15 Unique Ways To Repurpose An Old Armoire Around The House

Old armoires hold a wealth of possibilities. Beyond their bulky construction and heavy stature, armoires are perfect for repurposing into something completely different, thanks to their ample storage space. Maybe it was passed down from a favorite relative, or you were lucky to cross paths with one at a thrift store. However you acquired it, an old armoire shouldn't be collecting dust and serving no purpose at all. Instead, you can give it a much-needed makeover and a new lease on life to become a functional piece of furniture that blends seamlessly with your modern, rustic, or minimalist decor.

While traditionally used as a decorative way to store clothes before built-in closets became a thing, armoires are perfect for organizing other stuff around the house, especially since most of us have more clothes than an armoire can hold. They have deep shelves and even drawers, making them super adaptable. You've likely seen them as TV entertainment consoles, but that's just the beginning of their unlimited functions. As the rise of multifunctional spaces is prioritized in interior designs, old armoires are repurposed into birdcages, kitchenettes, toy storage, a cost-effective pantry solution, and even cabinets for vinyl collections, to name a few. Whether you remove the doors to highlight the decor on the inside or add a pegboard to the back for craft supplies, there are lots of creative ways to repurpose an armoire while enhancing your home's decor and overall aesthetic like a pro.

We're willing to bet that once you repurpose an old armoire into a nifty coffee station filled with all your favorites, that morning cup of joe will start tasting a little bit sweeter. You can jazz it up by adding peel-and-stick wallpaper to the backdrop and install functional lighting at the top to brighten up the space. 

Old armoires make awesome repurposed bookshelves. With deep shelves and a sturdy frame, an armoire offers lots of extra storage for books and anything else that fits. When you put a little work into a preowned piece and add a fresh coat of paint, an ordinary armoire can turn into a statement-making focal point in any room. If your armoire has doors, you can remove them and give them new life with a creative DIY storage idea.

When you have two-legged feathered pets, design a swanky, unique birdcage from an old armoire to give them plenty of space to frolic. This decorative piece replaces the glass or wood doors and uses wire caging to keep birds safe inside. Install a traditional perch along with some branches to give your birds a cute place to sit and take in their environment.

When a liquor or wine connoisseur is living amongst you, surprise them with a repurposed cabinet you DIY from an old armoire to showcase their fine whiskeys, vintage wines, or cocktail essentials. With a spacious interior, an armoire liquor cabinet is the perfect place to store tall bottles, glassware, and bar accessories, keeping everything stylishly organized and within reach. This upgraded home bar setup makes it easier to whip up a Cosmopolitan or a Vodka Martini quickly.

For a pretty place to store and organize your sewing essentials, take all your creativity and give a much-needed update to an old armoire. The deep shelves and drawers offer ample storage for your sewing gear. You can maximize the armoire's 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 finished sewing, just close the doors, and your armoire becomes a statement decor piece.

Not sure what to do with the vast collection of vinyl you've held onto for years? Don't hide it somewhere out of sight. Instead, show off your music inside a repurposed cabinet constructed from an old armoire. Add dividers to keep your records organized, install LED lights — or a spinning disco ball — and shelf paper to give it some extra oomph. You can even add your music memorabilia, like concert tickets and special pictures.

We love the idea of maximizing kitchen storage with a pretty armoire-turned-pantry cabinet. Its deep shelves are perfect for items you use more often, like spices, storage containers, cans, or jars. Consider adding cute storage baskets to the lower portion of the armoire for kids to grab snacks. You could also remove the back part of the armoire so that your wallpaper peeks out when the doors are open.

If you have kids, you probably also have more toys than you know what to do with. Stylishly tame that clutter with a converted toy cabinet. Whether it's dolls, craft supplies, blocks, or puzzles, a repurposed armoire offers tons of storage space and pull-out drawers while keeping their toys easily accessible. Once you close the doors, you're left with a great piece of furniture no one would ever guess holds so much clutter.

Perfect for kitchen overflow, a converted armoire is a happy haven for storing small appliances, pots and pans, glassware, cookware, and even delicate China you take out on special occasions. It's a practical way to store and organize your kitchen essentials — especially when you're short on space — while bringing a touch of character to your home. You can also add hooks inside to hold mugs or kitchen tools.

Armoires aren't necessarily meant for the outdoors, but when you have a covered patio and weather-resistant paint, consider repurposing yours into a tidy garden cabinet. When tucked into a backyard corner, your armoire becomes a stylish place for watering cans, gloves, pruning shears, spades, and seed packets. If you don't want your cabinet falling victim to the elements, take this same idea to your garage for an organized way to store tools.

When your favorite thing just happens to be your cats, give them a comfy place to lounge by changing up your armoire and turning it into a cat resort. Although it will take some time and work, the end result will be unique and perfect for your spoiled feline. To make it extra plush, add carpet to the interior and even carpeted steps to the outside. The cabinets make an excellent hideaway to tuck away their litter box while also keeping supplies out of sight.

When you have a green thumb and a penchant for plants, create a cozy, nature-inspired aesthetic for your greenery in a repurposed armoire. This peaceful indoor greenhouse offers a controlled environment for plants that thrive in low light, like Pothos and snake and ZZ plants, for example. Since armoires can be dark, add some plant-friendly lighting to keep your plants growing and thriving for years to come.

Different from a kitchen pantry or bar and coffee cabinet, this armoire kitchenette is made to be even more functional with a spot for a mini fridge installed into a cabinet. This setup is perfect for a home office, bedroom, or entertainment area, for keeping refreshing drinks and snacks or small kitchen essentials within arm's reach. Shelves can be used to hold coffee supplies or to keep a microwave handy.

With pegboards, shelves, and wire baskets, you can turn an ordinary armoire into highly functional storage to house your craft supplies. A pegboard offers customizable storage for hooks, bins, or tool holders, while wire baskets maximize your space by keeping small items in their place. Add shelves for storing bigger crafting supplies like a Cricut or other cutter machines. Plus, keep craft essentials decluttered inside your repurposed armoire with the help of a clever kitchen gadget.

When you have an old armoire and too many clothes, merge the two together and create a seasonal storage cabinet. Store heavy sweaters and coats during the summer and change them out with shorts and tank tops in the winter. You can also maximize space by using vacuum-sealed storage bags to keep clothes fresh and compact. Unlike bulky storage containers, an armoire blends seamlessly with home decor and keeps your off-season attire safe from dust, pests, and light exposure.