DIY Furniture - DIYInspired.com
07th Feb2012

Wine Crate Shelves

by Dinah Wulf

A few posts ago I wrote asking for help on recycled wine crate ideas.  I FINALLY thought of something!

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But first, as a recap, I’ve had these wine crates from a Wine Tasting Bridal Shower that I did.  You can get wine crates from any specialty wine store.  Oftentimes they are free or some stores sell them for about five dollars apiece.

Materials:

  • 3 Wine Crates
  • Stain (optional)
  • Polyurethane (Optional)
  • Paint Brush (Optional)
  • Rag (Optional)
  • Four ¼” 20X36” Threaded Rods
  • Eight ¼” Cap Nuts
  • 24 ¼” Flat Washers
  • Knob

Here are the wine crates before.

As you can see here, there were white sticker labels on some of them.

To remove stickers from unfinished wood, apply heat directly with a hairdryer, peel, and voila! No sticker!

As most wine crates are made out of unfinished wood, I wanted to darken them a little with stain to give them a weathered look.  I purchased a sample from a hardware store for less than three dollars.  To do this, I first sanded and rough spots with 150-grit sand paper.

Next, I applied the stain with a paint brush. Each stroke should be in the direction of the wood grain.

Wipe the stain off with a cloth or old rag in the direction of the wood grain. I did this to the top, bottom, sides, and inside for all three crates.

Once the stain is completely dry (check the drying time on the stain you choose), apply a coat of polyurethane to each crate.

When the polyurethane is dry (approximately two hours), align the bottom and middle crate with the bottom crate upside down (as shown below).  This will make it easiest to drill and align the holes.

Using a ¼” drill bit, drill a hole in each corner, drilling through both crates.

Next, align the middle and top crates, turning the top crate upside down (as shown).  Using the holes in the middle crate as guides, drill the four holes in the top crate.

Insert each threaded rod one by one and sucure each one with a nut and bolt on both sides. Use cap nuts for the bottom and top.

I think 24 inch threaded rods may work better (sturdier). I may perhaps add metal brackets for more support too because of the height.

I added a decorative knob to the top crate with a lid.  I used a pre-existing hole.

Here are some after photos.

I think this would be perfect in a kitchen or bathroom for extra storage, or for plants!

 

 

 

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6 Comm
01st Feb2012

Fiber and Fire

by Dinah Wulf

Oh my gosh… I can’t stand it! I am obsessed with the craftsmanship and knack for design of this talented mother and daughter team, Patricia and Andrea also known as Fiber and Fire.

I was doing my usual rounds of blog exploration one day and I came across Fiber and Fire on Picket Fence Blogs. The Ad button alone caught my eye.  I clicked on the link and scrolled down each post and several clicks later I was inspired.  Wishing I lived close enough to attend one of their upcoming shows, I couldn’t help but be amazed at the color and pattern combinations that worked so well together.  There are SO many great pieces in the online portfolio that I had to keep editing myself down to share these select few.

These pictures are more than I intended to share but I couldn’t help it! They are all so amazing! I mean really? How am I supposed to pick?

If you’d like to view the full portfolio click HERE.  Also, check out their Facebook page for the latest updates. The Fiber and Fire blog is also filled with several awesome before and after pictures.

Here is the rundown for the upcoming Fiber and Fire shows.  Hopefully you live close enough to attend!  If you do, let me know how it goes!

February 10-11, 2012

  • Las Cruces ‘A Century of Enchantment’ Quilt Show; Las Cruces, NM Convention Center

March 8-10, 2012

  • Arizona Quilters Guild Quilt Show; Mesa Convention Center Mesa, AZ

May 10-12, 2012

  • Home Machine Quilting Show; South Towne Expo Center Sandy, UT

August 31 – September 1, 2012

  • Midway Swiss Days; Midway, UT

OK, one last picture… I swear… :)

 

 

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1 Comm
30th Jan2012

Repurposed Nursery Furniture

by Dinah Wulf

Over the past few months we’ve had a few cool DIY tutorials perfect for a baby’s nursery.  I posted a step by step how to for a DIY Ribbon/Organization board to hold hair clips and photos. I also shared some DIY Nursery Letters that my best friend made, and perhaps my favorite, I showed you how a refurbished and upcycle an old Disney Princess play table.

