Entertainment Centers of an Era Gone By

It used to be that it was vogue to have a massive piece of furniture, called TV Armoires or Entertainment Centers, claiming both real estate and visual importance in your living room. Now, even though we all admit to still loving our TVs� and DVDs and CDs, we try our best to camouflage them so as not to make obvious what we do in our spare time � or perhaps that we even have any free time at all. Whatever the case, many of us are stuck with those looming pieces of furniture. Being of substantial bulk, they usually make it as far as the garage. Then there they sit. What to do? Here are some ideas that may help you reclaim that mighty piece in different areas of your home. If it is already being stored in your garage, half of the task is already done. Next take it a step further and put it to work for additional tool or garden storage.. Large, bulky items can be stored in the wider, open space. Add hooks or smaller storage bins to the cubbies for all sorts of tool storage.

Create additional pantry space in your kitchen. Add hooks and shelving to hang pots and store baking trays. If there are doors on the armoire, post a cork or whiteboard to post grocery lists or phone messages. Even a coat of blackboard paint will allow you to make those important notes. Expand on that idea and create a mail station, a hobby storage unit or computer workstation.

Are all of those sporting goods a constant source of aggravation when trying to keep them out of the way? Transform the armoire into a sports locker. Add coat hooks and shelves. Jackets, bats, balls, and hockey sticks, etc will be organized and within easy reach whenever your kids needs to grab them for their next game.

If you like to entertain guests in the warm weather, refinish the armoire with weather resistant paint and varnish. Install a small refrigerator, wine cubbies and glass rack for a spacious and protected outside service bar. You can even install a ready made granite or slate counter top onto the main TV shelf for added function and visual appeal.

In a guest room with a too-small closet, add some cedar liners. Extra blankets, towels and sheets can be stored and kept fresh for use anytime. Keep a few cubbies sparse so guests can have their own storage spaces for their toiletries or change of clothing.

By thinking beyond an item�s original function, you will not only save money and space at the local landfill but also be rewarded with a piece of furniture that can be beautiful and purposeful at the same time.