A small wardrobe is ideal for transforming into a decorative "armoire-style" shelving unit. Vintage versions are perfect, as they are smaller and have some decorative elements. However, a simple modern pine closet will work just as well.

Time taken: 1 day

You will need:

• Suitable wardrobe
• PVA adhesive
• Strong wood adhesive
• Decorative moldings
• Panel pins
• Wood filler
• Medium-grade sandpaper
• Quadrant molding, to make brackets for shelves ‑- one for each side of each shelf, running front to back
• Small screws
• Paint or varnish stripper (if required, depending on the original finish ‑- see step 6)
• 2-3 pieces of 1/2 inch MDF (fiberboard), cut to size for shelves ‑- measure accurately inside the wardrobe, then subtract 1/8 inch all round
• 2 quarts primer (type depends on the original finish)
• 2 quarts green eggshell or satin finish paint
• 1 roll of wallpaper (for lining)
• Clear sticky-backed plastic (optional)

Tools:

First remove the wardrobe doors and cover the whole of the inside with a thick layer of PVA adhesive ‑- make a solution from 60 percent PVA and 40 percent water, as it is easier to apply. This acts as a sealant and a primer for the paint and paper finishes to follow.