Woman spots two big pine bookcases at a thrift store that she did not need and turns them into a charming kitchen hutch with floral curtains, vintage dishes and wine glasses on the top shelf

“I don’t need bookshelves, but I had an idea.” That was the thought that took over when one thrifter spotted two large pine bookcases in a secondhand store. Her dream find came with one problem, and the solution turned it into the centerpiece of her kitchen.

The makeover is shared by @loverslanehome, told through short captions and quick cuts rather than narration.

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A dream find with a problem

The story starts in a thrift store aisle, where the shopper reacts with shock, then smiles with a finger on her chin as an idea takes shape. A caption says she thrifted her dream find but had one problem. The problem, it turns out, is that she did not actually need bookshelves.

Getting them home

Two large pine bookcases are shown standing side by side in the store. A man tips one carefully onto a rolling dolly and wheels it out through the parking lot. The bookcase is then tied down in the back of an SUV for the trip home.

The kitchen hutch idea

At home, the two bookcases slide side by side against an apartment wall. Then comes the question on screen: what if she turned them into a kitchen hutch? She holds up a small rod fitted with floral mini curtains and fits it inside a lower shelf, hooking a tension rod in place. The curtains close across the lower sections on the left and right, hiding what is stored there and giving the base the look of a classic country cabinet.

Styling the finished piece

The final shots are all about styling. She places a vintage butter dish in front of a framed ship picture, sets a ceramic bowl, a small butter dish and a glowing candle on a plate stand, and lines wine glasses on the top shelf. The hutch ends up beside the kitchen island, finished and styled, as a warm, rustic feature in the room. How much the project cost and what the curtain rods and fabric were are not shown.

How to build a hutch from bookshelves

Look for solid wood bookcases at thrift stores and secondhand shops. Pine is affordable and easy to paint or stain.
Use tension rods and lightweight fabric to hide the lower shelves. It is cheap, removable and easy to wash or change.
Group items in threes and mix textures, as in the butter dish, ceramic bowl and candle on a plate stand.
Keep your best glassware or dishes at eye level on the upper shelves, and everyday clutter behind the curtains.
Anchor tall furniture to the wall if you have children or pets, so a heavy bookcase cannot tip.
Take a dolly and straps when you shop for large pieces, as she did, so you can get them home safely.

A little imagination turned something she did not plan to buy into something she now uses every day. Sometimes the best furniture is just furniture used for a different job.

What is a hutch, exactly?

A hutch is a piece of furniture that combines open shelves or glass doors on top with closed storage below. Traditionally it was used to store and show off dishes, linens and serving pieces in a kitchen or dining room. Two plain bookcases can imitate the look surprisingly well, because the shelves above provide the display and a curtain or doors below provide the hidden storage.

How to shop secondhand furniture

Test for stability. Push gently on the piece to check for wobble, and look at the joints, back panel and shelf supports.
Sniff for smoke, mildew or mustiness. Odors can be hard to remove from raw wood.
Look for signs of insects, such as tiny holes or fine sawdust, and check the underside and the back.
Measure your space and your doorways before you buy, so the piece will actually fit through.
Bring a tape measure, a flashlight and a friend to help with lifting.

Preparing pine for paint or a new look

Pine is a softwood, so it dents easily, but it is also forgiving and takes paint and stain well. Clean the surface with mild soap and water, lightly sand it, and wipe away the dust. If you plan to paint, a primer helps the color go on evenly, and a stain blocking primer can keep sap or knots from showing through. If the finish is very old, test for lead before sanding it.

Common questions

How do I keep a tall hutch from tipping? Attach it to a wall stud with an anti tip strap or bracket, and place the heaviest items on the lower shelves. This is especially important in homes with children or pets.

How much weight can a tension rod hold? It depends on the rod, and lightweight fabric is the safest choice. Check the packaging for a weight limit, and use the rod only for curtains rather than for heavy objects.

Try this at home: a weekend hutch plan

Choose a wall that has space for the piece and is away from the stove and other heat.
Clean the bookcases and make any small repairs.
Decide whether to paint, stain or leave the wood as it is.
Measure each lower opening, then cut fabric with a little extra for gathers.
Style the shelves with a few favorite pieces and leave some open space.

Credit for the original post goes to @loverslanehome on Instagram.

Willow and Hearth