Hello lovely Friends! Today I’m joining my new Furniture Fixer Upper crew to share some furniture makeovers! Can I get a woot woot?? There are six of us so be sure to look for the links to their projects at the bottom! That’s like five bonus makeovers!! 😀
I have a fun piece to share today!
I had stopped by the thrift store closest to my house one morning and came across this china cabinet:
I needed some pieces to fill my empty booth and immediately loved the large glass door panels, but I knew it would be a bleeder which can be a pain to paint so I passed on it.
Fast forward a week or so and guess what was still there? AND all furniture was 20% off, so for $80 I brought it home!
Just as I suspected, I did have issues with bleed-through, but the end result was worth the trouble I think…
I knew I loved those big glass doors! I have included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I use.
I staged it for a bathroom…I would LOVE to have this in my bathroom!
I started by taping off and covering the glass panels in the doors since I was unable to remove them.
Then I gave the entire piece inside and out two coats of Zinsser spray shellac to seal in the stain, in hopes of preventing bleed-through. (Wait at least an hour before painting.) Then I decided to spray-prime with Zinsser bullseye spray primer as well since I had plans to paint the piece white.
For the most part, this did the trick, but I still had a couple of stubborn areas that were bleeding through like the trim pieces on the lower cabinet doors. I used another clear matte sealer I had on hand over those areas to try to tame the bleeding, and that did the trick. (If you ever get those stubborn spots, waxing those areas will work too.)
Then I spray painted the inside of the top of the cabinet and shelves with Rustoleum in Robin’s Egg, one of my favorites.
For the rest of the cabinet I used my new favorite white, Bit of Sugar by Behr that I made into DIY Chalk Paint. See my complete tutorial for painting furniture with chalk paint HERE.
I lightly sanded with 220 grit sand paper and sealed with Annie Sloan’s clear soft wax.
I decided to use a few different styles for the hardware.
I started with this pretty knob from Hobby Lobby for the glass door, and it comes just like this:
Then for the drawer I decided to switch out the original hardware for these ones, also from Hobby Lobby:
They were originally an antique brass color, but I wanted them to match the door knob. I spray painted them with black spray paint, then added a little Vaseline here and there before painting them white. The white paint came right off with a soft cloth in the places where I added Vaseline. Now they match!
I did the same with the new pulls for the bottom cabinet, which surprise…also came from Hobby Lobby:
Choosing the cabinet hardware is probably my favorite part! Hobby Lobby has such a nice selection and they are 50% off every other week. 🙂
These pieces add a little more charm to this cabinet.
Don’t forget there are five more furniture makeovers from my friends today!
Click the links below the graphic to see what became of these treasures!
This china cabinet went through a big change, but I love how much lighter it feels. I hope you like it too!
If you’re new around here, I like to make over all things big and small! Here’s something I pulled out of our neighbor’s trash that you might like:
See how I turned this trash into treasure HERE!
XO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
How lovely. What did you line the drawer with? You always line the drawers! LOL, just wondering! It is to bad I don’t live closer, that would be in my home. Your blog and all the things you transform are my FAVORITE! You always make my Tuesdays and Thursdays great. Thank you for that!!!
Christy says
Thank you SO much, Mary! I appreciate that more than you know! I was thinking the same thing when I was editing photos for this post…where are the photos of inside the drawer? I painted and photographed this piece a few weeks ago and I can’t for the life of me remember what I lined the drawer with ha ha. I must have forgotten to take pictures too, but I think it was a black and white fabric. 🙂 XOXO
Terry says
It’s gorgeous! I love it it, beautiful job with the paint and hardware.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Terry! XO
Christina in FL says
Oh Christy, this is such an amazing transformation! Isn’t shellac magical? 🙂 Speaking of magical, I had to keep scrolling through this post to see all the details. In the original state, you miss that top drawer details but it really shines with the makeover! Love the inside of the cabinet as well. Beautiful finds with the hardware also.
Keep on creating, I’m loving it! 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Christina!! Yeah girl…that shellac works wonders! I agree…it was so blah in it’s original state, but the paint highlights all the pretty details! XOXO
Janice says
Beautiful china cabinet and love the bathroom accessories in it. Good thing I don’t live near where your booth is because I would want to buy everything you have. I’m painting an old chifforobe and taking the two glass panels out on the sides to put chalkboards in and the middle top (round) mirror will be replaced with a clock. Painting it Anne Sloan Duck Egg. Hope it turns out well. Until Tues.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I would love to have you as a customer if you lived closer…and sounds like you have the makings of a beautiful makeover. LOVE Duck Egg. Good luck with it! XOXO
Nancy @ Slightly Coastal says
I love it! Seriously, so pretty! The pulls from Hobby Lobby just take it up a notch. I looked at pulls there the other day but didn’t have a project to put them on…but they have so many pretty ones.
I recently painted my secretary desk and posted about it. I thought of you because I used a stencil on it and thought, “this is soooo Christy”. Have a great weekend!
