Build a Sewing Station From an Entertainment Center

Like many seamstresses, I want a room I can devote to my sewing machines and their mess.Now I have the next best thing:a piece of furniture that holds my machines and sewing supplies in one place.

This idea began with a beautiful office armoire on craigslist.It had a table that folded out (unlike the newer ones with roll-out computer trays).The price was right and it was sold immediately.But I was inspired to have a sewing armoire of my own.

The beauty of this idea is that no one wants their huge armoires and entertainment centers with their flat screen tvs.Craigslist is full of ads.

Step 1: Materials and Supplies

Materials needed.

• An armoire or entertainment center.
• A tabletop.
• Table legs (The commercial legs I saw were 27 ½” tall).
• I used a drill, screwdriver, two small blocks of wood, glue and several wood screws.

I bought a used entertainment center at a local thrift shop.

My entertainment center has a 32” space for the tv.This is perfect, since many 30” x 48” tables and table tops were available on Craigslist.I bought one with 29½” legs for $15.00.

Step 2: Clean Everything!

Since the materials are all used, they will probably need a good cleaning.  I scrubbed the entertainment center with Murphy’s oil soap and it looks great!

Step 3: Prepare for Sewing Table

Sewing machine tables put the sewing platform at 30”.The tv shelf on my entertainment center is at 30”.My table is ¾” thick, making the height (30 3/4") good for me.

If my entertainment center’s tv opening had been lower than 30”, I would have put brackets at the front and back of each side at the desired height.

Step 4: Attach the Legs to One 30 Side of the Table Top.

I attached two 1½” blocks to the underside of the table with gorilla glue and 2 screws each.Then I slid the metal legs that came with the tabletop over the wood block and screwed them to the block.

Since my legs are slightly short, I cemented moving disks to the bottom of each leg.

My goal was to have a level tabletop.Other types of legs will be installed differently.

Step 5: Install the Tabletop in the Entertainment Center.

Slide the tabletop into the tv opening, fasten.and there you have it.  A sewing center ready for all those goodies and supplies.

I plan to screw the legless 30” side of the table to the back of the tv opening in the entertainment center when it is in its final location.  It is sturdy enough to use without fastening. 

Comments

[rosewood513]

Wow that is beautiful, I have one just like that but I also have a makeup "looks like a desk" table that I am going to sink my machine in, if it doesn't work I will do what you did I love it!!
Thanks for sharing,

[cjraabe]

Thanks, rosewood. Don't you love that armoire's can be had so reasonably these days. Good luck on your project.

[Soose]

Super idea, thanks! I was looking on Craigslist for home office armoires with fold down desks, meaning also to use one as a sewing center. But this idea is so much better! The location of the flip out desktops is many times not ideal. There are so many entertainment centers, I am sure we'll find one in the style and format I'd prefer!

I'm going to start looking for one with upper doors that slide back into the sides so they don't interfere while in use. And with plenty of drawers for sewing notions, as well as a bay for the sewing machine. Even a spot for a second flip-down table for an ironing table -- always wanted to be able to iron without getting up from the sewing machine. I can dream! :)

If anyone has advice on different mechanisms for making the table flip-down or up, or finds a link showing something like that, please offer it. You can also make a desktop rotate out, with a front door below the desktop becoming the desk support, or casters. You've opened up a whole new set of possibilities!

[cjraabe]

Soose, you are my kind of person. Start with an idea and make it SO much better.
I was going to do more with mine, but then we downsized. I might incorporate your ideas into my new space though! Thanks for looking.

[Skaiebird]

Love this idea! Another great place to find old furniture to repurpose is DiggersList.com...great pics, deals, and such!

[cjraabe]

Thanks. I'm into repurposing and decorating for less.

[cjraabe]

Thanks for the suggestion. "Reuse" is my favorite part of "reduce, reuse, recycle."

[auntikays]

Found you on Craft Gossip.  I bought a really niced use ET center for a song and was wanting to revamp it somehow when I spied your idea.  I love the idea of the large opening holding a table.  Hopefully I can finagle mine to be able to flip up when not in use.  Great idea - very creative way to use what many now consider "junk"! 

[cjraabe]

Thank you.  I intend to do more, too, in time, like adding doors and using baskets to make the whole thing look good when not in use!