Register
Back to List

Altered Altar

March 16th, 2009 in member junk     
simul66 simul66, member
3 users recommend
Add CommentAdd Comment
PrintPrint

I've got this old altar and I'd appreciate your ideas for what to do with it.  It also has a mantle-shaped base that is 3 inches wider on each side. 

posted in: member junk, wood, altar
Add CommentAdd Comment PrintPrint

Comments (20)

Thrift_Witch writes: forgot to confess...I covet it. You've had a divine stroke of beginner's luck. Looks like a calling if there ever was one. Best wishes. Posted: 4:59 am on July 27th
Thrift_Witch writes: I know that I am late in making any suggestion, but if you had a great hallway/entryway this would make a sensational pier glass(mirror) with a pier table/ledge built right into it. Or....perhaps if you had a super tall ceiling in your bathroom, it could be used as the basis for a vanity mirror. However, I would choose mirrors with beveled edges and slighly imperfect or distressed sivering on the backsides to make it infinitely more interesting and provide a softer reflection. You could attach a ring or band and galvanized pan to one or both side panels of the piece to create an umbrella stand. I wouldn't paint it. I like its color just like it is, but I would give it a thorough rubbing of paste wax to bring out a soft glow in the patina of the wood. Posted: 4:56 am on July 27th
DarbyGirl writes: This would look wonderful on top of a desk. Add some small shelves or holders of some sort to the outer pieces and a bulletin board/message board/calendar to the centre.
I would paint it so it doesn't look so ominous.
Maybe paint the main pieces white, the pillars and top black and add an accent color to all the little detailed gingerbread pieces. Great salvage find!!! Posted: 1:32 pm on May 28th
RobJ98167 writes: One word- BEd Headbord ! Ok thats two words But I think it would make a great head board, or wall decor with a bar in front Posted: 11:33 pm on March 27th
CottageElements writes: What a great piece this is! I personally like it as is, it's just a great piece of art. But if you want it more functional, a shelf or bar would be fab, too. Is the back wood piece just stained plywood? If it's not good wood, I'd maybe think about painting it, too. But then I tend to like white, distressed pieces. Luky you to be the recipient of such a great find!

Lani Posted: 12:09 am on March 25th
junkinpunkin writes:

Ok, i know you have the whole wood being outside thing....but i think it would be gorgeous seperated, and then used as outdoor walls in a garden...painted white then covered with weather based sealer, sort of like an outdoor garden room...a place where you could do yoga, have a fountain, very zen, quiet religious moments, a get away place. The porportion is so big that unless your ceilings are at least 15 feet the dimensions are going to be off...if you have a long drive and live on wooded property, a property gate would be beautiful as well. But man, are you one lucky duck. Somewhere in your youth or childhood, you must have done something good.... :) Posted: 2:29 am on March 21st
MimiToria writes: How blessed you were to recieve this for free! I love it! I thought of two things when I initially saw this post. If a person had a vaulted ceiling in a great room type of room it would be a fabulous top to a fireplace mantle. Of course this would have to be custom designed as the piece has quite a bit of height.
The second thought was an awesome headboard. It could be cool with a great frame with some artwork in the center part or that area coulld have shelves built into it to make a display area. I could even see it painted if that would make your wife feel like it was less churchy.
It is a specatular piece none the less and an awesome find.
Gretchen
Posted: 11:06 am on March 20th
junkermidge writes: Oh, what a great piece! It would make an incredible headboard, but I can see how you might not want to take your work into your sleep time, and I agree with kenziebr, it needs to be shared with others. So I guess I'd probably vote for adding shelves for display or corkboard for notes, photos, etc. It's probably to tall to set on top of a desk, so if it sets on the floor, maybe adding a bottom and some feet and place in a very public space for display.
Midge Posted: 12:25 am on March 19th
snowyowl writes: I too am a United Methodist Pastor and I would suggest putting an old church pew in front of it or a small sofa. would be a nice place to sit read, contemplate, etc. maybe a table infront of it like a buffet for the dining room. I love it. what a great free find - ther are a lot of churches with neat stuff hidden or boxed up for sure. Posted: 7:11 am on March 18th
sophiesmom writes: I agree a headboard would be the obvious but depending on the size maybe also a fireplace surround or a fake fireplace with a diplay of assorted candles. Posted: 11:10 pm on March 17th
jillruth writes: How about hanging beatiful religious art in/on it? Posted: 5:38 pm on March 17th
kenziebr writes: What a beautiful piece! I say display it just as it is! And, I think it's way too beautiful to go in your bedroom. I think it needs to be displayed in a living room or dining room for people to see! Or, I would take it off your hands in a heartbeat to display in my living room! LOL!!!

Enjoy your piece whatever you decide to do with it! It's awesome! Posted: 3:48 pm on March 17th
SHABBYPATTY writes: I VOTE FOR HEAD BOARD, ITS FANTASTIC ! MAYBE MOUNT SOME VICTORIAN OR GOTHIC SCONCES ON IT FOR A LITTLE BLING. Posted: 2:27 pm on March 17th
JunkArchitect writes: Not to sound too sacrilegious but I think it would make a great bar if you added shelves. Posted: 12:53 pm on March 17th
shabbychick writes: This is awesome! It would definitely make a wonderful headboard or bench - but is spectacular just by itself...

Thanks for sharing! Kathy Posted: 10:14 am on March 17th
Junk_Sophisticate writes: Are you truly up for altering your altar? You mentioned it is currently adorning your office. I can see attaching or inserting shelves in the middle portion for all your books. It could has be spectacular with a bench attached or in front of it and used as seating.

What a lovely rescue you have!
Candy Posted: 8:01 am on March 17th
AtticusFinch writes: Oh what better place than to lay your head at night. Headboard or beautiful backdrop by parking a couch in front of it. What a fabulous way to begin the junkmarket life. Posted: 11:29 pm on March 16th
Tuttibelle writes: Looking at this very carefully, I think the best use of this item would be for you to ship it to me. Posted: 11:04 pm on March 16th
simul66 writes: My wife and I are both Lutheran pastors. We were serving a congregation in northern Wiconsin that had renovated its sanctuary 25 years earlier. One night at a council meeting a member said he had been storing it in his barn for 25 years and it was time for him to get rid of it. Nobody said a word, so my wife said, "We'll take it." This was the beginning of our junkmarket life. I did suggest using it as a headboard (it'll fit a queen) but my wife says that would be bringing our work home. :) As for now, it is a warm adornment to my office. Thanks for the input, I'll chalk up one more vote for headboard. Posted: 10:33 pm on March 16th
piecesofthepast writes: The obvious to me would be a headboard, but I can't tell how wide it is. This is absolutely georgeous! Where did you get it??? Posted: 8:36 pm on March 16th
You must be logged in to post comments. Click here to login.