The $12 Library Hutch
Today, we’re sharing the $12 library hutch that easily doubles as a tv stand and bookcase.
One of the pieces from the master bedroom refresh that has been the most versatile is the $12 library hutch we picked up at an estate sale several years ago.
It’s actually a hutch top that was missing from its buffet bottom which probably explains the $12 price tag.
We eventually plan to build a fireplace for the spot this hutch is in. But now that hurricane season is officially upon us, we’ll have to table that idea until the Fall.
The $12 Library Hutch
At first, we thought we would give the hutch a makeover and sell it at one of our booth spaces. But I kept putting it off for some reason. The store eventually closed down and the hutch sat in our garage for a few months.
Then we decided to give the master bedroom a makeover for the One Room Challenge. At that time, we upgraded the old tv and transitioned the TV cabinet/armoire into a functioning wardrobe which we still use to this day.
It seemed like a simple change.
But the new tv was a bit bigger than the one we were previously using which meant we needed a bigger tv stand and cabinet.
Adding Feet to the Library Hutch
I knew the $12 hutch sitting in our garage would not only solve the problem with the tv but it would also make a great place for books.
So, I asked my bestie S to put “feet” on the cabinet to make it look like a more intentional piece.
We had some scrap wood in the garage and once they were attached I knew the style was a great match.
There was only one problem though.
The feet were made from pine (a very light colored wood) and the wood on the hutch was a cross between cherry and walnut.
The first step was to add a base color to the feet, so we used several coats of cherry stain.
We allowed the cherry stain to dry completely.
Then we added a bit of dark furniture paste wax in multiple layers until we were able to match the color of the feet to the color of the library hutch.
It’s not a perfect match but it’s pretty close.
Styling the Hutch Shelves
Once we brought the hutch inside I originally filled it with thrifted books and tarnished silver trophies and other antique pieces I’ve collected over the years.
That cozy library style served us well in the past. But once we decided to lighten the bedroom up, I knew that dark and tarnished style would no longer for for the space.
Thankfully, I have plenty of ironstone and old books to help give the $12 library hutch a fresh feel.
My mom is really good about collecting books that have a lot of patina or books that have a similar color for me.
Grouping book sets together like this (even if they’re new) is a really easy and inexpensive way to style bookcases, display cases or a $12 library hutch.
Another simple way to style shelves like this is to use a collection of similar items like ironstone, brushes, tarnished silver, pottery, blue and white ginger jars or brown and white transferware.
Given I had these farmhouse inspired pieces already on hand and the scrap wood in the garage, this library hutch has been one of the most budget friendly pieces of furniture we’ve ever had.
Not only that, once we get the mantel installed for in the bedroom, we can easily pair the $12 library hutch with a buffet and use it in the breakfast nook.
It’s truly one of those versatile finds that keeps us on the treasure trail. You just never know what you’re going to come across at any given time!
If you’re curious this is how the library hutch looks with the tv on top.
I know having a tv in the bedroom is not for everyone but it’s a great solution for us. Especially, for those days when you feel like just vegging out ?
Let us know which peice in your home is your favorite budget friendly find. The $12 library hutch is definitely one of ours!
*This post was updated on June 1, 2020; original post date May 15, 2017
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.A Few Other Posts Related to the Master Bedroom Makeover You Might Enjoy:
- DIY European Farmhouse Mirror Makeover
- Creating Faux Bronze Hardware in 3 Easy Steps
- Simple Nightstand Makeover in Primitive
- A Simple Office Space for the Bedroom
- How to Stencil Concrete Floors Like a Pro
- Easy Tips for Styling a Bookcase
Many blessings,
CoCo
So pretty Coco! The feet look amazing and they match in so well. This just goes to show you should never pass up a solid wood piece of furniture. What an amazing $12 addition to the room.
Nancy
I really appreciate it, Lisa, thank you! When I saw that $12 price tag it was all I could do not to skip to the counter. Sending you hugs and good vibes you’re able to spot another piece in need of some love on the side of the road. Hugs, CoCo
I really appreciate it Elizabeth, thank you so much. I’m still keeping you and your family in my prayers as your son continues to recover. Hugs, CoCo
CoCo
You transformed the hutch so beautifully and made a masterpiece out of it. Amazing use of god given tools – Your Hands!
