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Trash to Treasure

Decorating Cents : Episode DCT-605 -- More Projects »
Robb Whittlef shares some innovative ideas for creating great decorative accessories from garage sale and junk store finds. Here, Whittlef creates a shadow-box coffee table from an old window, transforms an old door into a great entryway piece, and gives a plain lamp a uniquely romantic look.

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You can use an old window to create this shadow-box coffee table.
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By combining an old wooden door with a few simple elements, Whittlef created a unique entryway piece.
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Using a plain table lamp base and a little creativity, you can fashion a whimsical decorative accessory.
  • To create the shadow-box coffee table, Whittlef used an old window, wood planks (cut from discarded barn boards), hinges, a small knob and standard pre-fabricated legs . The window forms the surface of the table, and two wood planks form each side. (By attaching two planks to form a longer wood piece for each side portion, Whittlef has created extra depth for the box.) On one side, the two planks are attached to one another with hinges, allowing the lower plank to be lifted up for the insertion of decorative items and/or collectibles; a small knob is attached to the outside of this piece for easy access. The bottom of the box is cut from a sheet of plywood , which is supported by four decorative legs (these are readily available in home centers and building supply stores). Whittlef recommends adding a sheet of plate glass to protect the top of the table.
  • By combining an old wooden door with a few simple elements, Whittlef created a unique and stylish entryway piece. First, he attached a strip of decorative molding to the door between its top and center panels. Next, he secured four brass coat hooks to the molding using screws. Then Whittlef added a seat to the piece with a sheet of plywood cut to the width of the door and attached (perpendicularly) about 18 inches from the door's bottom edge. The plywood was cushioned with foam, wrapped in fabric (secured on the underside with a staple gun), and supported with two pre-fabricated legs bolted to each of the front corners. To add extra support to the piece, Whittlef secured two decorative wooden shelf brackets in the back corners where the seat attaches to the door.
  • Using a plain table lamp base (black) and a little creativity, Whittlef fashioned a whimsical and functional decorative accessory. First, he removed the glass from a small rectangular frame, then centered the frame (turned sideways) on the narrow pillar of the lamp base and attached it with hot glue. Next, he filled the open frame with green moss, which he attached with spray adhesive, and secured an artificial flower to the center of the moss-filled frame. Whittlef completed the piece with a color -coordinated lampshade that matches the flower accent.

Also in this Episode
Decorating Cents : Episode DCT-605
•Whimsical Master Bedroom
•Trash to Treasure
•Creative Color
•Faux Comforter
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