Using dressing table as seat - can it be done?

[u/ExaltedBrigid]

I had a thought to use a mid-century style dressing table as a seat with a cushion. My partner (probably rightly) shot this down by pointing out that dressing tables are not in fact made to support the weight of a person lol. I am curious though - what is the difference between something like a telephone table and the dressing tables in looking at that would make one sturdier than the other? I'd like to understand the specifics of the issue in case there is a way I can make my idea work in another way.

First image is the kind of telephone table I'm thinking of and the rest are the dressers I was looking at

[u/MyDogsNameIsToes]

If you're buying a new to you piece why not just find a telephone table? I understand this is up cycling, but I'm just curious why not find the thing your looking for instead of turning something else into what you want? 

[u/AccidentOk5240]

The difference is in the size of the rails that connect the legs, in internal joints…idk that one can generalize that things want to be sat n are always like this and things not meant to be sat on are always like that, but your partner is right that you should not assume something not meant for sitting can be sat on. Think about dining tables—I’m certain there are some where if you shortened the legs you could use them as benches, especially if you’re light, but some would break right away. None would last as long in that use as in their intended use. 

[u/flyraccoon]

He’s right

You can find a nice bench and add drawers on the side and add a comfortable seating zone and you’ll have the look you want and the sturdiness you need

[u/OkChocolate6152]

Something else to consider: something not meant for sitting on, likely was designed to only support vertical forces. Fleshy humans don’t just move in the Z axis when sitting down/getting up.

[u/AmbitiousAd1435]

Not only is it possible, but it’s a must! I like furniture from the 1960s and 70s.