Amazing friends, welcome back!! I finally finished up my Winter Thrift Store Haul (See the final piece and a BONUS piece HERE if you missed it!) and I had a lot of questions about what I was planning to do now that the thrift stores are all closed and we’ve been ordered to stay home. Well luckily, due to my hoarding tendencies, I have still have plenty to work on! So don’t worry, I will still be here sharing my heart out!
Some exciting news that I have to share is that I have become a Premier Retailer with Dixie Belle! I already carry just about everything in the Dixie Belle line in my booth and in my ETSY shop, but now I will be stocking a bit more quantity of each item in my booth, so if you are local, you will always be able to find what you need.
For that reason, I was on the hunt for a new display piece for my shop!
Just before everything hit the fan, I found this cabinet on Facebook Marketplace listed for $75:
It is wider than one of the pieces I am currently using for display, so I thought it would be great for holding the additional inventory I will now be carrying in my booth. The pictures in the listing didn’t do it justice at all. I’m guessing that’s why there had been no takers in the week it was listed. I thought it was well worth that price so I didn’t haggle. It was listed as Vintage, but I’m sure it is older than that. The doors still have wavy glass which is kind of difficult to see.
Unfortunately, when I got it home and unloaded it, one of the doors had a broken area on the glass:
I had planned to keep the doors on, but just prop them open for my display, but I decided to just remove the doors altogether instead. I have a plan for one of them already. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Then I filled the hinge holes with Dixie Belle’s Mud in brown:
This works great for filling holes and deep scratches. A light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper once it was dry and the holes were ready for paint:
Painting the Bookcase
I don’t believe this wood was cherry or mahogany, but just stained to look like it. I didn’t take any chances though and gave it a coat of BOSS in white just to be safe:
BOSS is by far the best thing I’ve found to combat that dreaded bleed-through, hands down and it has hardly any odor to it all. I let it dry overnight and the next day I painted it in a 50/50 mix of Driftwood and Cotton:
You can see the coverage is fantastic after just one coat, but I did give it two coats.
Once it was dry, I lightly sanded all over with 220 grit sandpaper. I cleaned up all the dust with my shop vac and then sealed with Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat in Satin using their blue applicator sponge. The satin isn’t super shiny, but it has a beautiful, soft sheen.
See a video of how I paint and sand a piece of furniture in THIS POST, and you can see a video of how I apply sealer using a sponge in THIS POST.
Here is how this pretty antique bookcase cabinet looks now:
I would normally never remove doors as closed storage is always so coveted, but since I’ll be using this as a display piece for my paints, it totally works!
I probably would have just loaded it into my booth and taken photos of it as my new display, but because that is not an option at the moment, I had fun staging it here in our dining room!
And what happens to the dining table and chairs when I do this??
Ha ha! It all ends up in my office!
#reallife
I thought this was a great opportunity to share a few tips for styling shelves, but first let’s see what I found to play with!
Most of the items I found are white like this basket I recently redid:
Ya’ll know how much I adore a painted basket! I found it at our antique mall for $6 and gave it a couple of coats of Cotton.
It used to look like this:
Some of you may remember this tote I redid back when we first moved into this house:
It’s not white, but very neutral and I love a cute tote, except this one was anything but cute when I found it!
It looked like this:
It looked like it had been a hard worker though! I was happy to give it the TLC it deserved.
You can see this makeover HERE.
This enamel kettle was a thrift store find…I just dropped a faux plant into it:
This ironstone pitcher was a fairly recent thrift store find:
The books in both of those photos were thrift store finds as well.
You probably remember the horse:
He was also a thrift store find and he was missing his tail. I didn’t even notice that when I found him!
I gave him a new one by gathering several strands of twine with a rubber band on one end and sticking that in the hole!
And of course treasured photos are always perfect for styling shelves. I love to print mine in black and white.
This is me and my sisters on New Year’s Eve a couple of years ago…
And you may remember we hosted my brother’s wedding last Summer…I was also his photographer. Here he is with his beautiful family and my parents:
He already had a daughter and she had a son…perfect! 🙂
The white boxes and the clock came from TJ Max or HomeGoods.
Styling Bookshelves
Now I’m no expert on styling shelves, but here are a couple of tips that seem to work for me!
- Alternate how many items are used on each shelf.
For example, I added three items to the first shelf (the frames count as one item) and I added only two items to the next shelf. Then, I added three items to the third shelf. The spaces between the items are staggered and it seems to be more pleasing to the eye rather than having the same number of items on shelves that are directly above or below. Does that make sense?
- Keep the color palette consistent. I tried to use mostly white items, with just a bit of greenery added.
- Repeat items. I repeated items such as the pitcher on books and the kettle on books, as well as the black and white framed photos, and it appears balanced.
Again, I am no expert! These are just things that seem pleasing to my own eyes!
