thrifted luggage stand makeover

Occasionally I come across items, often overlooked by others, that I believe have great potential. A few years ago, I found several wooden restaurant tray stands at a hotel’s closing/liquidation sale. They were aged and dirty with dry-rotting straps, but I knew they could be transformed into something clever. I turned one into a folding luggage stand with a whimsical macrame seat.  But I want a more traditional look for my second luggage stand makeover.  

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supplies needed:

• wooden stand
• spray paint
• jute webbing
• staple gun

step 1 – preparing the frame

First, I removed the old webbing from the stand. Next, I washed the frame with water and allowed it to dry thoroughly. Once dry, I gently sanded any rough patches. Finally, it took several light coats of matte black spray paint to cover.  

step 2 – attaching the straps

I decided on wide 3 1/2″ jute webbing for the straps. The natural jute with black stripes lends a rustic flair to the stand. After deciding on the length needed, cut 3 straps. You may need more straps if you use a narrow webbing. For this project, I cut 3 straps, each measuring approximately 40″ in length.

I stapled the first strap onto the frame in a way that the webbing could be wrapped down & over the frame, hiding the stapled part. The photo below demonstrates this process. Secure the end of the strap to the opposite end of the frame in this same fashion.

*Note: when attaching the strap to the opposite end, make sure it aligns evenly when frame is closed. (The top bars on folding racks are not usually the same length, so it is important to confirm the strap ends are even in this way.)

I love the fact that repurposing an old restaurant stand into a luggage rack results in an unexpected design, with webbing running horizontal instead of vertical. It adds a bit of whimsy to an otherwise ordinary and typical luggage stand.

The biggest compliment is a little share – pin the photo below!