They Were Everywhere In The 1930s — Now It's The Stunning Home Decor You Can Use As A Side Table

An example of a once-popular furniture item whose purpose might seem out of date today (while being perfect for repurposing) is the smoker's stand, which took off in the early 20th century. These stands were small, freestanding pieces of furniture made to hold ashtrays, cigars, and other smoking supplies for a home. Cabinet types were typically lined with a metal,  such as copper. While most smoking stands or tables were crafted from wood, non-cabinet stands were made from materials like plastic, glass, cast metal, and even marble, and fashioned into novelty  designs.

Smoking stand production peaked in the 1930s, as their combined functionality and affordability (given their small size) made them particularly popular among middle-class  homes. Painted finishes and carvings made the stands an attractive addition to any home's décor. But popularity doesn't last forever, and four decades after its peak, production  of the smoker's stand reached an end (which happened to also reflect a decline in smoking rates among American adults , beginning in 1965).

Fast forward another several decades, however, and the vintage smoking stand is making a design comeback. While they were produced for a very specific purpose, you can refurbish and repurpose an antique or vintage smoking stand into a furniture piece that makes sense in your home today. After finding a good piece and fixing it up, this vintage find can work as a new side table, accent piece, plant stand, and more.

Finding a vintage smoking stand today can be fairly simple. You might discover one in a local thrift store or antique shop, but if not, there are plenty available online (like at Etsy , 1stDibs , and other sites known as the best places to shop for vintage furniture). Depending on the look, materials, and amount of storage you want, price will vary. For example, basic wooden models in good condition might sell online for upward of $300, but you might find some under a $100 price point as well.

To upcycle a smoker's stand, you only need relatively basic supplies. The process involves giving the furniture a good clean (with a mild soap), especially if it has lingering smoke smells from its previous use; restoring the wood and hardware as needed; and adding any final finish you want. Smoke smells can be difficult to remove, but wiping the surfaces with white vinegar and storing baking soda or coffee grounds in the cabinet are ways to neutralize the odor.

Next, you'll want to check for dents, chips, scratches, and other damage. For wood stands, lightly sand to remove old finishes and create a smooth surface. You may need to use wood filler, depending on your piece's condition. Finally, apply a sealer to protect your hard work. (Note: After making any repairs, sealing a wood stand with a shellac should help trap any lingering smells, too.)

With everything clean and repaired (and decorated), all that's left is placing your vintage smoking stand in your home. If you're unsure where, it could help learning about how much vintage furniture in your home is too much, and choose a room based on that design formula, which recommends an 80/20 split between modern and vintage, or 75/25. (This is only a starting point, though).

In a bedroom, a cabinet-style smoker's stand can be repurposed as a side table, holding books, a lamp, glasses, and anything else you need within reach. Bedside tables are often 24 to 28 inches tall, and smoking stands are typically below 35 inches in height.

Meanwhile, in a living room, a stand can hold a lamp, magazines, or candles as an end table, or it could make for a nice plant stand with built-in storage for plant care items. Standard end tables can range in height from 18 to 26 inches, making a vintage smoking stand a suitable alternative. As for plant stands, they are quite flexible when it comes to height, as you just want something that will allow your plant to get adequate light.

Of course, if you don't find the perfect spot for your smoking stand inside, you could always place it outside, using it as the aforementioned plant stand, or simply as storage. And if you find a stand that has more of the standing ashtray design, you might consider turning the popular vintage accessory into the perfect upcycled bird bath.