Vintage Sewing Machine Table

  I sat pondering a vintage sewing machine table… it was obvious the table had seen better days. Made of solid wood, a flip top, to double the size and a small drawer in front the table had good bones, “What could it be used for”? I sat rubbing my hand along the top when approached by a lovely lady who proceeded to tell me a story.

She had come into the store that day to see if anyone had bought her old sewing table.

Her fiancé bought her the sewing machine in 1949, so she could sew her wedding dress. She used the machine for years, finally the old machine gave up the ghost and the table sat in the garage, a dropping of point for paint tins, tools and the odd beverage. Laughing she thought the table overpriced, because, after all, there was no sewing machine and what could that old table be used for!

Listening to the sewing cabinet’s wonderful history, I knew its purpose. Thanking her for the story, I bought the table.

Anxious to give this vintage sewing table new purpose, I started working immediately. Using Howard’s Restor-a-Finish and 000 extra fine Bulldog steel wool, I began gently rubbing with the grain, removing stains, paint rings & water marks. Using a soft cloth, I then used Howard’s Restor-a-Shine, after a couple of hours the vintage table took on new life.

Where the machine had folded into the table was a tray, removing the layers of dust and oil from the old sewing machine, I placed a 12 inch black plastic basket, the kind purchased at the dollar store, it became a new home for cords, manuals and accessories.

I placed my restored vintage sewing table in a nook, to add visual interest I paired it with a vintage table lamp and an old wood folding chair to complete the new laptop desk in the family room.

Quick Tip: Placing a lamp and chair at a small table in unused corners of a room can become an ideal place to write a thank-you card, a practical lap top desk, or a crafting table; creating a new dimension to any room.

Stay tuned… continuing to love your space.

Roxanne Griese is an Artist; Design and organizing are her passions, to see more articles and artwork visit, www.artbyroxanne.ca