A small wardrobe is ideal for transforming into a decorative "armoire-style" shelving unit. Vintage versions are perfect, as they are smaller and have some decorative elements. However, a simple modern pine closet will work just as well. Getting Started
Time taken: 1 day
You will need:
- Suitable wardrobe
- PVA adhesive
- Strong wood adhesive
- Decorative moldings
- Panel pins
- Wood filler
- Medium-grade sandpaper
- Quadrant molding, to make brackets for shelves ‑- one for each side of each shelf, running front to back
- Small screws
- Paint or varnish stripper (if required, depending on the original finish ‑- see step 6)
- 2-3 pieces of 1/2 inch MDF (fiberboard), cut to size for shelves ‑- measure accurately inside the wardrobe, then subtract 1/8 inch all round
- 2 quarts primer (type depends on the original finish)
- 2 quarts green eggshell or satin finish paint
- 1 roll of wallpaper (for lining)
- Clear sticky-backed plastic (optional)
Tools:
- Hammer
- Filler knife or scraper
- Small screwdriver
- Mini spirit level
- Paint scraper (if required)
Step One
First remove the wardrobe doors and cover the whole of the inside with a thick layer of PVA adhesive ‑- make a solution from 60 percent PVA and 40 percent water, as it is easier to apply. This acts as a sealant and a primer for the paint and paper finishes to follow.
Step Two
Use strong wood adhesive to attach the moldings to the outside of the wardrobe. They can be placed on the corners of the opening, toward the top of the opening on each side, and centrally at the top of the opening. Panel pins can be used on thicker moldings such as shelf edging, but hammer them in carefully so as not to damage the delicate areas of molding.
Step Three
Using wood filler and a filler knife or scraper, fill in any holes left by removing hinges or others such as knots in the wood, and allow to dry.
Step Four
When the wood filler has dried, sand it to a smooth finish. Check the rest of the surface and sand any other areas that may need attention.
Step Five
Cut the quadrant lengths to the depth of the shelves and screw the quadrants to the inside of the cupboard to act as shelf brackets. A mini spirit level and an extra pair of hands are essential here! Small screws are required, as you must avoid piercing through the wardrobe.
Step Six
The wardrobe shown had already been painted, so I sanded it and then applied primer to unfinished areas such as the shelves and decorative moldings. When the primer is dry, paint with one or two coats of eggshell or satin finish paint. It is easier to paint the shelves before fitting them inside the wardrobe.
Step Seven
Apply another generous coat of PVA solution (see step 1) to the inside back of the armoire. If you are using heavy wallpaper, apply a coat to the back of the paper as well to ensure it sticks. Line the inside back of the armoire with pretty wallpaper, such as this silk-effect paper. Lining just the back adds decoration without being over-fussy. Line the base of the armoire with the same paper, folding each edge under to give a neater finish. Do not glue this down, as it may need to be replaced at regular intervals. If you want to avoid this, stick it down and cover with a clear sticky-backed plastic to make it easier to keep it clean.
Excerpted from Weekend Furniture Facelifts by Helen Carey. Photography by Frazer Cunningham. © 2005. Hamlyn, publisher. Used with permission.
