It is perhaps the greatest tragedy of the furniture industry. Pieces of furniture that cost so much time, material and craftsmanship have devalued seemingly overnight. We have customers who have spent thousands of dollars on beautiful, giant armoires and now they want them gone. "Take it away!" they exclaim and when we say "Not so fast!" they plead, "Please! If you can't help me -- who can?"
When it comes to re-purposing furniture, creativity is the name of the game. Think of the following suggestions as a starting point:
- Try to donate your television armoire to anybody willing and able to remove the piece from your home. However, be sure they have the knowledge and strength to move it correctly before subjecting your home to any damage. Then again, maybe you want it out of your house so badly that you'll live with a few dings, dents and scratches to be rid of it.
- Re-purpose the armoire as storage in a walk-in closet. Run a rod across the interior so that you can store shirts on a hanger.
- Put the armoire in your garage and use it as a place to store tools for your favorite hobby accessories. "It's too nice for that!" you might say. But heck, if you're begging me to take it away, you may as well use it for something!
- If you are at your wits end, try to find a local craftsman to take the wood. If it was an inexpensive armoire, it is most likely particle board and your best option will probably involve a sledge hammer and a trip to your local transfer station. On the other hand, many armoires are built from solid cherry, maple, or mahogany boards. Some of them have some fantastic veneer work. A local woodworker might be able to re-use some of the boards, such as the doors, top, and shelves.
- If your armoire was made by an elite furniture manufacturer such as Henkle Harris, Baker, Kindle, or Hekman (to name a few) there should be some resale value and a buyer for your piece. conversely, the cherry cabinet armoires with folding doors are simply so plentiful that resale is not much of an option.
Once again, these thoughts are simply a starting point. Post your thoughts on what the possibilities may be for these once great pieces. If you have had success re-purposing your armoire or finding a taker -- thousands of folks would appreciate hearing your story.
The best to you and your furniture,
Jay.
