by-Step Guide to Designing a Dreamy Bedroom
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The Ultimate Guide to HVAC Maintenance: Tips for Keeping Your System Running Smoothly
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8 Major Reasons Why People Choose to Stay in Hotels
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Toodles,
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