apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I would repaint it (you'll have to check your paint store to see which kind of paint) and use it as a mini bar. You can paint it whatever color you want. I guess it depends on what room you're using it in. But the first thing I pictured on it was bottles of liquor on the bottom with a tray on the top that has a bottle opener, some wine glasses or perhaps martini glasses and a drink shaker. And maybe a small glass thin vase with a single flower on it.

Hope this helps.

This looks like it could be useful for any number of things. As long as it isn't rusted through anywhere, I definitely agree on sanding, painting, and reusing! I like the bar idea, but it all depends on what you need, and where you have space to put it.

I have two typing tables like this I use as night stands on either side of the bed... I pop the leaves up on it when I have an overflow of reading material :)

I like the mini bar ideal also. It's a small detail but I would also make sure the wheels move freely with some oil or see if they have suitable replacements and the H/W store.

With a free weekend day, a handful of paint pens, and a straight edge (or a set of those paint samples and a small, nice brush) you could try a DIY like this striped stool:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/seating-benches-stools/good-questions-where-can-i-find-this-stool-064703

And to really spruce it up you might see if you can swap in some new wheels for a smooth ride, even if you don't plan on moving it around much.

Mini bar idea cute.. or good place to store vases, vessels.
I would paint it a fun color- turquoise, bright yellow, orange, or bright green..do you garden? it would make a nice little urban potting station.

end table or kitchen cart

1-strip the paint, expose shiny gloss metalness....and ding: modern-retro beside table/nightstand

2-paint it a glossy metallic color and this piece will ad xtra glam to any space.

-i'd also use it in my closet,
-hallway with a rotary phone,
-hermes 1950s typewriter,

super super cool in short easy do time.

Over the past few years we've used ours as a printer stand, tv cart, end table, bedside table. It's really versatile and fun.

toss it.

helpful, right?

Ooh! I used to have one of these and had completely forgotten about it! An old typing stand. I need to find another one. I would use it as a printer stand, but would also be great as a kitchen cart or bedside table as others have suggested.

repaint and use as

mini bar
buffet in dining area
kitchen/micrwave cart
office equipment stand
bathroom storage
roll out under a larger desk/table
in the entry way
plant stand/gardening cart

I've been using mine for a little laptop desk - the little flip-up leaves are great for peripherals I don't use all the time, or when I need a writing surface. (just have to figure out a nicer wire control)

i have a very small bedroom with no dresser and limited closet space so i use it to put my jewelry, perfume, etc. on and stack clean towels and sheets in a basket underneath and on the lower shelf.

sewing station?

with all that grey in your house, i can see it painted fire engine red.

I've got one of these but w/out the drop leaves I like the idea of stripping it to bare metal.

it's sweet that you rescued it from the rain. regardless of what you end up doing with it, it has a nice story.

Get it sprayed at an auto paint place--so much easier, looks better.

I'm chiming in on the mini bar and fire engine red. I'm with Palmetto -- powder-coating at an auto paint place will last much longer and look better. Please take pics and update us on what you decide!

I have one of these with locking wheels. When I need extra table space for big parties, I flip up the wings, and temporarily attach an old door to the top. Cover with table cloth, and you've got a moveable buffet!

Ooh, fire-engine-red powdercoat would be perfect with all those soft greys so I vote for that, and use it as a minibar! Or it might make a good hall table by a door; put a little plant and a bowl for keys on top, and you can put shoes, umbrellas, etc. on the lower shelf/ in a basket underneath. I'm jealous of such a fun find with a great story-- so many of my favorite things are "rescued." I agree though, definitely see if the wheels are OK/replace them, there's nothing more annoying than wheels that lock up!

brenda, i love that you picked this up from a lonely street to give it new life. the first thing i thought of was kitchen cart. the bottom shelf could be storage for bowls. you could place some butcher block on top and go to cooking town. it would be neat to store pretty linens and fabrics too. you know you're more creative than i, so let me know what you decide!!