How to Turn an Armoire Into a Craft Desk

Refinish the armoire as desired. Add a coat of paint to coordinate with your decor, for example, or refinish the wood to repair any damage.

Install a pull-out work surface if the armoire does not already have one. Your individual armoire will dictate the best placement for the surface, but it should be at an appropriate height for sitting or standing to work. Measure the width and depth of the armoire, and cut shelving lumber to fit; finish the shelf as desired with paint or stain. Install gliders and a shelf platform from a pull-out shelf kit according to the kit instructions, and secure the shelf to the platform with screws.

Adhere pieces of cork board and metal sheets to the inside of one side of the armoire door using hot glue. Display objects on these surfaces with push pins and magnets.

Install a peg board on the other side of the armoire door using screws and a power drill. Use hooks to store and display commonly used tools, such as scissors, rulers and tape.

Add a wall-mounted paper towel roll on either door, above the pegboard or cork board, to store rolls of ribbons. Follow the installation instructions on the paper towel holder to install properly; in most cases, use a power drill to install mounting screws in the door, and hang the holder using the hardware provided. Skewer the ribbon on the dowel so you only need to cut lengths as needed.

Adjust the shelves within the armoire as necessary to accommodate your supplies. Most armoires have shelves that can be removed or moved as needed. Vertical magazine holders, for example, can hold your inspiration books and magazines.

Organize your supplies on the shelves and in drawers as needed. For example, fill jars with buttons, ribbons or other colorful supplies, and arrange them on a shelf. Unfinished wood drawers, available at most craft and hobby stores, keep supplies neat and tidy, as well. Paint the drawers to match the armoire before adding them.

Place baskets or bins on top of the armoire to hold seldom-used supplies. For example, fill the baskets with skeins of yarn or fabric or paper scraps from completed projects.