I love how this cabinet turned out since I was unsure if removing the door would totally take away all the charm.
The legs and the curves at the bottom are my favorite features:
You can see where I barely sanded along the edges.
I love this combination of Driftwood and Cotton. It is a lovely taupe color and fits right in with our home’s color palette!
I need to go through my stash and put together another haul. I do have a project lined up for Tuesday already though and what a project it is!!
This very vibrant desk and night stand set belongs to the teen next door and it is begging for a makeover!!
I have all the hard prepwork done and can’t wait to start painting this one!
UPDATE! These pieces are done and you can see them HERE now! 🙂
Have a great weekend and stay safe out there, dear friends!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
ColleenB.-Tx. says
Absolutely love the bookcase and with all the white accessories displayed really shows it off nicely. Great job.
Stay safe & stay healthy
Christy says
Thank you, Colleen!! You stay well also! XOXO
Lori says
Love the way your greenery pops out on the shelves!
Christy says
Thanks, Lori! A little greenery always works! XOXO
Robin Stephens says
Everything you put your hands to is done with such perfection….and beautiful results. I so enjoy seeing everything you share. Another stellar job!
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Robin thank you! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Oh so beautiful now!! That is a really nice color you used. I love how you styled it with things from around your home. I would not be able to part with that one. Make sure when you bring it to your booth and put every thing one it that you take photos of it in your booth so we can see it in action!!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! We had a bit of a drive to go pick this one up, but I am so glad we got it. I think it will be perfect for my display! I’ll definitely be sure to share when I get it loaded in! Enjoy your weekend! XOXO
Christina says
Fun and beautiful cabinet makeover! It will work so well in your booth!
Thanks for the ideas on bookshelf styling. I am in the process of paring down my book collection which completely packs my bookshelves.
I’m looking forward to your next project. 🙂
Be well and xo.
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! I too have a ton of books but not the pretty kind that look nice on display lol. My niece recently introduced me to Libby, an app that works with your local library where you can check out books online. I no longer have to find a place to store all the books! It’s awesome! have a great weekend and stay well!! XOXO
Michelle says
AMAZING JOB Christy!
I love the soft white you chose to use & adding the other elements into the shelves is a perfect match!
Beautiful!
Thank you for sharing
Michelle
Stay safe
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michelle! Stay safe too! XOXO
Michelle says
Can you tell me the brand and color of paint you used?
I want to refinish my round dining table top. It’s made by mennonites & in amazing shape but I’m not a fan of wood finish. Most of. My home is done in whites with teal blue as my accent color. I would like to sand the top down & refinish..any advice?
Christy says
Hi Michelle! I linked to all the products in the post. I used Dixie Belle paint in a 50/50 mix of Cotton and Driftwood. You can always paint the legs of your table white and leave the top wood? XO
Vicki Lombardi says
Christy! Love love this cabinet makeover! I was not sure when you said you were not using the doors and then – voila! It’s PERFECT and really perfect for display in your shop! Just beautiful! I also so appreciate your tips on staging/filling shelves. Another great makeover!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Vicki!! I think it will work great in my shop! XOXO
Kathy Abend says
I’ve been following you for awhile , and I’m finally taking the time to tell you how much I enjoy your posts! I get a little happier when I check my emails in the morning and there’s a new one from you. Brightens my day! I love your fresh, clean style. I’m in the process of retiring from my lifelong career, and I’m finishing my painting studio. Im so excited! I’m sort of close to your shop, so when this crisis is over , I’m taking a road trip to visit. Looking so forward to it! Thanks again! Be safe and stay well!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Kathy! Thank you! I hope you get a chance to visit! Take care! XOXO
Toby says
Awesome as always Christy! Such a beautiful home! I would so love to do what you do!! I kind of do ….just extremely scaled back as I have no where to store anything. But the more I follow you, the more I want to dive into this a little more! Have a great day!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Toby! I feel so blessed to be able to do this! XOXO
Carmen says
Happy Thursday!
I hope everyone is being safe and having what they need to get through these tough times. Through all of this, I visit your post when I see your email in my box, I excitedly visit to see how your latest project turned out, it always makes me feel good. Keep up the good work and thanks for inspiring us, providing all the details as to purchase price, pictures of before and after, what products were used to get the finish look. Thanks for all the suggestions and keeping it coming, I enjoy also traveling with you on your hunts to find stuff at thrift stores, keep those coming!
Happy Makeovers!
