Antique sewing machine is reborn as chic computer desk for a DIY master
Before & After
By
on March 02, 2011
22
Evita snagged this 1926 Singer 66 sewing machine at her Goodwill, but was sad to find that it was beyond repair.
Happily, she found she could salvage the sewing machine's parts for use in another Singer 66 — and as she was also in need of a new computer table, this little antique got a new life.
The veneer on the table was in bad shape, and the top was useless. Evita stripped the table and gave it a coat of matte black spray paint, then installed a new top made from a scrap of MDF.
Notice her smart/geeky thinking, using a router bit to create a hole for wrangling cables!
A fairly simple revamp turned a down-and-out appliance into a high-class and totally workable computing solution.
About Cat Rocketship
I am the Managing Editor of Offbeat Home. I have a rich Internet life and also a pretty good real life. Hobbies include D&D, Twitter, and working on making our household more self-reliant. I also draw things.
Jadku said
I freaking LOVE this!
Katie said
That looks great! I love old sewing machine tables.
Sarah said
Oh, it's so cute! I love the great big top on the little tiny legs!
Ragani said
Nice! I bet an old door could be used for a computer table top as well, as long as it was flat, and there would be a built-in hole for cables in the hole for the handle.
I took my grandma's old sewing machine table and gave it a new life too. It was not in as bad shape, so I was still able to use the top. I took off the dated handles and repainted it a light green. I then dry brushed a slightly darker green over that. When it was all dry I used fine sandpaper to rough the edges. I ended up using ribbons in place of hardware handles, which has a softer look and feel.
It was my vanity for a long time and more recently has become a great changing table. I intend for it to become the desk for my daughter when she is big enough to need her own desk.
Evita said
Ragani, I would love to see yours! I've actually had my eye out for an old door to use for my bedazzling table.
Scott Rocketship said
Turned out great. I love the whole design of that workspace, the decorative elements on the table and wall are great.
Evita said
Thanks Scott!
candice said
great job as usual!!
Tina B said
Great reuse of the table!
dootsiebug said
My mom refinishes furniture, and she and other carpenters have found SO many uses for these tables.
Some ideas for tiny tables:
- Converted the top into a checkerboard, used the drawer (it had one) for checkers
- Hallway table
- Mini cocktail station
- Mini vanity
- Electronic device charging station
Jessica_Iowa said
We're using two front doors for our dinning room table.I'm very excited for the bracing to be attached and it to be finished.
Lillian said
This is a thing that I need to do. I inherited my grandmother's cabinet sewing machine; sort of like this: http://img1.classistatic.com/c…9n_26.jpeg
but WAY more beaten up.
At first, I used it for actual sewing, but when I moved, it ceased to work. That was eleventy moves and almost 15 years ago, and I've been shuffling it along since because *it's gramma's*!
Evita said
It would be amazing painted!
Laura Kocher said
I use a vintage sewing machine as my vanity. It is PERFECT! The long, narrow drawers are awesome for makeup. I would recommend doing this, and finding your old sewing machine on craigslist! Much cheaper than at an overpriced antique store.
Evita said
Craigslist is a great resource for old sewing machines! We found this setup at Goodwill for $10.00.
Eva said
We turned a lovely empty sewing machine table and a fortunately sized surface mount sink into our bathroom sink. We even kept the little door in the front with a bin functional. I store a little scrubbie sponge in there for quick sink cleaning. We put adjustable feet on the bottom to deal with our extremely uneven floors. It's totally unique, classy as all get out and its fits in our tiny little bathroom.
Evita said
Please tell me you have photos!
Eva said
Here's a link to some during and after photos of the bathroom renovation. We didn't actually get any before we started which is too bad. But the before doesn't need to live on in anyone's memory.:D
http://www.facebook.com/album.…=621566919
Eva said
Better yet the public link.
http://www.facebook.com/album.…8e5f5e2a36
Evita said
That's brilliant, and great job on the bathroom!
Marty said
Um, tiny technical tool tidbit. That thing in the cordless drill is a hole saw, not a router bit. Dandy desk!
Kate said
This is freaking awesome!!! I wish I had taste like this. I love it!!!