When I saw this lonely little luggage rack pushed to the back of a Salvation Army store, I felt sorry for it. Unloved and discarded by its former owner, I could see past its current beat up and water stained condition and to the gorgeous little thing it could become. Under my tender loving hands, this luggage rack has been granted a new lease on life.
The quickest way to modernize this luggage rack was to spray paint it. After giving the rack a coat of spray primer, I applied two coats of Rustoleum Black Lacquer spray paint. After just once swipe of the black paint, I could already see the transformation.
I allowed the paint to dry overnight and then I attached the new striped straps. First, I cut three straps at the same length. Then, I turned the luggage rack over, placed it on a table, and attached the middle strap using a staple gun. After I attached the first strap, I turned the rack right-side-up to make sure it was going to work before attaching the other two. Satisfied with how the first strap went on, I attached the other two. All told, attaching the straps took a total of 10 minutes!
Images: Jason Loper
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I actually prefer the "before;" however, I do see the merit in the style of the "after" photo, it's just not mine.
after FTW
Love it. The "before" was ok, but the "after" is fantastic. I can also see it doing double-duty as a side table if it is topped with a coordinating tray.
well done! the brown wood wasn't bad but those straps were horrible. great work!
the "before" is more suited to my tastes but the after looks $! :)
I love the after photo.
A small piece of glass would allow this to become a great side table.
Great job - I love the transformation!
Excellent job; looks great!
love it!! looks so much better!
So, what are you going to use it for?
prefer the before, stap upgrade would have been great - but "my tender loving hands"?
i'm currently coveting luggage racks. this is just fuel to the fire!
Look at the stains on the top and the chipped off varnish on the sides and middle rail - not even pretty in an "antique" way. If someone wanted to keep it as natural wood, they'd have to sand the hell out of it and re-stain and revarnish the whole thing.
The black does wonders for hiding all the scratches and dents too. :)
It'd be quite nice for a pretty guest bedroom.
I think I prefer the "before" version, too.
It's not my style, but it looks great! There seems to be a lot of high gloss black lately - do we see a coming trend?
The idea of turning it into a side table is great.
The new straps made a real difference - where did you get them?
Yes! Much cuter. Looks like a quite simple, diy, too. I'd love to see two matching luggage racks like that in the decorated room.
I think it is great. I've done a lot of furniture "updating" via spray paint. It is definitely an economical way to make your furniture nicer looking and more personal. Nicely done!
Nice update! I'm curious, too, about the straps. What are they made from and where did you find them?
Very pretty! Great work :-D
I have a similar sad little rescue rack in my guest bedroom. I have been trying to decide what to do with it for years. You have inspired me to give it a new lease on life! I may even make it into a new side table by putting a tray on top. Great job!
I agree w/ Rocket Scientist - This will make a nice little side table
Great Job!!!
I love the how the black brings out the clean lines.
love this. i adore luggage racks. i recently converted a great hotel vintage find into a side table. just drop a piece of wood across the straps and BAM! a great table.
Upgrade!