Carmen
Christy says
Aww thank you, Carmen! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy what I share, and I am so fortunate that I am able to keep sharing during these crazy times! Thank you following along!! XOXO
Kimberly Wollmer says
It is beautiful! Thank you for your inspiration. I love checking my email on Tuesdays and Thursdays to see what you’ve been up to. You never disappoint. Stay healthy!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kimberly! Stay well! XOXO
Kellie says
You find the cutest cabinets! Your makeovers are amazing!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Kellie! The photos for this listing were terrible, so that worked in my favor…it was just waiting for me to find it ha ha! XOXO
Elise H. says
Dear Christy, Your bookcase is another winner winner – chicken dinner! I loved how you styled/staged the shelves and then had a little narrative about each piece. A good review and a peek into your family. It’s delightfully personal and I kinda feel like I know you a teeny bit. You have no idea how much I look forward to your blog and posts and how they never fail to be creative/pretty with oodles of good ideas! You always make me smile! What a gift you have! Hugs from San Diego.
Christy says
Aww I wish I could hug you, Elise! Thank you!! I’m so happy to hear you enjoy what I share! XOXO
Donna says
Great idea for the bookcase and how you staged it is very eye pleasing! Can’t wait to see what you do with the desk next Tuesday.
Christy says
Thank you, Donna! I’ve been working on the desk today…so happy to say good-bye to the royal hues ha ha! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Beautiful job! Someone may want to buy this from you! I want to try the Driftwood and Cotton mix on something small and see if it will work on my dining chairs. Your staging and photography is amazing! Take care!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cecilia! I love this color combination so much! It fits perfectly with my own house! Stay well! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
What a beautiful job!
Christy says
Thank you, Larissa!! XOXO
Joanne says
I agree with all the above posts. You are awesome! You are going to share what you’re going to do with the doors, right?
Christy says
Thanks so much, Joanne! Of course you know I will ha ha! XOXO
Lizzy says
I love it! I’m looking for a simple cabinet just like that to redo.
Christy says
Thanks, Lizzy! This was a lucky Facebook Marketplace find! I think that could still be a safe way to still shop while all this junk is going on. Good luck in your search! XOXO
Susan says
You do such beautiful work. I always enjoy your photos.
I love your dining room and foyer rugs. Who is the maker and the pattern?
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! My dining rug is this one, I believe: https://amzn.to/2UFb4q2, and the Foyer one is by the same maker with just a slightly different pattern. XOXO
Susan says
Thank you for your quick reply. Do you have the grey/beige or the silver/beige?
Christy says
I have the grey/beige. 🙂
Sue says
Always look forward to Tuesday’s and Thursday’s to see what you have in store for us! You NEVER disappoint. This beautiful bookcase turned out lovely. T like it without the doors. Can’t wait to see see what magic you perform on the one door. Thanks , too, for the styling tips. Have a safe weekend.
Christy says
I’m so thrilled to hear that, Sue thank you!! I wasn’t sure how this would do without the doors, but I think it really works. I’ll be sure to share the door when I do something with it! You stay safe too! XOXO
Ashley says
Hi Christy! What did you end up doing with the doors to the cabinet?🌷
Christy says
Hi Ashley! I saved them and have an idea for one already! I’ll be sure to share when I do something with them! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
Hi, Christy! This is another beautiful makeover. It will be such a great storage piece in your shop. I also appreciate the tips on how to style the shelves — very useful. Thanks, and stay safe.
Christy says
Thanks, Debbie! Glad you enjoyed the styling tips…you stay safe too!! XOXO
Paulette says
I was just introduced to your site and work while visiting with my sister in California. I helped her refinish a buffet and turned it into a bathroom vanity. I know she will share the end photos so I won’t steal her thunder, but I loved working with the Dixie Belle Paint. Now that I have been in quarantine for a month I am REALLY wanting to refinish a piece or go Thrifting. But for now, I will just continue to binge watch your videos.
Christy says
Oh wonderful! I’m so glad you found me and that you enjoyed working with Dixie Belle products! Nancy and I recorded a shopping trip just before this really hit the U.S. and I hope to share the video from that in the next two weeks Stay tuned! XOXO
Deanna says
Gorgeous display case transformation. And yes, great tip on styling the shelves, very pleasing to my eyes too! When this crisis is all said and done, I’ll look forward to your videos of your thrifting adventures. Can’t believe how much I miss my thrift shop visits. I have some “smalls” that I chalk painted since we’ve been sheltering in place. Very therapeutic, and had fun placing them around the house.
Christy says
Thank so much, Deanna! Nancy and I recorded a day of thrifting just before this all hit us and I hope to share that very soon. I too need my thrifting fix…I miss it SO much! I’m glad to hear you have been creating though…it is a fantastic distraction from all this mess! XOXO
Addie says
Yes!!! that neighbors desk NEEDS!!! a Christy do-over!!! I will be anxious to see how you tackle that!!!…Boss?
Your new cabinet came out great. Hoarding has paid off for times like these!!!
Be safe!!! Keep busy!!! God Bless!!!
