What to do with old Balusters and spindles

Last updated 2/29/08

Old Balusters and spindles can be found at flea markets, antique stores, and even garage sales. There are many great Trash to Treasure projects out there for these items. Their shapes are infinite, and the more chippy the paint the better, I hope you Enjoy this idea page, and if you found a project particularly inspiring please email me.

Rosemary uses this old porch railing to accent her fireplace screen when not in use.

The angel on the left was made from an old Table Leg, the arms are old spindles. The shape of the Table leg just lent itself to become an angel. I turned it upside down and the bottom of the leg became her head.

the one on the right was made from an old spindle, I added iron brackets for the wings, and a round finial for her head. I used Copper wire for her halo and aura.

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Here's an out of the ordinary window valance. Made by gluing old chair spindles etc onto a piece of trim. this idea was adapted from the book "Decorating Junk Market Style" by Sue Whitney & Ki Nassauer.

Be sure to visit the junkwarehouseonline.com gallery for this spindle project and others

I used another old table leg, cut in half, to embelish this cabinet

These Old Table legs were cut in half and painted and then just hung on the wall as is.

Old Spindles were used by artist Mark Orr, to become legs for his one of a kind tables. click the picture to view his web site, with more great ideas and pieces to purchase. Thank you Mark for permission to link to your wonderful art.

sewigardnut from The Garden Web, posted this idea for a plant hanger

click here for more information

Spindles embelish this birdhouse (left) that uses multiple pieces of reclaimed building materials.

In the middle is my version, I used spindles to accent the roof line. On the right is another I made using spindles as embelishment.

Here's another idea from the junkwarehouseonline.com gallery

Toots made these 2 angels from old spindles. "one to hold sayings and one to hold favorite xmas ornament....one with wire ribbon wings and one with scroll-saw wings"

Various Candlesticks made from old Spindles.

Making a Candlestick

First Gather up some architectural pieces. I find most of mine at garage sales. Old spindles, table legs, and even old wooden candlesticks are great for this project.

I chose these pieces, and then took them to the saw

Then I stacked them, and glued and nailed them, and then painted. When the paint was dry I sanded it and rubbed it with red oak stain to give it an old look. and there you have it.

Tea Tray with cut spindles as legs