Reader Help: Antique School Desks

by Tara C.

Dear Style Lush readers, I am hoping that you can help me figure out what to do with two antique school desks that currently reside in my garage.

These are the type of old-fashioned desks that are meant to go in rows, so each student's desk is part of the chair in front of him. There's also a hinge that allows the seat to fold up. As you may be able to tell, the wood, especially the desk part, is pretty badly damaged. When I was offered these desks I accepted them because a) I thought they were interesting and b) they were free. And...they have been collecting dust in my garage ever since.

Kid testing: Yep, you can sit on them, but surely there's more?

Does anyone have any suggestions for what to do with these things? Any ideas for how I could refinish or paint them? It seems like there could be a cool, creative or interesting way to use them, maybe in a kid's room, but I'm just not sure. Or maybe they're not even worth keeping and I should pass them along to someone else? I would love to hear your suggestions. Thank you!

Comments

[Lisa]

I've got an old metal school desk (not as old as these though). It's freestanding. We painted the legs/sides pink and put chalkboard paint on the top. Throw in a black IKEA chair and it's a great kindergartner size desk.

[Gina at CampClem]

First choice: GIVE THEM TO ME!!!
Second option: paint them using a high adhesion primer (like Kilz for gloss surfaces) and colors that compliment your home. Soft shades of creme, pale aqua, and green could look fantastic, but bold shades of yellow and melon could look equally spectacular but totally different.

They could look amazing side-by-side, the "desk" portions serving as a sort of sofa table behind them. What a lovely conversation piece!!

Should you go the painting route, here are a few tips & tricks: http://campclem.com/2012/06/13/diy-tips-how-to-paint-furniture/

Best of luck! Wheeeee!
g i n a

[katie]

I love them too! I think they'd make a great mud room/entry solution- put them side by side so the seats serve as a shoe/boot putting on area, and it forms a console table behind for keys, mail, etc. (There isn't actually room by the entry for this particular application in my own personal house, but maybe there is in yours!)

[Tara C.]

Thanks for the fantastic ideas! I knew you guys would come up with some great suggestions. Now I feel inspired to actually do something with these desks. I'll have to post an update once I have them fixed up.

[A'Dell]

I would even maybe use them as end tables. Or nightstands! Or pair them in a corner and make a kids art station with them.

[Katherine]

You're so lucky to have two of them! I have one that is in great condition and has a lovely floral pattern on the iron work but it's hard to figure out what to do with just one. I'd probably use them as end tables if I had two.