This post is going to date me but I have to say, re-purposing this 70’s Stereo Cabinet brought back f-u-u-n childhood memories.
While I was removing the stereo components, I remembered how excited I was when my family purchased our very first stereo console.
It had an open concept dashboard with two large speakers on either side and a place in the middle to house albums, 45’s and 8 tracks. The cabinet was made of wood composite; the dash and speakers in silver and black to give it that mod’rn disco look.
It was HUGE… and I thought it was the coolest thing ever!
Looking back, I had so many good times with that stereo. All my little girlfriends would come over to sing on the microphones, and my Mum would always crank up the volume so we could dance to Sweet’s Ballroom Blitz…ooooooh yaaaaaa!
Well, I think this Stereo Cabinet that I re-purposed into a trunk/bench is pretty cool too….
I started by cutting mirrors for the two open side panels where the speakers were. I removed and replaced the original edge-banding because it was in poor shape and then I asked M-M-M to configure a strong MDF bottom so it’s sturdy enough to use as a trunk or bench.
Next came a few coats of primer and paint and then the entire piece was protected with a few coats of Varathane in a semi-gloss finish.
This stereo was sprayed from start to finish and the paint color is Sherwin-Williams White Duck #7010.
Initially I was really stumped on what color to paint it but I’m really happy I chose the clean look of white. Although I love color, white is my all time favorite. Clean, classic, feminine and versatile. It can be dressed up or down and looks fabulous decked out with splashes of color.
This one… I think I’m going to keep. It will look amazing at the end of a bed or under a window and it will be perfect to store my gift wrap/linens or knick-knacks. I love turning something old and dated into something new and functional.
Let me know what you think… or if you’ve re-purposed one of these stereos, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.
Enjoy your day,
Denise x
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
Do you know what the dimensions are of the stereo (record player) is. I am very interested in building one myself. That is the stereo.
Hi Joe! Sorry, I don’t know the dimensions.
Does the record player still have a needle? I’m looking to replace the one on my GE 319 model and unsure what style the needle it takes.
Unfortunately no, I’m not sure what type of needle it takes.😐
If you remember the brand of the stereo would you mind emailing me? We had the EXACT same model and I’m actually looking for one I could make work again. I’ve been looking for months and your blog is the only one that I have found of the same model. I want to exhaust every possibility of getting the exact one before getting having to get a similar one. THANKS!
Sorry for the late response Jeff. I don’t know why this ended up in my spam??? Unfortunately, I don’t remember the brand of stereo. I’ll ask my sister though. She may remember and if so I’ll get back to you. Good luck!
Im in Louisiana and have one to part with.
Hi! I am redoing a stereo cabinet just like this…what did you use to adhere the mirror with? I am having problems with gaps showing between my mirror and the stereo (I am putting the mirror in from behind or inside the cabinet- is that what you did? Your redo is fabulous!!
Thank you Rebekah… I like how you spell your name! There was a removable board along the inside top this stereo cabinet. I removed it for the install of the mirror and then re-installed it to hold the two mirrors in place. I could have also used a good glue or No More Nails and glued the mirror in place too. (may do this if/when I decide to sell)
I love it! I have seen many of these thrown away, who knew they could look so good? I love the mirrors on the ends where the speakers were. This is the part I think throws people on how to repurpose them. I am new to blogging. Glad I found yours!
Hope – sittingonmydockofthebay.blogspot.com
Yes, you see a lot of these stereo cabinets in thrift stores selling for peanuts. Thanks for stopping by Hope!
This is gorgeous! I have one that was my hubby’s grandmothers and I have been holding on to it because I want to keep it, but I didn’t have a definitive idea what to paint it. You have given me some great ideas! What did you do with the insides?
Lia, the bottom has been reinforced so it can hold heavy items and the inside is all painted and top-coated just like the outside. No shelving…it’s just an open chest to house large or small items. 🙂
What a great idea! I have one of these and was thinking about turning it into a bar but a trunk would be more functional, it is lovely!
Thanks Wendy… A bar would be great too!
That’s gorgeous!! I’d keep it too!! Great job!
Thank you Paula! 🙂