Easy Nightstand Makeover with Chalk Paint

A great way to change up the look of old furniture pieces is a simple paint job. This easy nightstand makeover with chalk paint took inexpensive pieces from being merely functional to being part of the bedroom decor.

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This is the first time I’ve used DecoArt Chalky Finish paint on furniture pieces. I’ve used it for craft projects and loved it. I wanted to give it a try for two old night tables I’ve had for years.  I couldn’t be happier with the result. I got smooth, even coverage and I love the new look. 

Easy Nightstand Makeover with Chalk Paint

Supplies Used for Night table Makeover

• Old night tables
• Oil Based Primer
• Paint Roller & foam rollers
• TSP
• Lint Free Cloth
• Screwdriver
• Medium Grit Sanding Block
• Small Paint Brush
• DecoArt Chalky Finish Paint
• DecoArt DuraClear Glass Varnish

These nightstands served their purpose, but they sure didn’t add any pleasing aesthetics to our bedroom. I’ve recently changed the curtains and the comforter in the room and wanted to update the nightstands to match. 

As I do with all pieces before painting, I cleaned these with TSP. I was out of the liquid, so I used the powder and mixed it with water. The hardware was removed before cleaning and priming. 

Once the tables were clean and dry, I used an oil based primer on both of them. I used Zinsser Cover Stain. Kilz also makes an excellent primer.  The brand wasn’t as important as making sure that I used an oil based primer since these tables are laminate. I learned that lesson the hard way when I gave a makeover to a kitchen table for Gloria.

I allowed the primer to dry overnight before smoothing it with a medium grit sanding sponge. After sanding, I made sure to clean away all of the dust with a lint free cloth. 

Now, they were ready for the new paint job. I used DecoArt Chalky Finish Vintage Retro. It has a lovely bluish-green hue to it that goes with the decor in the bedroom. Timeless is the color that I used for the table hardware. 

I was very happy with how well the paint covered the surface. After one coat, it was looking great. I used a foam roller to apply the paint. 

While the tables were drying, I painted the hardware using two coats of paint. 

The second coat of paint gave an even, smooth look for the tables. Once they were dry, I used DuraClear Gloss Varnish to protect the finish. 

The final step was to reattach the hardware. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I love coastal decor. But, for our master bedroom, we have a southwestern motif. When we lived in San Diego I loved that look that was found in lots of homes there. 

We collected some pieces from Mexico, New Mexico, and Arizona that we love. My husband also has some fun pieces from his childhood that his father brought to him after business trips to Mexico. We like the combination of blues, greens, and burnt oranges. 

This pottery piece that we bought in Mexico back in 2000 served as the inspiration for the bedroom decor. It’s still one of my favorite pieces. 

I’m enjoying the new look for the night tables. I tried to get a photo that would show more of the true color of them, but the photos all show them looking more blue than they are. They definitely have green undertones. 

Isn’t it great when a simple makeover can give you the look that you want. Painting these nightstands was an inexpensive and easy way to give them an updated look.

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Updated Look for an old Nightstand

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