Thank you! We’ve enjoyed this piece so much already because it’s super versatile and being able to find it at $12 was such a steal too. These are the kind of projects that keep me hunting on the treasure trail 🙂 Hope your weekend was a fun one, CoCo
This is beautiful!! I love the way you styled it, too. I have a thing for really old textbooks. I love to see the writings inside, especially ones with poetry.
Thank you, Michelle, I love books as well! Mostly because I read a lot but also because they’re so easy to decorate with too. Textbooks are always fun but the old ones are getting so hard to find now. I’m always keeping my eyes peeled though 🙂 Hope you had a great weekend, CoCo
I really love how it turned out… so beautiful! And really economic, too. When you can save so much money on furniture and give it a new life again, that’s a win-win!
Thank you, this hutch has been such a versatile piece! It’s always so helpful to get to know the people that run thrift stores, antique malls, and charity shops too. That way, they can be a second set of eyes for you and let you know if anything that’s your style comes in. Every little bit helps 🙂 Hope your week is off to a great start, CoCo
I love your story about repurposing this hutch. It looks so lovely and the decor you chose to put inside was so perfect!
Thank you, Heidi! I’ve been trying so hard not to bring home lots of extra stuff but in this case, having all those pieces on hand really saved me 🙂 Cheers for a great week, CoCo
You did an amazing job with this hutch and I love the pieces you have filled it with, especially the gorgeous soup bowls. Thank you also for your tips on styling the books too – I must give that a go, it all comes together beautifully and looks very chic. Well well done!
Such sweet and thoughtful words, Katerina, thank you so much! It used to take me forever to style shelves but now that I have a little system down it really helps. Hope it helps you too! Hugs for a happy week, CoCo
What a wonderful way to use this piece! So functional and beautiful!
Thank you so much, Linda! It’s been a great piece for us and even when we have the mantel built I know we’ll be able to use it in the breakfast nook too. Hugs, CoCo
I love that you made this $12 find into something wonderful for you home! I did this with my coffee table which I got for around the same price and it’s one of my favourite pieces ever! As they say, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure” – so true!
Speak to my heart, Jayne, I feel the same way! One of the things I’ve missed most about this time at home has been not being able to get out and treasure hunt. But I’m hopeful we’ll be able to get back out there soon. Hugs and happy summer, CoCo
CoCo, this is precisely what I need for a TV stand in my family room! If you ever get tired up, can you pack it up and ship it to me?! Perfect color and everything. Love the legs you added. You did a fantastic job. So glad I found you at #WonderfulWednesday.
I really appreciate it, Jean, thank you so much. It’s been such a versatile piece that we’ve enjoyed for many years. I know some people even add longer legs to make pieces like this as tall as what a buffet would be so it’s a great option. If I ever decide to let it go, I’ll let you know 🙂 Hugs and thank you for stopping by, CoCo
Wow, what a bargain and it looks great! I went to the link for your stenciled concrete floor ~ pinned for a possibility for my basement floor. Love it!
That is so sweet, Allyson, thank you! We’ve definitely enjoyed our library hutch and the stenciled floors too. The floors were a ton of work but 3 years later, we still love them. Sending you hugs for a happy week, CoCo
What a great find! You did a lovely job adding the “feet” to it. This piece can be used in any room for so many ways! Just really liked it! I’m also glad that you didn’t paint it; I might add tacked in the corners wallpaper for its next new life!
I really appreciate all your sweet and kind words, Kathy, thank you! It’s been such a great and versatile piece for us and you’re right it can be used in a ton of different ways. Adding wallpaper is a great idea. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for something special 🙂 Hope your day has been a good one, CoCo
Your styling makes $12 look like a million! So pretty!
ha ha you’re so funny, Kirstin, thank you! It’s been a great piece for us and of course the $12 is what keeps us on the treasure trail 🙂 Hugs, CoCo