But when the little one’s all grown up, what do you do with the old nursery furniture? Repurpose it, of course! I found these amazing repurposed nursery furniture ideas that I had to post. Each unique idea is creative and genius. I love them all!

Cribs

It doesn’t get much simpler than this.  Use the sides of a nursery crib to create shelves to display your collections or as a clever magazine rack.

This is perfect for your future crafters and little DIY’ers! Remove one side of the crib and voila! There you have an instant craft table.  Paint the new table with chalk board paint and hang a white board, hooks and shelves for organization.

This one is pretty cool… a crib turned bench.  I like the all black with white accents.  You can also add pillows made with durable outdoor fabric.

Chalkboard paint can transform just about anything.  Check out this crib turned menu board!

Changing Tables

Your little one may no longer need diapers, but every toddler needs a play kitchen! I have shared repurposed TV media cabinets turned play kitchens, but apparently changing tables work well too!

This last one may be my favorite.  Changing table turned bar cart!

 

Photo Sources: Consignment Mommies, Encore Baby Registry, My Repurposed Life, BHG, Oh Dee Doh, A Little Learning For Two

 

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9 Comm
27th Jan2012

Repurposed Pin-spiration

by Dinah Wulf

“Pin-spiration” is a new term I’ve been seeing a lot lately. Pintrest is yet another social networking site that allows you to create virtual pin boards of absolutely anything that fits your fancy.  Check out my Pin boards here.  Did I mention I am obsessed with it? I can spend hours perusing the site.

Here are some great repurposed pin-spiration ideas I pulled off this addictive site.

Maps are the stylish craze these days! Better Homes and Garden repurposed a globe into a bowl by adhering (what looks like, or could be) a candlestick to make an interesting centerpiece.

Good Housekeeping displayed this cute outdoor side table made out of four window shutters and a glass top.

This one is fantastic! Curbly.com repurposed an old filing cabinet into a rolling kitchen cart. It serves several purposes including kitchen storage and cutting board… genius!

What girl wouldn’t like this to show off a collection of shoes! Check out these shelves turned beautiful display case. (Photo source unknown)

This may be my favorite and DEFINITELY my style. It’s an old barn door turned sliding bathroom door. (Photo source unknown)

Another idea for repurposing old rustic doors is using two as headboards as pictured below. (Photo source unknown)

Greenisuniversal.com has this creative tutorial for repurposing old belts and weaving them into a vintage aluminum lawn chair.

And last but not least (ok, maybe). Unfortunately, not all designs work out. Although it was initially a good idea, this repurposed Nintendo game console was repurposed into a lunch box and posted on failblog.com… at least they tried!

 

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3 Comm
20th Jan2012

Six Ways to Recycle Maps

by Dinah Wulf

Maps are so beautiful.  I’ve been looking for some ways to use them because I see them everywhere (including my glove box).  Just like CD’s, record albums, and books, they are becoming obsolete due to the emergence of electronics like the GPS and the internet.  But what I do love about maps is that they tell a story and simultaneously serve as a work of art.  Here are six great ways to recycle maps.

One: Art Work

Check out these heart maps by Tcktyboo.  Each heart represents a special place.  For example, where you were married, where you went on your honeymoon, or where the kids were born.

 

I also saw a great idea on Pintrest (I can’t find the picture or source anymore) where a map was framed and the route to a special trip was stitched in a coordinating colored string… so cute! Update! Thanks to Adri, here is the link for that map! http://www.marthastewart.com/375160/map-artwork Thank you, Adri!!!

