Mobile Furniture: Put a Wheel on It
See how casters can give your furniture a functional new spin
Amy Renea
February 13, 2012
In homes full of children, casters can make cleaning up a breeze. Wheels also provide much needed fluidity and versatility in small homes. And in homes where interests collide, wheels can create multifunctional pieces that serve all members of the family.
All that from a humble wheel? Yes!! Casters run the gamut from cheap to expensive and are easily sourced and shipped. They can be a quick fix for stale, dated furniture, give new life to Dumpster dive treasures and make basic furniture work harder. Check out these brilliant designers and homeowners that have effectively put a wheel on it.
All that from a humble wheel? Yes!! Casters run the gamut from cheap to expensive and are easily sourced and shipped. They can be a quick fix for stale, dated furniture, give new life to Dumpster dive treasures and make basic furniture work harder. Check out these brilliant designers and homeowners that have effectively put a wheel on it.
1. Casters give furniture multiple functions
Bookshelves and desks can sometimes be monstrous, immovable pieces in a space. Wheels transform this large piece into a functional desk, shelving unit and room divider that can be adjusted to the other side of the room when needed.
Bookshelves and desks can sometimes be monstrous, immovable pieces in a space. Wheels transform this large piece into a functional desk, shelving unit and room divider that can be adjusted to the other side of the room when needed.
Dining tables are another great piece for casters. Imagine how many ways this table can be used! In addition to service as a dining table against this bench, it can easily be wheeled to another room to serve as a buffet, art table or work desk.
2. Wheeled storage helps wrangle kid toys
Kids need mass amount of storage to store all of their belongings. Put those storage pieces on wheels and you are able to tuck storage under a bed or in a closet quickly and easily.
Kids need mass amount of storage to store all of their belongings. Put those storage pieces on wheels and you are able to tuck storage under a bed or in a closet quickly and easily.
It is a simple DIY job to turn an old crate into toy storage. Simply clean and sand the crate, then seal the wood if necessary. Attach casters to the bottom of the box and you have perfect, transportable storage for a few dollars!
3. Industrial casters add character
Antique or authentic looking iron wheels are beautiful in their own right. Even if the wheels are not meant to function, they add grace and charm to basic pieces.
Antique or authentic looking iron wheels are beautiful in their own right. Even if the wheels are not meant to function, they add grace and charm to basic pieces.
The rolling table in the previous photo can be found at Restoration Hardware, or you can build one yourself from pallets! The industrial cart here is actually crafted from a pallet.
Check out more ingenious pallet creations here.
Check out more ingenious pallet creations here.
4. Reclaimed rolling furniture adds function
A rolling planter is absolutely perfect for growing plants indoors. The light changes from season to season and it is preferable to move plants to capture the best environement for them. A large planter or pot is very heavy to move, but wheels make the task loads lighter.
A rolling planter is absolutely perfect for growing plants indoors. The light changes from season to season and it is preferable to move plants to capture the best environement for them. A large planter or pot is very heavy to move, but wheels make the task loads lighter.
Older pieces often have smaller casters and were crafted out of very dark wood tones. Lighten and brighten a vintage cast-off with a bright coat of brilliant blue and give those dainty wheels a bedside post.
5. Rolling furniture can redesign a space quickly
Whether your space is modern or vintage, there is a rolling piece of furniture for you! This little chair on wheels is a perfect solution for this space. Sitting on the corner of the area rug, it offers seating, but doesn't break the view of the chevron rug. When it is not needed, the chair can easily be rolled away.
Want to make your own chevron patterned rug? Check out this tutorial.
Whether your space is modern or vintage, there is a rolling piece of furniture for you! This little chair on wheels is a perfect solution for this space. Sitting on the corner of the area rug, it offers seating, but doesn't break the view of the chevron rug. When it is not needed, the chair can easily be rolled away.
Want to make your own chevron patterned rug? Check out this tutorial.
This tiny little kitchen has the perfect solution for a breakfast nook. The rolling and pivoting table provides space to sit and eat, but allows the cook room to work. What a brilliant use of space.
Whether you are catering to children, adults, family or guests, rolling furniture can make your life a little bit easier. Use wheels to create a look of whimsy, provide a useful function or make an imperfect space work perfectly.
More:
Space Saver: Put Your Storage on Wheels
Design Detail: Industrious Casters
11 Ways to Create a Multipurpose Office Space
More:
Space Saver: Put Your Storage on Wheels
Design Detail: Industrious Casters
11 Ways to Create a Multipurpose Office Space
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I was hoping you'd include sources ...do you have any high end caster sources?