Old armoires offer numerous possibilities. Despite their bulky and robust design, armoires provide ample storage space, making them excellent candidates for repurposing. Whether inherited from a beloved relative or discovered at a thrift store, an old armoire shouldn’t gather dust without serving a purpose. Instead, you can rejuvenate it, turning it into a functional furniture piece that complements your modern, rustic, or minimalist decor.
Traditionally used for storing clothes before built-in closets became popular, armoires are now ideal for organizing various household items, as most of us have more clothes than an armoire can accommodate. With deep shelves and drawers, they are incredibly versatile. While you’ve probably seen them repurposed as TV entertainment consoles, their potential uses are endless. With the growing trend of multifunctional spaces in interior design, old armoires are being transformed into birdcages, kitchenettes, toy storage, cost-effective pantries, and even vinyl cabinets. Whether you remove the doors to highlight interior decor or add a pegboard for craft supplies, there are countless creative ways to repurpose an armoire, enhancing your home’s decor and overall aesthetic like a pro.
Coffee Bar
Transforming an old armoire into a stylish coffee station can make your morning coffee experience even more delightful. Enhance the look by adding peel-and-stick wallpaper to the back and install functional lighting to brighten the space.
Bookcase
Old armoires make excellent repurposed bookshelves. With deep shelves and a sturdy frame, an armoire provides ample storage for books and other items. With some effort and a fresh coat of paint, an ordinary armoire can become a statement piece in any room. If your armoire includes doors, consider removing them for a creative DIY storage solution.
Birdcage
For those with feathered pets, transform an old armoire into a stylish and unique birdcage, offering ample space for your birds to frolic. Replace the glass or wood doors with wire caging to keep the birds safe, and install traditional perches and branches for them to enjoy.
Liquor Cabinet
@kkiernan
Transformed this tired armoire into a beautiful liquor cabinet/coffee bar. As soon as we saw, we knew we had to “paint it black” 🤘🏼🖤 #ArmoireMakeover #ArmoireCoffeeBar #ArmoireLiquorCabinet #PaintItBlack #UpCycledFurniture #FurnitureFlippersOfTikTok #BeforeAndAfter #upcycle @nickscustomwoodworks
♬ Paint It, Black – The Rolling Stones
For liquor or wine enthusiasts, surprise them with a repurposed cabinet made from an old armoire to display their fine whiskeys, vintage wines, or cocktail essentials. With a spacious interior, an armoire liquor cabinet is perfect for storing tall bottles, glassware, and bar accessories, keeping everything stylishly organized and within easy reach.
Sewing Station
Give an old armoire a creative update to store and organize your sewing essentials. The deep shelves and drawers provide ample storage space for sewing gear. Maximize vertical space by attaching pegboards to the inside of the doors or the back of the armoire for hanging supplies like scissors, rulers, and other essential tools. Once you’re done sewing, simply close the doors, and your armoire becomes a decorative statement piece.
Record Cabinet
Show off your music collection in a repurposed cabinet made from an old armoire. Add dividers for organized records, install LED lights or a disco ball, and use shelf paper for an extra touch. Add music memorabilia, like concert tickets and special pictures, for a personal touch.
Kitchen Pantry
@grillodesigns
I think most people probably won’t have a built-in space or separate room that can be used as a pantry, so something like this is always an alternative option. I’ll share a few befores on stories, but this was an old display cabinet that I found on eBay. I shipped it to my home using that service called Shiply and the rest is history! Decanting food into labeled jars definitely makes me feel like a proper adult. Anyone else?? 👀 #kitchenparty #diypantry #kitchenorganization #pantry #smallkitchenhacks #pantrydesign
♬ Fine line – Kiya EchoHawk
Maximize kitchen storage with a beautiful armoire-turned-pantry cabinet. Its deep shelves are perfect for frequently used items like spices, storage containers, cans, or jars. Add cute storage baskets to the lower section for kids to grab snacks. Consider removing the back part of the armoire so your wallpaper peeks out when the doors are open.
Toy Storage
If you have kids, you likely have more toys than you know what to do with. A converted toy cabinet can stylishly tame the clutter. Whether it’s dolls, craft supplies, blocks, or puzzles, a repurposed armoire offers ample storage space and pull-out drawers while keeping their toys easily accessible. Once you close the doors, you have a great piece of furniture no one would ever guess holds so much clutter.
Kitchen Storage
Perfect for kitchen overflow, a converted armoire offers a haven for storing small appliances, pots and pans, glassware, cookware, and delicate China for special occasions. It provides a practical storage solution, especially in small spaces, while adding character to your home. Add hooks inside to hold mugs or kitchen tools.
Garden Cabinet
While armoires aren’t typically meant for outdoor use, when placed on a covered patio and painted with weather-resistant paint, they can become tidy garden cabinets. Situated in a backyard corner, your armoire can stylishly store watering cans, gloves, pruning shears, spades, and seed packets. If you want to protect it from the elements, take this idea to your garage for organized tool storage.
Cat Resort
@ncs20244
Built a cat condo for the cats and my wife for Xmas #catcondo #dixiebellepaint #armoire #carpentry #furnituremakeover
♬ original sound – North Coast Studios
If your favorite thing is your cats, create a comfy lounging space by transforming an armoire into a cat resort. Though it requires some effort, the result will be unique and perfect for your feline friend. Add carpet to the interior and carpeted steps on the outside for extra comfort. The cabinets make an excellent hideaway for their litter box while keeping supplies out of sight.
Plant Habitat
For those with a penchant for plants, craft a cozy, nature-inspired aesthetic for your greenery in a repurposed armoire. This indoor greenhouse offers a controlled environment for plants that thrive in low light, like Pothos, snake plants, and ZZ plants. Add plant-friendly lighting to keep them growing for years to come.
Kitchenette
Unlike a kitchen pantry or bar cabinet, this armoire kitchenette includes a spot for a mini fridge, making it ideal for a home office, bedroom, or entertainment area. It keeps refreshing drinks, snacks, and small kitchen essentials within easy reach. Use shelves to hold coffee supplies or a microwave for added convenience.
Crafting Cabinet
Transform an ordinary armoire into highly functional storage for craft supplies using pegboards, shelves, and wire baskets. A pegboard offers customizable storage for hooks, bins, or tool holders, while wire baskets maximize space for small items. Add shelves for larger crafting supplies like a Cricut machine. Keep craft essentials decluttered with the help of clever kitchen gadgets.
Seasonal Storage
@alielizabeth_1
🤎🤎🤎 #antique #antiques #antiquestore #antiquestorefinds #antiquefinds #armoire #antiquearmoire #closet #fypシ゚viral #furniture #fyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #foryou #fypage #foryoupage #foru #foryou #momcreator #momtok #momsoftiktok #girlmom #twinmom #relatablemom #momcontent
♬ Feels like – ❀
Combine an old armoire with your clothing overflow to create a seasonal storage cabinet. Store heavy sweaters and coats in summer, and switch them out for shorts and tank tops in winter. Maximize space with vacuum-sealed storage bags to keep clothes fresh and compact. Unlike bulky containers, an armoire blends seamlessly with home decor and protects your off-season attire from dust, pests, and light exposure.
