I have this really interesting piece of furniture, I think it is a hall stand. It's been in my shed for many years and I really have not had the correct place to put it. To be honest I am not even sure exactly what it is. I think it is meant to be a hall stand but it's a bit of an oddity.

It has holes in the top, I think these are for umbrellas or walking sticks. There is a beautiful large mirror surrounded by some beautiful carved woodwork. I don't think it was ever that expensive, but it is a nice thing. Interesting to look at. It just feels a bit awkward and maybe not that useful as an actual hall stand. I think this is why it has been stuck in storage for so long.

So I was thinking I might try and modify it.

Around the mirror there are some pegs that are sticking out. I think these were for hats and maybe scarves. I don't really know what to do about them. There is a little box on the middle shelf surface. I think this may have been for pocket watches, maybe, or some valuables.

The bottom part of the hall stand is just a bit awkward. It is like it is caged in, but doesn't really seem to serve any purpose I can see. So I was thinking I might just cut the middle support pieces. The thinner pieces in the centre and leave the side thicker supports. Then maybe I could put a few shelves in there for shoes. But again it is kind of awkward how the thicker support pieces stick up above the flat surface, like something is supposed to hang on them. I am really wondering if it even is a hall stand.

To be honest I am still pretty confused about this piece of furniture. Is it actually a hall stand? Even if I cut the lower hat pegs off, you would still only be able to hang just a few short coats. So is it really that practical?

All this before I even get to the point of painting or trying to clean it and re-varnish. I think people paint these older pieces of furniture because it is just the easiest options.

I suppose the biggest stumbling block, is how to make it a really useful piece of furniture, as it is a good size and takes up a reasonable amount of space.

Any suggestions would really be appreciated.