Old sewing machine tables have such charm and nostalgia. I fondly remember my grandmother had one in the corner of her living room near the piano. And although not many people are sewing anymore (or they have a portable machine that doesn’t require a built-in table), antique sewing tables and cabinets can be given new life as side tables, desks, vanities, beverage carts, and more.
Below, I’ve gathered up so many inspiring ideas to repurpose these pieces into updated, functional furniture again. If you’re lucky, you can find similar tables for cheap while thrifting or even for free! All it takes is a vision for what these once-cherished tables could become. Enjoy the ideas below, and most have links to helpful tutorials so you can learn how to create a similar look yourself.
This post may contain some affiliate links to products I use and recommend. Discover all my favorite brands and tools for doing DIY makeovers here.
1. How to upcycle an old sewing machine table to a chic desk or side table – by Girl in the Garage
2. How to upcycle an antique Singer sewing machine table to a desk with planked wood top – by Girl in the Garage, from the book Amazing Furniture Makeovers
3. Vintage sewing table makeover in blue – by Create Inspire
4. Antique Singer Sewing Machine Table Makeover – by Create Inspire
5. Martha Washington sewing cabinet makeover – by Ferpie and Fray
6. An old sewing table and a random drawer become a new writing table with hutch – by My Repurposed Life
7. Old sewing table turned potting bench – by Lilacs and Longhorns
8. Martha Washington sewing cabinet updated in General Finishes Milk Paint in Coastal Blue – by Garage Mama Vintage
9. Old sewing machine table repurposed into a planter – by A Well Purposed Woman
10. How to upcycle a sewing cabinet into an outdoor bar area – by Sweet Pea
11. Sewing table transformation with chippy milk paint in pale green – by Reinvented Delaware
12. Antique Singer sewing table upcycled into mirrored vanity – by My Repurposed Life
13. Martha Washington sewing cabinet painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and adorned with Prima Marketing image transfers – via Pinterest
14. Sewing table turned beverage and snack station – by Ambient Wares
15. Thrifted sewing table updated in pale blue paint and distressed – by Confessions of a Serial DIYer
16. Sewing cabinet painted with decoupage drawers turned into a nightstand – by Girl in the Garage
17. Vintage sewing cabinet makeover with Country Chic Paint in the color Jitterbug (dark teal) and hemp oil finish – by A Heart Filled Home
18. Sewing machine table repurposed into a side table with rustic wood shelves – via Pinterest
19. Singer sewing machine table base painted turquoise with glass table top – via Pinterest
20. Black Singer sewing table base with antique printer cabinet drawer as a new top with glass – via Pinterest
21. Antique Singer sewing machine table upcycled into a vanity with mirror and glass top – via Pinterest
22. Old sewing machine table drawers repurposed into side table storage piece – by Designs by Bobby-Jo via Pinterest
I hope these DIY sewing table makeovers have given you some new ideas for your next project. And don’t forget to be on the lookout for an old discarded sewing table or cabinet – there are so many ways to make them beautiful and useful again! – Jen
p says
Wow ! What a varried collection.
Sooo many ideas – and so pretty and functional. I love all the possibilities.
Thanks so much for compiling these !!
I have my grandmothers cabinet – and still use it as my sewing table.
Janice says
LOVE the beverage cart! Want to make one for my Son- in Penn State Blue and White. He could use it for game days…
Pam Lambiase says
I love ALL of these! SO MUCH inspiration! Thank you for all you share!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Pam, I’m so glad you like them! 🙂
Marietta says
Great collection of absolute awesomeness. My table is an old mess and my beautiful working singer featherweight sits atop. This gave me some ideas on how I want to refinish that sewing table. I am excited about it again!
THANK YOU!!!