DIY Network

Unique Accents Learn how to fill an empty apartment with one-of-a-kind accents. From "From Junky to Funky" episode DFJF-211

An empty apartment is filled with uniquely made furniture and accents.

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Folding Chair Shelf

A folding chair is disassembled and transformed into a funky shelving unit.

Materials:

vintage wooden folding chair
scrap wood for shelves
clock face kit
metal film can
flat metal brackets
acorn nuts
bolts
wood screws
wood glue
drill and bits
stain
polyurethane
picture hanging brackets
metal grinder
table saw
jig saw
power sander

	Figure A
	Figure B

Shelf Body

1. Use a folding chair (figure A) that has an interesting shape and flat edges on the legs.

2. Separate the chair into three separate pieces--back leg supports, front leg supports and the seat.

3. Clean up the chair as needed.

4. Arrange the pieces as you like (figure B).

5. Choose a place to attach the shelves. Running two shelves along the length of the bottom of the piece would be sufficient without overwhelming the piece.

6. To make the shelves, run a couple of pieces of solid wood through a table saw for the straightest cut. If you're using plywood, consider using trim or nosing to cover the edges.

Tip: When determining the width of the shelves, take in consideration the widest part of the items you'll display on the shelves.

7. Consider the shape of the shelves to coordinate with the shape of the chair pieces.

8. Sand the old finish off from all of the wood pieces.

9. Use a 4-1/2 inch carriage bolt with an acorn nut to slide through the two bottom legs and the two shelves for the main support. This will ensure that the shelves won't fall off the piece.

Figure C

10. Attach the remainder of the shelves (figure C) from the bottom by pre-drilling, using wood glue and wood screws. Use a 3/8 inch bit to countersink the screw heads.

11. Use a shorter carriage bolt and acorn nut to attach the top of the piece where the two leg supports are joined.

12. Attach the seat to the top leg supports using wood glue and wood screws from the top.

Note: At this point, it could be possible to fold the entire piece to a 45-degree angle, enabling it to fit as a corner shelf if desired. If you choose not to use this design, use straight flat metal brackets at the folding points on the top and bottom to ensure its rigidity.

13. Fill in all screw holes with wood fill. Sand off the excess once dry.

14. Stain or paint the entire piece.

15. Seal the project with polyurethane.

Film Canister Clock Detail

1. Detail is added to the chair shelving unit by attaching an old film canister.

2. To bring out the round details in the film canister, use a power sander to expose the silver metal underneath.

3. Drill a small hole for the hands of the clock to go through.

Figure D

4. Attach the film can by grinding two slits with the metal grinder on the edge to fit over the metal supports that was already there as a seat support (figure D).

5. Use polyurethane glue to attach the can to the metal seat support and the clock kit to the back of the film can.

6. Use large picture hanging hardware to mount the unit to the wall.

Project Expense:

Chair, scrap wood: Free
Clock kit: $5
Film canister: $2
Basic Materials: $8

Total: $15

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