I have a love for old wooden boxes of any type. They are great for storing items you want out of sight but not out of mind. I just love how they look, especially when they are re-purposed. So when I ran across this old silverware box, I decided it would make a great place to store stationary, stamps and other office items that get lost in large drawers.
This is one of my favorite transformations and I’m sharing how to repurpose a silverware box.
Thrift Store Find – Repurpose a Silverware Box
It was a little banged up when I first spotted it in the thrift store. However, it is solid wood, of sturdy construction and the price was right.

It was a little banged up when I first spotted it in the thrift store. However, it is solid wood, of sturdy construction and the price was right.





I spray painted the side handles with black Rustoleum paint because the original finish was pitted and rusty in areas.
Next, I painted the outside of the box with 2 COATS OF ANNIE SLOAN OLD WHITE CHALK PAINT, rubbed a little off around the edges. I then applied a clear wax to seal the paint. See an easy tutorial on how to use Chalk Paint.
I also mixed a small amount of dark wax with clear wax and added an additional coat over the entire surface. This gave a more aged look to the paint. This is the same technique that I shared on my Instagram Stories when I re-purposed the side table in my living room. I have the tutorial saved and you can link to that tutorial here.




So many small items fit perfectly!
It’s the perfect size for storing stationary, stamps, paper clips, pens, etc.

Remote control holder
In addition to stationary, the small drawer is perfect for hiding the remote controls when company is coming. Otherwise, they are glued to my husbands hands. LOL

The spray painted hardware matches the other hardware perfectly.


I originally thought I’d put the new Stationary Box on my desk. However, I’m really loving it here! It matches my re-purposed side table so well. Maybe I’ll just change the label to read “remote controls” and leave it here!
Christine Harvey
Monday 20th of September 2021
Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. I am just starting out and am going to look for some feed sack and try this method of dying it with coffee and stenciling the bag. I think I will start out with a bag for my first project. I enjoy rug hooking and quilting, so I thought I could put my scraps of wool, etc and have a bag for different colors. I signed up and will check my email for more projects and idea's. Thanks again so much.
rahrags@gmail.com
Tuesday 21st of September 2021
Christine, I'm so excited to have you join me. I appreciate your sweet comments and look forward to sharing more with you.
Lonnie
Saturday 21st of August 2021
Hi. Do you have a store in NC or is all of this beautiful decorations at your home?
Lonnie Beer
rahrags@gmail.com
Saturday 21st of August 2021
Lonnie, All that I share on here is at my home. thanks for stopping by.
sandra smith
Friday 19th of June 2020
I love this project! I have two silverware chests that were practically free (w/out silverware!) and I'll be doing this to both! Thanks for the inspiration and how-to! Sandra
rahrags@gmail.com
Friday 19th of June 2020
Sandra, I'm so glad you like this project. Can't wait to hear how they turn out. Rachel