Addie
Christy says
Ha ha yes that poor desk!! I was so happy to banish the purple and cobalt!! It actually didn’t even need boss woot woot! You stay safe too and I’ll see ya Tuesday! XOXO
Phyllis says
This makes me happy. Not a lot of things do that in these trying times. This bookcase is lovely and so is the staging. Thank you for giving us something to look forward to and something normal.
Christy says
Aww you are so welcome, Phyllis! Thank you! I’m so glad I can offer a distraction with all that’s going on…I need it too! XOXO
Petra says
What a great cabinet and as soon as you put that coat of BOSS on, it looked so much better (the magic white paint) :D. Love the behind the scenes too! And looking forward to the desk reveal. Have a great weekend (in isolation I’m guessing) xo
Christy says
Thanks, Petra! I’m working on the desk and night table now…they are looking so much better lol! I last left the house early Monday morning for a grocery run. Is it sad that I really look forward to the next grocery run?? Stay well!! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
What a beautiful cabinet, Christy. Sad about the glass, but I think you’re better off without doors for the booth. This will make a great paint display.
I couldn’t resist revisiting the wood tote. I forgot how that one started, so much better now! Looking forward to seeing you work your magic on that desk – yikes, my eyes hurt seeing it now 😉
Christy says
I was bummed about the glass, but I think you’re right…this will work better for my needs anyway! The tote was a fun one, and as you can see I ended up keeping it for myself. I’m working on the desk now…it is looking so much more calm ha ha! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Patty says
This looks perfect for your display cabinet, Christy! Also love how you’ve staged it and it was fun looking back at some of the “littles” that you’ve done. I could just “ditto” what everyone else has said – I love everything that you do. You are so creative and I’m so thankful that you choose to share with all of us! Hoping you & your family are staying healthy. As usual, can’t wait to see what you do next! Praying that we’ll all get back to somewhat normalcy of our lives sooner rather than later. We have so much to be thankful for, but It will take a while before our economy gets back to normal. XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, Patty! I am so thankful for all of you!! Ya’ll make it possible for me to keep doing this. I’m hoping we rebound from this even better and stronger than before! Stay well! XOXO
Trisha G says
Thank you for sharing your styling tips with us! Your pictures always look pleasing to my eyes as well, and it’s nice to have your staging process broken down a bit. Now a question: If you had intended to resell this item, what would have been your ideas to fix the broken glass on the door?
Christy says
You are so welcome, Trisha! Thank you! Had I wanted to sell this, I probably would have replaced the glass with bead board or hardboard maybe with a stenciled design on it. Here’s an antique cabinet I did that with many years ago: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/antique-cabinet-makeover-an-alternative-to-replacing-the-glass-door-panel/ 🙂 XOXO
Carla says
I love how the cabinet turned out. You are prolific at turning lemons (the broken glass) into lemonade!
The styling tips were also very helpful. I’ve already taken my collection of pitchers out of an antique cabinet and restyled them. Thinking of you in VA and praying for safety for all.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Carla! I’m so glad you found the styling tips helpful. Stay well! XOXO
ROSE LEFEBVRE says
I love the changes! You made it look so nice!
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy!! Congratulations on becoming a Premier Retailer for Dixie Belle! That is awesome! This shelf looks really good and will be the perfect piece for all the things. 🙂 Did you add the shelves? Anyway, so happy for you and i cant wait to see what you with that outlandish desk and night stand. Take care and be safe!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! The shelves were included, luckily. I can’t wait to share the desk and nightstand…they are so sweet now! XOXO
LORRI RAUSCHER says
Wow..you had alot of comments on this piece. This cabinet turned out lo ely..as always😊I wanted to ask … what did you do with the doors of this piece? I know that you have a lovely stash hidden in your garage..lol..
Christy says
Thank you, Lorri! I saved the doors and hope to reuse one of them on a project next week! XOXO
Jackie C says
I have to admit I didn’t have high hopes for this without the doors. I was thinking just put chicken wire in them. I should have known to trust the master. LOL it’s gorgeous. In regard to decorating the shelves (or whatever it may be), according to the advice I received, which was, always use an odd number, and it looks like you did just that. It looks fantastic.
Christy says
Oh ha ha! Thank you, Jackie!! Honestly, if I were keeping it for myself to use in our home I never would have removed the doors. I too was pleasantly surprised at how pretty it still was without them! And yes…odd numbers! 🙂 XOXO
KATHY BINKLEY says
I loved that cabinet Christy and the doors as well. I don’t know, It would had been beautiful either way, but I’m sure the crack bothered you because I know you are a perfectionist, but anyways, I loved it. It will look very pretty as a display in your booth. I really like that driftwood color, hmmm, may have to order that from you. Loved the finished piece.
Christy says
Thanks, Kathy! Had I been keeping this for myself, I would not have worried about the glass. If I were redoing it to sell, I probably would have replaced the glass with bead board, but as a display, this works and now I can do something else fun with the doors! I do love this color too! XOXO