TV Armoire to Functional Wardrobe Makeover
Today, we’re sharing how to transition a TV armoire to a functional wardrobe makeover.
Several years ago, I decided to take an unused TV armoire and turn it into a wardrobe as part of the Master Bedroom Makeover for the One Room Challenge.
At the time, the mess (not mine, of course ?) was really getting to me. I value organized spaces as much as I value chocolate cake.
I knew there had to be a way to give the armoire a new purpose and make it fully functional though.
Besides, almost every morning I would hear some version of the following questions:
- “Have you seen my keys?”
- “I swear I just had my phone, have you seen it?”
- “I’m running late, help me find my backpack, wallet and security badge, ok?”
Transitioning a TV Armoire to a Functional Wardrobe Makeover
The TV armoire was in great shape, but the woodgrain was very dark and no longer fit our style. It also matched the rest of the bedroom furniture and as you guys know, one thing always leads to another and
So, we decided to give it a budget friendly makeover by painting it in Valspar English Tea Party.
Then I took everything out and organized the TV armoire into a functional wardrobe with baskets and boxes.
I also reorganized the bottom two drawers and made them into a one-stop after work dressing station by housing the most comfortable clothes there.
In addition, I placed a large basket inside the wardrobe for dirty clothes which made it super easy to take to the laundry room.
This system worked really well for years.
That Was Then, This Is Now
But once we decided to give the master bedroom a refresh, I knew the TV armoire we had turned into a functional wardrobe as well as the matching nightstand would have to be painted.
We chose the color Primitive Chalky Paint by Americana Decor. But before we started painting, we had to use 2 coats of Zisser 123 Primer first.
I’ve been painting furniture for years now, there is always a point where I wonder if I’ve seriously messed up though.
This would be that point ?
If you’re new to painting, you might feel that way too so, here’s a post on chalk painting furniture 101 that might be helpful.
2 coats of Primitive later, the transitioned TV armoire to a functional wardrobe makeover had a fresh new look.
Next I replaced the hardware. I chose the same knobs we’re using on the desk in the bedroom office space. They were on sale from Hobby Lobby and very affordable.
While I was at it, I also decided to lighten up the inside of the armoire too with the same shiplap inspired paper we used to update the display cabinet.
While this is not a long-term solution, it was a simple refresh that made a fun difference.
Since I first transitioned TV armoire to a functional wardrobe a few years ago, our organizational needs have changed a bit.
Yet the basic system for this piece hasn’t changed much at all.
We’re still using a mix of boxes and baskets for things like receipts, grab and go masks, a place to hold random (but necessary, I hear) computer cables, jump drives and sentimental items like birthday cards.
Things to Keep In Mind When Transitioning a TV Armoire to a Functional Wardrobe
If you’re considering doing something similar think about how you can make things as functional as possible.
For example, if you were to stand in this spot in the afternoons or after work, you’d be able to:
- find a place to empty your pockets
- keep everyday items organized
- find things that are easily lost like earbuds
- utilize a charging station
- have a designated spot for your laptop and tablet
- change into comfortable clothes
- have a spot for dirty clothes
I think sometimes we think organization has to be complicated or expensive.
And while, at times that might be true, I hope this transitioned TV armoire to a functional wardrobe makeover helps you to look at your organizational systems and the pieces of furniture you already have at home differently.
There are lots of ways to keep the spaces in your home neat and tidy. You just have to think out of the box sometimes.
Let us know if you’ve painted anything recently and how you’re organizing things at home!
*This post was updated on May 13, 2020; Original post date May 2017)
A Few Other Painted Furniture Posts You Might Enjoy:
- Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint Makeover in Marzipan
- French Country Desk Makeover
- How to Make Pantry Storage Drawers
- Country House Accent Chairs in Primitive
- Desk Makeover in Cartouche Green
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
CoCo – this is fantastic! We always love your painted furniture and organizational skills! When the two marry…it’s magic. We too sometimes worry after the first coat of paint on a piece of furniture. Even after all of these years, it’s hard not to panic LOL. Currently we are painting two nightstands. Fingers crossed for great results. Much love!
Thanks so much you guys! That first coat is always scary but thankfully, in the end, it all works out ok. I’m about to start painting that big 10 drawer dresser that is currently black so I’m sure I’ll have lots of those moments today ha ha. Can’t wait to see how your nightstands come together. I know they will be amazing! Big hugs and lots of love to you both, CoCo
I have long wanted to re-do a cabinet like this…you have definitely inspired me! I’d like to do one as a linen cabinet, too! Great project!
Thank you, Linda! We’ve thought a million times about making this same piece into a linen hutch and using L brackets for the shelves so I totally see where you’re headed and I love it 🙂 Pieces like these are fabulous because you can use them for so many different things from a reading nook to a craft closet! Can’t wait to see how yours turns out. I know it will be fabulous! Hugs, CoCo
Coco I love the new lighter colour! It turned out beautifully and your paper boxes reminded me that I need to get some haha. I hope you are doing well and staying safe!
Thanks so much, Lisa! It’s really been fun to try and freshen everything up. Although, I will say finding paint has been so much harder than I thought it would be! I don’t know if you have a Michaels or not near you but these boxes are actually photo boxes and they’re great for organizing things that need a cover. Most of the time you can find them on sale too! Hope you and your family are all safe and well, hugs, CoCo
Thankfully I had a stash of paint before this began and haven’t tackled any big paint projects but I have heard from quite a few people that they have been having trouble finding paint! I’m glad you were able to find some though… it looks wonderful! That is great to know about the photo boxes. I wouldn’t have thought to look through those and we do have Michael’s; although they aren’t open right now but I will check them out when they reopen. Stay well! Hugs <3
This is beautiful!! I love how much room you have for everything inside. And the shiplap in the back is so pretty! Years ago I bought a tv armoire at a church sale for less than $20 and I’ve been using it as a closet in my bedroom ever since. It’s in much need of a coat of paint, so I’ll be saving your chalkpaint tips to refer to! 🙂
Thank you, Michelle! This piece has been so versatile for us so it’s exciting to hear you have something similar at home too. I can’t believe you got it for $20 either – what a steal! Can’t wait to see what you do. Hugs, CoCo
I loved your idea for housing the laundry basket inside of the armoire! Perfect for hiding it away and definitely functional!
Thank you, Michelle! We’ve been looking for all sorts of ways to make things easier especially lately 🙂 Hope you and your family are all safe and well! Hugs for a happy week, CoCo
Oh my goodness, CoCo! I actually LOVED the color you initially chose when you first transitioned to a wardrobe, but this one is even better! Such a great way to repurpose such a lovely piece and that shiplap paper is amazing! I need to get some!
Thank you, Christine! This was definitely a fun piece to give some love to because it’s super versatile and can be used in so many different ways. We loved the English Tea Party as well but it will be nice to lighten things up too. Hope your weekend was a fun one, CoCo