Oftentimes when renovating my old house, I've wished I had an extra set of hands. But sometimes and extra set of legs also comes in handy.
I first came across these legs at Smith-Zukas a few months ago. Art Smith had attached the legs, which are actually Eastlake period casket stands (no kidding!), to an old two-panel door to create a beautiful sofa table. These turn up regularly on ebay! I had never seen anything like them before so I was really disappointed to find out it had been custom made for a Boston interior designer who has a place up on the coast.
On my most recent visit to Art's shop, I was surprised to see the table there. It didn't work out in the designer's space so it came back to the shop. The entire table was too big for my house so after debating their placement in the house with Carol for a little bit, I decided to take just the legs. Carol thought they would make a great pair of demilune bedside tables and I think that's what they'll end up. I think they'd look great with a half round of old marble.
In the meantime, I thought they'd be perfect for a little sideboard in the dining room, a little table out on the backporch, or a sweet little TV tray on which to enjoy my Salisbury steak that just folds up and tucks away in a closet. For a top, I used an old frame into which I've put a sheet of decorative paper. Nothing new, you've probably seen it done a bunch of times.
And then I just set the frame across the two legs.
Perfect for an end-of-summer nautical vignette.
Love the legs and the vignette. You have such good taste.
ReplyDeleteMy, what gorgeous legs you have!
ReplyDeleteI love your final result! Although I must admit I don't think I could handle having casket stands in my house. :) Found your blog about a month ago and love it! Your home renovation is fascinating to see unfold.
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteI can understand that. These are really unusual ones, many of them are sold as luggage racks. I figure they've absorbed an awful lot of prayers over the years and give off great energy as a result.
Steve
That looks brilliant! Make me one, make me one!
ReplyDeleteOh the casket legs gave me a really good laugh, a few weeks ago, oh you know hit story is too long, I won't bore you with it. But it involved pictures of a dead person in an iPhone, yeah I know, who does that?
What a fabulous idea!! I love it!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
They were meant to be yours. Truly unique and original. Could you dance with them? My late mother was teaching my American nephew Irish dancing and it required 4 persons, as there were only 2 of then, she used a broom and the valuum cleaner to demonstrate the dance!
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Helen xx
A stunning vignette - is that the new tortoise shell?! Gorgeous colours and objets (love the boat and shell and coral...oh, i love everything!), and a great pair of legs. You are awfully clever. T.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant, and versatile too! I'm sure you'll find so many potential uses for these, they'll be part of the family~
ReplyDeleteThey really are pretty considering what their job was. I think it's wonderful that they're so versatile too. I think they'd be great on the porch during the summer.
ReplyDeleteam
You're killing me with that blue bowl Vignette! Don't let the cat jump up there!
ReplyDeleteCasket stands? think they're sturdy enough to hold up a casket with a person in it?
It's such a shame that we no longer make "useful" things beautiful, as they did years ago. While their purpose seems odd to us today, 100 years ago one would not want one's loved one laid out at home on something ugly.
ReplyDeleteAm glad you saw such promise and weren't afraid to take a gamble. Now you have to choose between solutions! Good eye!
I'm double excited that your Salisbury steak folds up and goes into a closet.
ReplyDeleteWho'd have thunk it?
Feeling extra sassy!
xo jane
just the word greek was enough to win me... and then i see your table and its a fact. i`ll be visiting you : )
ReplyDeleteThose are the prettiest casket stands I've ever seen. There used to be such attention to detail! I like what you've done with them.
ReplyDeleteI love them and I love the vignette. You can change out the decorative paper to highlight different holidays or seasons.
ReplyDeleteMr. Casket leg man:
ReplyDeleteYou are far to creative for your own good. Henceforth, we insist you send the leg's (and frankly the darling sail boat) to us for further review and scrutiny.
Signed,
Creative Blog investigator #7
Are you sure you don't moonlight as a stylist? Gorgeous vignette and a great pair of legs, Lori
ReplyDeletePerfect vignette for a creative use of a one-of-a-kind object.
ReplyDeleteI want to see them with that half round of marble too!
Camille
That is absolutely darling. The ability to tuck it away at times is an enviable quality.
ReplyDeletelove them steve and love the nautical vignette. is that a pond yacht? is it vintage? i like it.
ReplyDeleteI think the idea for end tables is a smart one. Would that be for your spindle bed?
ReplyDeletetres cool Steve!
ReplyDeleteMy old neighbors had a cadaver table in the house- this gorgeous marble top, a fabulous metal base, super long, but.... ewwwwww!
Are you even kidding me right now with that framed paper on the stands? Do you ever rest that creative mind for even a minute? That is brilliant! O.M.G. You kill me, Steve. I should have known they weren't headed for the basement. I can't stop thinking about that bird painting! Anyway, I love it all, needless to say! Lets go again next week! Ha ha. I refuse to go without an overflowing wallet, so it will be a while!!
ReplyDeleteLove it all. And yeah for the nautical theme. : )
ReplyDeleteI concur! You do have good taste!
ReplyDeleteWow, who would have ever thought those were casket stands?...they look great holding your tray and wonderful vignette.
ReplyDeleteYour re-use looks fab. No one would ever know where they came from!
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteI figured you were a dude with great legs....k
Voila! What a stunning finished product, Steve, and I'm so happy you're finding those bottles beautiful enough to move all around the house! :) They look great with this vignette, but I have to tell you - I'm in love with that shell propped against the wall behind them - and I might (after I recoup from the trip I just got back from) come up and surprise you one day with pie or cookies, maybe a cake? And while you're preparing for serving sneak that shell under my shirt! TOTALLY NOT OBVIOUS! :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous - as usual!
Dude...you have that styling gig totally down. I am just staring at everything on that table and seeing nothing but perfection.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah...love the table and legs also :)