This project was built and designed by Chris from B&O Craftsman.
Chris takes two tired end tables and a set of spare table legs and explores combining them into a small chest-style vanity with a mirror option, new hardware, and a fresh look.
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Design
Chris approaches the project as a creative repurposing exercise rather than a strict rebuild, aiming for a compact vanity that blends parts from multiple pieces into a cohesive whole.
The design choices prioritize proportion and usability, considering options like a mirror back and drawer organization while keeping the original character of the reclaimed pieces.
Lumber Prep & Assessment
Before assembly, Chris inspects and cleans each component, removing remaining hardware and assessing surface damage, rot, or instability so pieces can be matched effectively.
Stabilizing warped or uneven parts and planning grain and color pairing help ensure the assembled piece looks intentional rather than patched together.
Joinery and Assembly
Rather than inventing new complicated joinery, Chris adapts existing join points and uses simple but strong connections to marry the legs and tops into a stable frame.
Reinforcement with modern fasteners or added rails is used where needed, keeping the structure sturdy while preserving as much original material as possible.
Clamping and Fitting Challenges
Aligning mismatched parts presents fitting challenges that Chris addresses through careful dry-fitting and selective trimming to get clean seams and consistent gaps.
Temporary supports and thoughtful clamping strategies make it easier to hold odd assemblies square while glue or fasteners are applied.
Shaping and Surface Work
Blending old and new surfaces involves sanding, filling small gaps, and selectively shaping edges so transitions read as intentional design details.
Chris smooths surfaces, evens profiles, and addresses wear patterns to create a unified aesthetic before finishing.
Finishing Touches
New hardware, a fresh coat of finish, and the option of adding a mirror back complete the piece and give it renewed function and style.
Chris discusses finish choices that suit mixed woods and how staining or paint can either highlight or hide the pieced-together look depending on the desired outcome.
Lessons Learned and Adaptation
The project shows how repurposing extends the life of furniture and encourages problem-solving when parts don’t originally belong together.
Chris’s approach is adaptable: builders can apply the same assessment, fitting, and finishing strategies to other salvage projects to make pieces that are both useful and visually coherent.
Please support Chris by visiting his website here: https://bo-craftsman-shop.creator-spring.com/.