 

Two: Pillow

This is a pillow from Etsy inspired by a vintage map.

 

Three: Pinwheels

Another Etsy find, these cute pinwheels make a whimsical vintage wedding favor.  Click here for different pinwheel tutorials.

 

Four: Upcycle Furniture

Here are three great examples of using decoupage on maps to turn an old piece of furniture into a unique and beautiful conversation piece.

Cover a wooden chest

Inspiration from Nate Berkus

Revamp an old Dresser

Add new life to an old Vanity

 

Five: Gift Wrap

Just in time for the holidays, use an old map as gift wrapping paper.

 

Six: Monograms or Letters

Use decoupage to commemorate a trip on craft letters (source unknown).

 

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10 Comm
05th Jan2012

Kitchen Cart Makeover

by Dinah Wulf

I know I’ve blogged about this before, but I’ll say it again.  One of the BEST things about blogging is meeting amazingly creative people that you would have NEVER come across if it wasn’t for the power of the internet.  Even more powerful is the interpersonal aspect of an online connection.

Recently, I received another great DIY submission by a reader and fellow DIY’er, Linn.  Linn and her husband bought their first home over the summer and have chronicled their DIY adventures on Linn’s website, The Home Project.  If you get the chance to peruse her site, you’ll see that Linn has certainly made her 1940’s bungalow a home.

This Kitchen Cart Makeover is one of her many projects, and I am honored to share it with you.

This is the before picture of kitchen cart stripped down.

First, the cart was disassembled.

Next, she thoroughly sanded the top with a hand sander and adequately sanded the bottom of the cart.

Linn applied a Mahogany Red stain that matched their dining room table and used a gloss finish to add depth.

Next she painted the legs, drawer, and shelf in the same semi glossy antique white.

She added a silver brushed metal handle to match the towel rack above her stove.

Here is another after photo.

Ta-dah kitchen cart makeover complete!

If you’d like to see more of Linn’s DIY projects, check out her website.  There you’ll not only find great do-it-yourself tutorials, but interior design, sewing, and craft ideas as well!

Thank you, Linn for the inspiration!

 

 

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5 Comm
28th Nov2011

Repurposed Pallets

by Dinah Wulf

I love the idea of repurposed pallets into furniture or art.  When I first thought of doing my own project, I would drive around town looking near the dumpsters of commercial and retail buildings.  The last time I went to Home Depot, I asked if I could buy them and they said depending on the type, they ran from $15 to $60 a piece. Well, it really goes without saying that I’m too cheap for that so I kept on with my search.

Utilizing my resources, I called one of my best friends who works for a high end appliance manufacturer.  Low and behold! She texts me right away with a picture and says, “Here is what we are about to throw away. Do you want any of these?” My answer? “On my way.” So my little one and I hopped in the car. To this destination… aka… free pallet heaven.

Thanks to my friend who, by the way was in heels, I was able to jam two and a half in the back of my car. Now… what to do with them? A few days later they are still sitting in my garage awaiting my attention.  In the meantime I searched for some inspiration.  Here are some amazing ideas I found, but for now I’m still undecided.

Pallet Coffee tables

[Via]

[Via]

Pallet Art

Flea Market Finds magazine

[Via]

 

Pintrest

Pallet Dining Table

Pintrest

Pallet Benches

[Via] 

[Via]

[Via]

 

Pintrest

Pallet Headboard

[Via]

 

Pallet Garden

Pintrest

Pallet Coat Hanger

Pintrest

Pallet Shelving

[Via]

 

Pallet Entertainment Center

[Via]

 P.S. Happy Birthday, Trina Bean! Thanks for getting down and dirty with me.  I heart you, best friend!!!!

