KMC CREATIVES | BED SIDE TABLE MAKEOVER
For Project: Be Our Guest, I knew I didn't want to spend a lot of $$$ on bed side tables. I mean, good quality, solid wood tables of a good size can be costly, but I just didn't want to spend that much. So on two separate occasions I decided to run into a Goodwill and a consignment shop I seldom visit, just to kill some time. These visits were two years apart and to be honest I wasn't really looking for side tables. I wasn't really looking for anything. But wouldn't you know - sometimes you find those jewels when you least expect it.
The Goodwill Deal This piece was a hardy piece of vintage beauty. Very sturdy - a nice weight, and as it turned out the perfect height for a high mattress. It was solid wood with dove tailed drawers and rattan caining on the drawer fronts. The top was made from what looked like particle board with a laminate top. The top was also a little chipped. The feet were peeling also, but I saw what it could be. And for $20 you betcha!
The Consignment Find Fast forward two years later - which is now two years ago (I hoard furniture too, not just lamps =/) and I found this beauty.
Solid wood, but not your typical side table. Why? You ask. Because it had - are you ready for this - a working, metal (you hear me folks, metal) sewing machine inside. Ahhh.....a treasure indeed. They just don't make sewing machines like this anymore. Sooooo good I tell ya! When I saw it I instantly thought about the Goodwill deal and thought hmmm......they are about the same height. I knew it could work. I didn't need to use the sewing machine. So why not! The scale was right for where it was going, the width and length was right, and for $10 - yes, Yes, YES! For $10, I couldn't go wrong. Annnd if it didn't work out, it would be okay. It was only $10.
What You Will Need (to tackle a project like this and you can follow the order too)
- A good furniture cleaner or what I used - mild soap and water.
- Give it a good scrub and then quickly wipe it down to dry. I read that you could use vinegar, but I haven't tried it.
- Orbitsander
- A must for a project this size, really any larger scale project. You can use a sanding block, or sheet of sand paper for the harder to get to areas. Sand lightly between coats of paint.
- Foam Roller
- Roller for smooth surfaces. The coverage is pretty good. You can also use a paint sprayer for an even smoother finish. The paint sprayer is on my supply bucket list for home improvements. Ohhhh Santa.....
- Primer
- I am a fan of Zinser Bull's Eye 1-2-3. Good coverage goes a long way.
- Paint
- I used Glidden Semi-Gloss. Ohhh....I can't remember the color. A nice pure gray. Paint several thin coats. It will dry faster and your finish will be smoother. No drips!
- MinwaxWaterBasedPolycrylic
- Applied as a top coat. I did two coats letting it dry between coats. It is a protective finish.
I decided to leave all the bumps and bruises because design does not always have to be super perfect, but it should always be super personal. For me, the bumps and bruises in these pieces tell me that there is a history - it's not super polished or out of the box - it's dated and it's been around.
The Results! I am in love! See how far a good primer and a little paint can go!
Next week I will tell you all about the lamps! Have any great finds that you have painted? Leave me the link to your blog or website so I can check them out!
Making Home, Home!
Kathleen