Nancy
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy!! I love their selection of knobs and pulls. I just checked out your secretary, and I commented over there but it is gorgeous! I also commented on ABC mouse, and the song you started in the first comment, but I think the song I’m thinking of came from a Leap Frog alphabet magnet thing that went on the fridge…oh well ha ha. XOXO
Vivian says
It sure is a beauty now!! You do amazing work, love to see all that you do.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Vivian! I’m so glad you enjoy what I share! XO
Marcie Lovett says
That was a beautiful piece of furniture before, but now it’s stunning! I’m always amazed at what you do with a little paint and some new hardware, Christy.
Christy says
Aww thanks, Marcie!! I’m so thrilled that it turned out well. Sometimes you just never know! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Susan W. says
Beautiful piece! Thank you for the tips on what to use for the ‘bleeding’. I did an oak piece recently and only used a primer first. Luckily I had only a very few stubborn spots. Next time I will use the Zinsser first. and ooooh! Hobby Lobby’s knobs & pulls selection is the best!
My sister and I will be in Virginia Beach the end of April and The Antiques Mall is on our list to visit. I am anxious to see your booth in person!
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! That bleed-through can really be a bummer, and yes…love Hobby Lobby’s hardware aisle! I think that’s the busiest aisle in our store ha ha. I hope I have a nice full booth when you visit! XO
Mel says
I’ve got several pieces in my furniture stash that I know are going to be bleeders. Thanks for reminding me that they really are worth the trouble. That china cabinet came out so well!
Christy says
Thank you, Mel! I always take so long to start on these pieces since they can be such trouble-makers, but the results are worth it in the end! 🙂
Kathy Owen says
$80 is a great price. I would have snatched it up too. The curved drawer is amazing and I love how you painted and matched the pulls.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Kathy! XOXO
teresa bragg says
i love this. everything you do is beautiful! don’t you just love Hobby Lobby? I wish they would open one over on the Peninsula. I also wish they had the neat thrift stores on this side like the ones on your side of the bay. I love to go treasure hunting but I never find the wonderful stuff like you do.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Teresa!! Yes I LOVE Hobby Lobby! My Mom and I used to drive two hours to the one in Richmond before we got one here, just so we could stock up on knobs and pulls. SO glad this one is so close. I’ll tell ya…some days are total duds when thrifting…I think I just get lucky because I go SO much! 🙂
Teresa Sole says
Ooooh! I LOVE this piece! I am keeping the paint colors for reference for future projects!!! You did such a NICE job!!! I do have one question though, why do the glass doors only have a handle on one side? Does that look unbalanced to you? I guess I’m just looking for symmetry there. I know it looks like it came that way but, what do you think?
Christy says
Thanks, Teresa! The doors don’t sit side-by-side when closed. The door with the knob has a piece that overlaps the other door, so it might look odd to have two knobs, but now when I look at it, I can see what you mean lol. XO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
That’s a beauty Christy! Love the hardware but darn that bleed through! lol Glad you got it under control. That stuff is no fun. xoxo
Christy says
Thanks, Nancy!! Oh yes the dreaded bleed-through! It’s always nice when you can escape that, but luckily I was able to get it under control! XOXO
Kaycee F says
Christy, this cabinet came out beautifully! I love everything about her, the colors, the hardware AND your staging! I could totally see this in big beautiful master bath.
Christy says
Thanks, Kaycee! I’m so glad you love her! XO
Suzan says
Love everything about it! I want to find something like that locally that I could re-do for my mother. She is downsizing and getting rid of a lot of furniture but still needs a small-ish china closet.
Aannnndddd – I really love how you styled it for a bathroom!
Christy says
Thank you, Suzan! The petite size of this cabinet would be perfect for a smaller place! 🙂
Paula says
It looks great, Christy! Bleed through when painting is the pits!!
Christy says
Thanks, Paula! Yes it is…no fun at all for sure. I’m always relieved when I finally get in under control. I hope things are going like we all hope, my friend! XOXO
Julie B. says
So… I just realized how happy I am every time I see an email in my inbox from you! LOL! It’s like opening a present every time I click on the link you send. Seriously! Totally silly, huh? This piece is beautiful, and has inspired me to paint the inside of my console with a contrasting color. I think I’ll stick with a grey, to keep it neutral and easy to style with different pops of color (though aquas are always my ‘go to’s’. Thanks again, for the inspiration! REALLY love this piece!