 
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15 Comm
07th Nov2011

DIY Headboard

by Dinah Wulf
So when a couple finally moves in together, so does all of your stuff.  Unfortunately there are things that come with every bachelor now husband that you wish you could just throw away.  In my case, my hubby came with this enormous and atrocious orange painting (oh yeah and a garbage disposal lamp and a White Sox blanket for the couch).  I kept it up in our living room (I know I know) for probably a whole year and then gradually moved it upstairs (so less people would see it) for a few months.

Here is a picture of the painting.

FINALLY, I sent him a text him I knew he was having fun at the track, and said, “So, are you attached to that orange painting?”  Probably feeling guilty because he was having fun at the track with his buddies and I was at home with our child he said, “No. Why? What did you buy to replace it?” In my head he said, “No. Get rid of it.” My response was, “Oh nothing! Great!”

When he got home, his orange painting was now a DIY headboard covered with an old curtain for our guestroom.  Here is how I did it.

Materials Needed:

  • Ugly painting
  • One Old Curtain Panel
  • Staple Gun
  • Scissors

Lay the painting on top of the clean curtain panel and trim it.  Watch out for any stains (that was inserted because my curtain had a ton of them!).

Fold the top side down and staple across the top.  Next, pull the fabric taught on the other side and staple the bottom.  Proceed with each side, again pulling the fabric taught as you go.  I left about three inches in between staples.

Trim the edges with scissors.

There you have it!  Instant headboard!  I also had enough curtain panel left to make a matching round pillow case. I hung sconces on either side to create balance since the painting was narrower than the bed.

RIP Ugly Orange Painting 2005-2011

 

 

 

 

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26 Comm
20th Sep2011

10 Before and After Furniture Makeovers

by Dinah Wulf

10 Before and After Furniture Makeovers

Hopefully these before and after furniture makeovers gets your creative juices flowing.  Furniture makeovers are at the very least, eco and budget friendly. Take on a DIY project and transform your flea market finds into fabulous one-of-a-kind furniture. With a little spray paint or fabric, and a lot of imagination you can give new life to a thrift store find for a few dollars. These DIY projects are from some of my favorite blogs and websites. The foot stool is my favorite.  I love the shape and pattern that was chosen.

Here are some quick tips if you are considering a DIY furniture makeover!

Tip 1: Reupholstering is actually very easy.  If you are considering this, examine the piece of furniture before you buy it to make share the seat, for example, is easy to take off and put back on.  Check out my post on upcycled bar stools for
an easy and quick tutorial.

Tip 2: Check out my post on when and how to use primer for a quick and easy to follow guide before tackling a furniture paint makeover.

Tip 3: Instead of a paint make over, consider using wallpaper remnants to update an old table or armoire.

Sources: Southern Living, BHG.com, OhDeeDoh.com, Design Sponge, InMyOwnStyle.com, DailyDecorator.com

 

You May Also Like:

DIYInspired Before and After DIY Projects:

Other Cool DIY Repurposing Furniture Ideas

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2 Comm
16th Sep2011

6 Ways to Repurpose Suitcases

by Dinah Wulf

6 Ways to Repurpose Suitcases

I love the look of vintage suitcases.  There are so many beautiful styles and colors.  Made of many different materials, vintage suitcases are perfect for repurposing and adding some character and style to your home decor.

Vintage suitcases can be purchased at any thrift shop, flea market, or antique store. Don’t forget to check the basement or attic of your parents or grandparents house!

Here are six ways to repurpose suitcases.

This Craft Storage Case (source unknown) is a great repurposing idea.  Line the inside with pages of books or decorative paper or newspaper.  Add elastic and or pockets to hold items. Small boxes for additional storage and organization are perfect for a snug fit.

Have an entire luggage set?  Make a matching Luggage Case Table Set by adding legs in a fun color.

Check out this dog pet bed and cat bunk bed.  Just remove the top of the case, screw in wooden legs, and insert a pillow or existing bed.  Legs like these are inexpensive and can be found at any hardware store.  I am definitely going to make this one!

This suitcase vanity chest I found on Etsy in brilliant!  I would have never thought of it.  I love how the interior is lined with maps and a world atlas.  The mirror, drawers and lighting adds to the use and function.

I saved the best for last.  This luggage chair is gorgeous.  I love the colors and the white tufted fabric that was chosen.  The curvy shape of the legs and the original brass fixtures complete the look and style.


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6 Comm
02nd Sep2011

Trash to Treasure: Recycling Old Crates

by Dinah Wulf

Trash to Treasure: Recycling Old Crates

I’ve blogged about it numerous times and I have to do it again!  This is yet another post on reusing, recycling, and repurposing.  Today I decided to take on recycling old crates!

Who knew shipping crates could look this good? This was a post on Design Squish that I had to share. Check out these amazing ideas. Love these shelves, bike basket, and crate furniture from Design Squish; Shipping Crate Bike Basket from Globe Revolution; and Crate Shelves from Baileys Home and Garden!

The shelving system has to be my favorite.  It has a vintage modern look that I love. Also, if you notice the last crate shelf picture, there is a crate on the floor with wheels added.  What a great idea for additional storage for toys, or a bassinet for baby dolls!

How cool are the colorful plastic chair, side and end table? Depending on the size and style, you can purchase wooden legs from Home Depot for about five to twenty dollars a piece.  There are several choices from traditional to modern styles.

I had mentioned the other day that you can get wine crates for free or for less than five dollars each from most spirit wine and liquor specialty stores.  Just ask!  Call to find out when they receive shipments and ask to take them off their hands.  Otherwise, they will likely get broken down and thrown out.

 

Thirty creative ways to recycle, reuse, and repurpose:

 

 

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6 Comm
18th Aug2011

Four Easy Repurpose Ideas

by Dinah Wulf

Four Easy Repurpose Ideas

My husband’s idea of being eco-friendly is not changing the light bulbs until there is only one left and we can barely see at night anymore.  To me, repurposing is more like it! If you’ve read this blog before, you already know how obsessed with it I am.

Repurposing  is a fantastic eco-friendly way to use your creativity and save money at the same time. Do-It-Yourself repurposing is a creative way to custom turn an old cherished piece with character into something new instead of throwing it away. I’ve said it a thousand times before… Turn your trash into treasure!

Check out re-nest for these four easy inspiring repurpose ideas! If only I were THIS good!

Books turned Side Table – I love the look of the leather belts that hold this piece together.


Ladder turned Book Shelves- This has a great vintage look and adds interest and depth to any room.


Sweater Shelf turned Craft Paper Storage- This saves so much room in your craft rrom or closet and makes it easier to access your scrapbook paper

 

Milk Crates and Salvaged Boxes turned Coffee Table – How much cooler can recycling get? The old dairy lables give it a unique custom look.

 

Other Cool DIY Repurposing Ideas

Check out these other creative ways to recycle:

 

 

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0 Comm
05th Aug2011

Repurposed Furniture & Décor

by Dinah Wulf

Repurposed Furniture & Décor

Repurposing furniture is all the craze these days.  At least it is to me!  Repurposing is just that… giving a new purpose or use to (in this case) a piece of furniture or household item.  I subscribe to several magazines including
Ready Made and Better Homes and Garden’s DIY magazine and there is rarely an issue without a repurposing feature in it.

Getting inspiration from reading books, magazines, blogs, and other online material has allowed me to think and re-think before I throw something away.  Often times if a friend is throwing an old piece of furniture away, I’ll take it…just in case… I can find a way to update it or turn it into something else. You never know!

 

 

Martha, Martha, Martha!  If you couldn’t tell already, I heart Martha Stewart! She is the Goddess of all things domestic, so of course she has some awesome reporposing DIY projects.  Check out these fabulous, yet simple repurposing ideas from Martha.  They are easy eco-friendly solutions for unwanted or broken furniture.

 

Basket turned Table
Garden Shed Crate turned Cabinets
Broken Table turned Table Console
Benches turned Stacked Shelf
Stepladder turned Night Stand
Wooden Shutter turned Wall Organizer

 

Budget Saving Tip: An alternative to the garden shed crates turned cabinets, is to use wooden wine crates.  Most spirit and liquor specialty stores will give them away for free if you just ask!  They will be broken down and thrown away later anyway!

 

You may also like these Before and After DIY Projects:

 

 

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1 Comm
27th Jul2011

Furniture Makeovers Before and After

by Dinah Wulf

Furniture Makeovers Before and After

If you couldn’t tell already by my past posts, I love it when old furniture is upcycled or repurposed into something new and fabulous.  Go green and get eco-friendly by turning trash into treasure.  Better Homes and Gardens had a fantastic online article on Fabulous Furniture Makeovers and these are some of my inspiring favorites.

Check out these before and after photos.

Here is an old dresser updated with paint, stencils, and colorful storage baskets.

This is an old microwave cart repurposed into a bedside table.  It is revamped with paint and wallpapered doors.

 

Give an old side table a modern update with wallpaper remnants and a crisp white paint color.

 

Add baskets for hidden storage and a stencil to an outdated coffee table to fit your style.

 

Turn a boring wooden cabinet into a piece of art and make a statement.

Source: BHG

 

Check out these other Before and After DIY Projects:

Check out these other creative ways to recycle and repurpose:

 

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1 Comm
19th Jul2011

Trash to Treasure: Upcycled Seating

by Dinah Wulf

Trash to Treasure: Upcycled Seating

This is another one of those posts for me that make me think, I wish I thought of that! I would be happy to have any of these pieces in my home. I can’t even choose a favorite among them.  If I have to choose, I’d have to pick the tree stump seats… or the bath tub… or maybe the shopping cart…

 

Just click on the link to find out more about the artist and their repurposed furniture master piece.

The sofa made out of a vintage suitcase trunk is designed by Junktion out of Tel Aviv.  I love their commitment to taking everyday objects out of context and repurposing them into something unique and useful.

The playground slide chair was briliantly designed by Evan Dublin. His designs include flatpack display tables and tableware.

Other Ways to Repurpose, Reuse, and Recycle:

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0 Comm
18th Jul2011

Trash to Treasure: Upcycled Bar Stools

by Dinah Wulf

Trash to Treasure: Upcycled Bar Stools

I have had these bar stools for oh about ten years. I have hated them for the last eight, but for some reason never threw them away. Even though it took me that long to actually like them again, I’m glad I kept them, as this blog has inspired me to update them.

These stools are very common. Even though they are so old, I still see them being sold in stores. Here is what I did to make these Upcycled Bar Stools.

After cleaning them with soap, water, and a sponge, I used a gray metallic spray paint to paint the legs. Spray paint quick and easy and cheap.

Tip: The Magic Eraser with water works very well to clean surfaces (it truly magically erases!).

For the seat cushions, you need your fabric of choice, a staple gun, scissors, and some type of filling. I used a polyester fiber fill, which is only about $2.99 a bag.

Measure your material, depending on your seat size.  I left about three inches on all sides.

Place the desired amount of fiber fill on top, and then the stool on top of that. Make sure you add a substantial amount of fiber fill to cushion the top.

Using a staple gun, pull the fabric taught and staple the fabric approximately a half an inch from the edge all the way around.

Trim off excess fabric with scissors as close to the staples as possible to avoid excess fabric hang when the stools are right side up.

Here are a few after photos.

Other Trash to Treasure Projects:

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2 Comm
04th Jul2011

Room Decor Ideas: STARS

by Dinah Wulf

Room Decor Ideas: STARS

Happy Independence Day!

There’s something beautiful about the shape of a star.  I found this incredible cardboard star-shaped coffee table designed by Ben Huggins.  It can easily be snapped together and does not require any tools!  It is made of black laminated plywood… genious!

