12 Ways To Repurpose Your Old Dining Table Without Having To Throw It Out

Whether you have a growing family or are downsizing to a smaller living space, sometimes it makes sense to swap out your old dining table for a new one. It's also normal for a table to age and wear over time, and it may be easier to get a new statement dining table for the kitchen rather than trying to cover up scratches and dings on the old one. In any scenario, if your dining table has seen better days and you're ready to buy a new one, don't toss out that old one just yet. There are plenty of creative ways to repurpose it around the home instead of throwing it away.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 80% of furniture ends up in landfills. This amount reached a whopping 9.68 million tons in 2018 and is steadily growing. So, if you want to help reduce waste and live more sustainably, reusing the table is the way to go. Fortunately, dining tables are extremely versatile. You can already use a table for displaying home decor and hobbies. If you're a woodworker or enjoy a good home project, it's also possible to use the structure of the table to build from and create your own DIY storage solutions. Need some inspiration? Here's a list of 12 ways to repurpose a dining table around your home.

One creative way to breathe new life into your old dining table is by turning it into a stylish console table. A console table can be the perfect addition for any entryway or hallway, where you can easily place keys, a lamp and some accent pieces for decor. If your dining table is designed with narrow leaves (extension pieces), you can make use of the dining table leaf as a console table. You can also sand down the table to give it a fresh, smooth surface or apply a fresh coat of paint or stain to suit the space.

Looking to give your home office a makeover? Repurpose that old dining table for a desk. It's an easy and convenient solution, providing ample workspace for a computer and office supplies. You can stain or paint the table a vibrant color to give it a fresh look. Adding a few drawers or shelves to the sides for extra storage will also help it look and feel more like a desk. Top it off with a comfortable office chair and a few desk accessories, and you've got a stylish and functional workspace.

Like the sound of a comfy entryway bench for removing shoes and tucking away shoes? Your old dining table can be the perfect starting point for this project. Shortening the table's legs can help you create the perfect seating height. You can cut off an end and reattach it on top as a backrest, adding a plush seating cushion and a few pillows for extra comfort. Feel free to customize the bench how you seat fit, such as painting it or adding storage baskets underneath for shoes, socks, and bookbags.

Need a dedicated space for your hobbies? There's a solution right in your own home: that old dining table. Unlike the average-sized desk, a large dining table can offer a much more spacious work surface, the perfect choice for hobbies like sewing and crafting. You can even add shelves on or beneath the table for storing your crafts, supplies, and other tools. Paint the table in a color that inspires your creativity and add a comfy chair for those long hours perfecting your craft. Table top protection, like this Cattolo silicone table protector from Amazon, may also come in handy.

Use your old dining table as a stunning display piece that adds personality and charm to your home. You can showcase your favorite houseplants, trophies and awards, souvenirs from your travels, and more. Easily revitalize the look with a fresh coat of paint or cover it with a decorative tablecloth and arrange your display items on the table how you see fit. You can also add some decorative elements like candles, vases, and small sculptures to complete the look and make the table a nice focal point.

Following the trend of a kitchen island that doubles as a dining table, you can DIY an island using your old dining table. It's a convenient and fairly easy solution, since the table is typically already within the vicinity. Simply measure your kitchen to ensure the table fits comfortably in the centered location, then shorten, extend, or remove the table legs if necessary. Next, refinish the table's surface by sanding, painting, or adding a protective sealant to match your kitchen's decor. Finish it off by adding drawers and you've got a custom kitchen island in no time.

Struggling to keep your room or office tidy? Turn your old dining table into a functional storage shelf to keep books and other belongings organized. This DIY project may require advanced woodworking, but can be a practical and stylish solution for decluttering your home. Start by measuring and cutting the table down to your preferred shelf size, using extra pieces or lumber to build and install shelves. Use your table-turned-shelf addition to display books, plants, and decorative items, or as cubbies to store and conceal smaller miscellaneous items.

Refresh your living room or den by giving the space a stylish upgrade by repurposing your old dining table into a unique coffee table. Start by measuring the desired height and length for your coffee table. (You may need to trim the sides and shorten the legs to achieve the perfect proportions.) You can also enhance the table's surface by adding a smooth, protective sealant or a glass tabletop for protection. Style your new coffee table with books, magazines, coasters, and more to make it a stunning centerpiece in your living room.

When the weather permits, you can use your old dining table as a charming lemonade stand. It's a great DIY project for parents to enjoy with their kids (not to mention nurture their entrepreneurial skills). Set up your dining table in your front yard or driveway with a bright and colorful tablecloth and creative homemade signs or banners to promote delicious lemonade. You can also add some fun decorations, like balloons or streamers, to attract passersby. After selling lemonade, you could store the dining table in a storage shed or garage to use for later.

Another idea if you have children is using the dining table as a playhouse or fort. There are plenty of tablecloths designed especially for this idea, creating a dedicated play space for the kiddos. You can also make it a DIY project to customize the design to your child's room theme. For example, you could drape a large, decorative tablecloth, securing it with clips or tape and cutting out openings in the tablecloth to create doors and windows. Follow that by adding comfy pillows, blankets, and bean-bag chairs inside to make it cozy.

Do you sell your crafts or other goods? Reuse your old dining table as a vendor booth at a fair or market. Repurposing your dining table can help save a few bucks on renting one for your booth, and gives you more flexibility to customize your display. It can be as simple as draping a clean tablecloth over the table to make it look professional (and hide any imperfections). Organize and showcase your products on top with shelves, baskets, and other decor. Add a few personal touches, such as business cards, flowers, and sample products, and you're ready to engage potential customers.

If you often host guests for dinner, you could use your old dining table as a separate game table. This way, you'll have dedicated space during game nights or while entertaining. Since it's a dining table, you'll already have the arm room for card games, board games, and other fun activities. Just consider protecting the table's surface, such as with a table cloth or a protective finish, to keep it safe from spills and other wear and tear. Move the table into your basement or den and add some decorative touches like a board game collection or your favorite figurines.