Christy says
Oh ha ha you are too cute, and that totally made my day!! Thanks, Julie! I think your console would be great with a little bit of contrast! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
It’s gorgeous, Christy! (of course!) Love the blue and white together and all the new hardware. xo
Christy says
Aww thanks, Jen! This turned out to be a fun piece to work on once I stopped the bleeding! XOXO
Becky says
Oh WOW! This is stunning! You did a lovely job on this cabinet! The new hardware is the crowning touch. Much better proportions, I think! I love it! Thanks for the tip about hardware being 50% off every other week too, I don’t get there often enough to see some of those patterns. : )
Christy says
Thanks, Becky!! I really wish I had a place for this…I think it may be one of my favorites! Yes Hobby Lobby rotates their sales…faux florals are half off on opposite weeks from the hardware. 🙂
Rose Arroyo says
I just love that cabinet and the blue inside.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rose! XO
Tammy says
Christy!! Looks FABULOUS! Inquiring minds want to know. How the HECK do you spray paint the inside upper portion with shelves? I have a family piece I am halfway through and guess where I am stuck? yep. I can remove the back piece but not the shelves 🙁 how do you do that without making a mess? and get even coverage??? Help please 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Tammy! I did remove the shelves for this piece. Are yours nailed in place? If that’s the case, you may want to consider just hand-painting the inside with a short handled brush. That is much easier to do when you remove the backing! Good luck! XO
Melinda says
Boy oh Boy wonders never cease in your neck of the woods!! You are awesome; for sure:) If I lived close to your shop I would be in big trouble…..lol beautiful job on this cabinet!
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, Melinda! I would love for you to be in big trouble by buying up all of my pieces lol! XO
Nanette says
Hi Christy, thank you for sharing another beautiful piece! I’ve been using (and very pleased with) Ultra Pure White and Cottage White for several years now based on your recommendation…would you please give me your take on Bit of Sugar? Thanks!
Christy says
Thank you, Nanette…you are so welcome! I still love the Ultra Pure White and Cottage White and I love them mixed 50/50 as well. So glad you like them too! The Bit of Sugar is just a touch more muted than the Ultra Pure White and has a bit more of a vintage feel…loving it so far! XOXO
Sue says
Christy, this is just deliciously gorgeous! I am in love! Wish I had room in my bathroom for this piece. Lucky the lady that gets to bring this “gem” home!!!!
Christy says
Aww thanks, Sue…so glad you like it!! I wish I was the lucky one to bring it home ha ha…wish I had a place for it! 😀
Tania says
Oooh, that turned out beautiful, I love the blue interior!
I’m so sorry to hear about your kitty too :o(
Tania
Christy says
Thanks, Tania! And I appreciate that…she has been with me for so long that it has definitely left a huge void. I was lucky to have her that long though. 🙂
Fonda says
Gorgeous makeover…looks like it has a beach house vibe. I love the blue on the interior.
Christy says
Thank you, Fonda! This is just the vibe I want in my next home! 🙂
Rose Lefebvre says
Such a large project to take on, and you did it nicely!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rose! I’m so happy it turned out how I imagined! XO
Donna says
Thanks so much for this post. I have this exact cabinet as well as the matching table and 4 chairs. My mom bought them 2nd hand in the 60’s. I have been wanting to paint them all white but wanted to know what they would look like. The finish is in bad condition. Now I know what to expect.
Christy says
You are so welcome, Donna! I’m glad I could help. Yours will probably bleed through too…spray shellac first, two coats. It’s stinky so you will want to do it outside…well worth the work! Good luck! 🙂
Kimm at Reinvented says
Absolutely gorgeous, Christy! I LOVE that white, it’s so pure and beautiful. I recently tried Rustoleum’s Robin’s Egg too, such a fresh color for spring.
Christy says
Thank you, Kimm! Yes I love the Robin’s Egg! XO
Tracey Martin says
LOVE this! Love the painted inside. I always jot down the colors you recommend! I also follow your lead in using Behr paint and making my own chalk paint. Didn’t you once suggest a Behr color that was close to Duck Egg or did I dream that? I’d sure love to know what it is if you did because I can’t find the particular blog. Keep up the beautiful work. I always look forward to your posts!
Christy says
Thank you, Tracey! 🙂 Yes that was Behr’s Gray Morning. I love it mixed 50/50 with Pure White too. XOXO
Kerryanne - Shabby Art Boutique says
Without a doubt, I love everything that you make Christy, but this one is up there as one of my favourites. I’d love to have it in my own home!
Thank you for linking up at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I’m delighted to be featuring this project at this week’s party. Hugs – Kerryanne
Christy says
Awesome!! Thank you SO much, Kerryanne!! XOXO
JES says
Your project came out gorgeous! I would LOVE it for our bathroom too! I am visiting from Shabby Art Boutique today! Have a lovely weekend!
Christy says
Thank you, Jes! Appreciate you stopping by! 🙂
su Johnson says
Wow! You did a beautiful job, and I learned a lot. I had that happen once on a piece, and I used something afterwards to seal it that worked, but I had no idea that Zinsser made a product. I used one of their products on some spots on old walls and it was great. I will keep that in mind.
Christy says
Thanks, Su! That bleed-through can be a pain, can’t it? Glad you found something that worked! XO
Lisa McDowell says
Nice. I repainted a cabinet black for my daughter recently almost identical, but one of the hardest parts on it was getting the door hardware back on it correctly. Also I had to use Bondo on the finials at the top that had been almost completely broken off. That stuff was miraculous! I got our pulls from HL as well. Would love to show you pix. Thanks for the tips!
Christy says
Thanks, Lisa! I bet yours looks gorgeous in black! I’d love to see if you want to email me photos to: christykjames@cox.net or you can message me with them on my Facebook page! 🙂