Consider these other star shaped inspirations to bring into your home and room decor. Take the literal route with star shaped mirrors and wall art in your bathroom or be more subtle with star wall paper in a neutral tone.  The natural wood based glass top accent table has a rustic feel… my favorite of the bunch.

Sources: Homes Designing, Homeblogdesign, Feniture, Design Rulz, Direct Furniture For U, This Next

Try these other DIY decorating ideas:

Need more inspiration? Check out these Interior Design Ideas:

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2 Comm
27th Jun2011

Upcycled Children’s Play Table

by Dinah Wulf

Upcycled Children’s Play Table

One of my best friends gave me this Disney princess table when she moved. I loved the shape of the chairs and the storage pocket in the center; however it was a little worn from use.

I decided to take on this DIY project, paint it, and “glam” it up a bit with a Hollywood Regency style. This do it yourself  project required painting it, adding seat cushions, a monogram, and a clear crystal knob. I had the primer, paint, and fabric from past projects already, so the total cost for this table and two chairs was less than $20.00.

Here is the after:

I decided to prime it first, even though the surface was already smooth due to the existing character design. I used a light sand paper to help remove a few old stickers, and cleaned the surface. Two coats of primer worked perfectly. When priming, make sure the paint is completely dry in between coats.

I painted both chairs and table with two coats of white paint. After is dried completely, I used painters tape to tape off my design. I painted the design, the storage cover, and the balls of the table legs and chairs blue.

After you paint is completely dry, I recommend painting the table top with polyurethane with at least two coats. It is added protection for it’s future marriage with crayons and markers!

Meanwhile, I used a circular wooden plaque, polyester fiber fill, and fabric for the seat cushions.

When stapling fabric onto the plaque, it’s best to keep the extra material and trim it after.

I glued the seat cushions to the chair with an extra strength wood glue and added a self adhesive monogram. I also added a few coats of decoupage medium to seal in the monograms.

Next, I reattached the storage bag and added a knob to the lid.

Here are some before and after pictures.

Since I didn’t have to buy paint or fabric, here is what I ended up spending. Not too shabby!

  • Clear Plastic Knob - $2.97
  • 2 Monogrammed Letters - $2.97 each
  • 2 Wooden Plaques - $5.49 each
  • Polyester Fiber Fill – $2.99 for one bag

Total Cost: $17.39 plus tax

Check out these other Before and After DIY Projects:

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13 Comm
20th Jun2011

How to Paint a Dresser

by Dinah Wulf

How to Paint a Dresser

I salvaged this chest of drawers when one of my best friends moved (AKA: It was free!!).  Although it was already beautifully hand painted, it wasn’t my style. I decided to repaint it using a wall stencil in the same color as my wall DIY sconce project and my envelope pillows.  I’m not going to lie; it was quite taxing because of the several coats of primer and paint.  Needless to say, it took several days to paint but I’m happy with the finished DIY product. Here are the steps on how to paint a dresser. Here is the before and after:

I did not need to sand this dresser because the surface was already smooth.  I did, however need to apply two coats of primer, since the existing artwork was so dark in color.

I painted two coats of the base color next and then I used a wall stencil for the design.  On a side note, smaller stencils will make your project much easier! Make sure the paint is completely dry in between each coat.

When stenciling the drawer with the accent paint color, make sure the stencil is flat. Keep adding coats until you reach the desired color.

For the final touch, I purchased blue ceramic knobs at Habitat for Humanity Restore for only 25 cents each! Habitat for Humanity Restore has everything you need for DIY any project.

Tip: A sample size of paint is plenty for this project.  You can find sample sizes at a discount (50 cents to $1) at Lowes “Oops Table” or at Habitat for Humanity Restore. Another inexpensive option is to use spray paint.

 

 

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Category : DIY Furniture
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