A simple thrifted armoire receives a sweet, fairytale makeover as a cozy reading nook inspired by The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
This makeover felt like an act of defiance against the weather. We brought this piece home in a downpour, wrapped in plastic and duct tape, and somehow the mess of a storm became part of the story.
While on a summer trip to Myrtle Beach with family, my mom and I explored a little backroad antique shop where you really have to dig to find the treasures. Tucked among the clutter I spotted a hand-carved armoire that practically whispered, “Take me home.” I couldn’t resist.
For $260, it felt like a steal compared with similar carved wardrobes I’d seen priced much higher. With the help of friends, Robert and I wrapped it up, loaded it into the truck, and drove it home through the rain. I didn’t know yet what I’d do with it, but I knew it was worth the risk. The idea that finally won me over was a Narnia-inspired reading nook for Olivia’s playroom.
I finished the project just in time for this month’s Trash to Treasure Transformation Tuesday, and if you have a wardrobe or armoire and a little one who would love a secret hideaway, here’s how I transformed ours into a magical reading nook.
DIY Narnia Wardrobe Reading Nook
Below is what I used and the steps I followed to create this cozy, storybook corner.
- Wood filler and a putty knife (to repair deep scratches)
- Medium/fine grit sandpaper
- Fusion Mineral Paint in Sterling
- Fusion Mineral Paint in Casement
- Natural bristle paint brush (great for carved details)
- Medium-sized artist brush
- 1.5″ angled paint brush
- Homestead House Espresso Wax
- Wax brush
- Clean, dry rag
- Birch tree wallpaper with a pearlescent finish
- Wallpaper paste
- Scissors (for trimming wallpaper)
- Tape measure
- Wallpaper smoother tool
- Bench cushion (or a sewn cushion if you prefer)
- Seeded-glass lantern pendant light (convertible to plug-in)
- Power drill
- Swag hook
- Wall anchor kit (essential to prevent tipping)
This armoire already had decent white paint, but the finish was uneven and there were scratches. I wanted the carved floral details to pop, so I started by filling and repairing.
1. I filled deep scratches with wood filler, let it dry, and sanded the surface smooth for an even start.
2. I applied two coats of Fusion Mineral Paint in Sterling to the whole piece for a clean, soft base.
3. I used the 1.5″ angled brush with Casement paint to carefully work the grooves and recessed lines, defining the armoire’s trim.
4. For the carved leaves and flowers I spent about three focused hours with a medium artist brush, painting the details with Casement. It was meticulous but the contrast was worth the effort.
5. To give the armoire a slightly aged look, I brushed on Homestead House Espresso Wax in small sections and immediately wiped it away. The wax settled into the carved crevices, emphasizing the floral details and adding depth.
6. For the interior I had Robert remove the back panel, which was a thin plywood piece. I measured and cut two strips of birch tree wallpaper with a subtle pearl sheen, applied wallpaper adhesive, and smoothed it onto the panel. The finish catches light beautifully and brings a soft woodland feel.
7. Inside the wardrobe was a wooden box with six small drawers. I removed four to create shelving for books and kept two, painting them in Casement to coordinate with the carved detailing.
8. A reading nook needs light, and a true Narnia tribute needs a lamp post. I chose a seeded-glass lantern pendant and converted it into a plug-in fixture so it could hang like a lamp post inside the wardrobe.
9. We removed the wooden top of the wardrobe and, after placing the piece in Olivia’s playroom, I installed a swag hook in the ceiling to hang the light centrally. Leaving the top off keeps the interior semi-open even when the doors are closed, but you could also keep the top on and run the cord through a hole if you prefer.
10. Most importantly, I anchored the wardrobe to the wall with a heavy-duty anchor kit to prevent tipping. This step is essential for safety around young children.
When the doors are closed it reads as an elegant armoire; open them and it transforms into a secret reading hideaway.
I added a cuddly lion pillow that feels like Aslan with a friendly flower crown and a crown pillow that felt right for the four children of Narnia—simple touches that tie the theme together without being overly literal.
A faux-fur rug—picked up affordably—nods to the warm coats the children wear in the story and makes the nook extra cozy. Olivia loves curling up there with books and the lamp’s warm glow.
I photographed the finished wardrobe during a storm, so some images turned out dark and grainy, but I couldn’t wait to share this small labor of love. When Olivia outgrows the nook, it could easily be converted back to a conventional wardrobe for hanging clothes—though I hope her love of reading and imagination lingers long after she leaves this phase behind.
If you’d like more thrifty transformations, this post was part of a Trash to Treasure round-up featuring other creative flips from fellow makers.
(Clockwise from top left: Prodigal Pieces, Confessions of a Serial DIYer, Artsy Chicks Rule, Girl in the Garage)
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by recent hurricanes. So many have lost homes and belongings; rebuilding begins with communities offering help and love in any way they can.
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.” – Isaiah 43:2
If you want to save this project for later, feel free to pin the images below:
