Welcome back, beautiful friends! I’m back with a brand new furniture makeover today along with my Furniture Fixer Upper girls! I’m sharing how to turn a sewing table into a dressing table!
I have made over many sewing tables over the years, and people are always curious as to what I did with the insides of them. Usually the top is flat, and so I just paint them and leave them as is. I know some have gotten really creative with them, but I have a different solution to share today!
This is the sewing table I’m redoing today:
I found it at that barn sale I’ve mentioned a few times previously for $20 for the set. Notice how this one has an opening at the top instead of the top being one solid piece.
The table was also incredibly heavy because the original Singer machine was still inside:
It took all my strength to move this table with the machine still attached, so I knew it would have to be removed. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Remove the Machine from the Sewing Table
So that is the first thing I did. I just had two screws to remove and the machine was out. Then, I flipped the table upside down and started removing the parts inside, as well as the screws that were holding the top to the table:
I decided it would be easier to replace the top altogether, rather than attempt to modify it.
Replace the top of the table
I hoped that I could find an end table or night table at the thrift store that I could steal the top from to replace this one, so I set out to search.
Unfortunately, I came up empty-handed. (Not really if you count the dresser, three lamps, cannister set, and four sweaters I found ha ha!)
I was running out of time to find my new top though, so I gave up on my search and reluctantly headed to Home Depot to buy lumber to replace the top.
I ended up buying this piece of wood that was not the best quality:
This was $23!! The texture was really rough also, and I just did not want to use it for my new top.
I was getting very short on time, but on Monday morning, I decided to head out to one of my favorite thrift stores in the next town over to see if I had better luck, and I didn’t find any tables that would work, but I did find this bed for $9.98:
SOLD! So much cheaper than the lumber I bought! Under that glossy tan paint was the beautiful wood I needed for the top of my new dressing table!
I measured, cut, and sanded the new top:
The reason I chose to sand it down to the bare wood was because there were a few deep scratches that I wanted to sand out. I started with 120 grit sandpaper and finished with 220 grit using my rotary sander.
Then I attached the new top the same way the old top was attached, with screws from the underside.
The obstacle
Remember seeing this metal thingy sticking out of the side in the before photo?
It had a bend in it that made it very difficult to close, another reason I decided to replace the entire top. I was able to remove it when I removed the rest of the parts inside.
That left an opening on that side that was for that metal support bar, so I needed to remedy that.
To do that, I cut a scrap piece to cover the opening, as well as one for the other side so they would match:
I attached them with Wood Glue.
Final Prep
Time to prep for paint!
It was finally time to clean this set to prep for paint. I gave everything a good once over with White Lightning:
Then I swapped out my water for clean water and gave everything another wipe down to remove any residue.
Ready for Paint
Ahh…time for paint!
I chose to honor the original Singer machine and go for black and gold for this set, starting by taping off the drawer and spray painting it in Rustoleum’s Gold Metallic spray paint:
That was the easiest way to paint the inside of that little drawer on the front.
I did the same with the inside of the bench:
Then I followed up with two coats of Caviar:
It was so insanely hot out while I was working outside to get to this point, that I moved everything into my office to paint!
To enhance some of the details, I taped them off with FrogTape and used Gemstone Mousse in Golden Gem:
Because the mousse is water based, it is easy to wipe away any areas that need to be touched up. I just used a damp cloth:
Also, my mousse was a bit dry when I opened it, but adding a little water and stirring it with the end of my brush, made it nice and creamy again.
Seal the Table
The final step was to seal the table.
I used Gator Hide since this might get a lot of use as a dressing table. To help prevent the “ghosting” you get with darker colors when you run your finger across them, add a little paint to your sealer:
I used the blue applicator sponge to apply it:
This works fantastically on the legs and the larger areas. I used it around the small drawer also, but the help of a brush would probably have been easier on that part.
The Final Result
Whew, it took a bit to get to this point, huh?
It was all worth it though!
The new top looks like it was always part of this table:
And you can see the piece of wood I added to the side to cover that gap…it too looks like it’s been there all along:
There’s that fabric again. I’ve gotten a lot of mileage out of this fabric! I had just enough to cover the original vinyl seat. The seat lifts right off for additional storage where the sewing notions were once held:
And this little compartment might come in handy also:
I would have opted for a glass knob had I been able to get this one off…
The Golden Gem Mousse is highly pigmented, so I only needed one coat to highlight those areas…
It looks so good paired with this thrift store mirror that lives in our dining room…
The petite size of this set will make it a great fit for anyone with limited space!
And what did I do with the machine that was inside? I kept it!
Don’t go anywhere just yet…my Furniture Fixer Upper girls have three more furniture flips for you today!
And that is one more piece done from this huge Summer haul!
It feels great to cross something else off!
If you’ve misssed any so far, you can catch up here:
$5 Barn Sale Mirror Makeover
How to Paint Nicotine Stained Furniture (Trestle Table)
80’s Country Cabinet Makeover
Four Thrifty Basket Makeovers
Farmhouse Hutch Makeover
How to Repurpose small lamps
How to Repurpose an Old Swivel Mirror
Coastal Dresser Makeover
$5 Bulletin Board Makeover
$3 Thrift Store Basket and Lid Repurposed
Summer Basket Wreath from a $3 Thrift Store Find
$7 Thrift Store Mirror Makeover
Vintage Cane Club Chairs Updated
$6 Thrift Store Shelf Makeover with Transfer
Pub Table Makeover
Becky’s Secretary Desk Makeover
Update a Thrift Store Box with Fabric
$5 Buffet Lamps Updated with Decoupage Paper
Mirror Harp Repurposed
I’ll be back on WEDNESDAY instead of Tuesday next week! I’m teaming up with my friend, Krista and the girls of the Seasonal Simplicity Series, to bring y’all some fun Fall DIYs!
Mine will involve this estate sale find I got for FREE!
Have a fantastic weekend!
UPDATE: See how I turned this forgotten treasure into brand new Fall decor HERE now!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
ColleenB.~Tx. says
Oh My Gosh. That is Absolutely Stunning. Very rich and very classy looking.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Colleen! XOXO
Leanne Smook says
Another absolute stunner! Your attention to detail with all those little gold bits is just amazing.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Leanne! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Wow what a beauty! It is a great size, and it goes so well by your mirror! I am so sure that if you bring that sewing machine to your booth, it will sell. There are so many people that love Singer!! I have 2 old Singer machines, and they both sew like a dream. You are so resourceful when it comes to re doing something. That sewing machine table tried to beat you, but once again it was no match for the Queen of DIY!!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! It really is a great size! And it did try to beat me ha ha, but I was determined! Have a fabulous weekend! XOXO
Maryellen Webber says
Wow, this sewing table transformation is stunning! Beautiful job Christy! You put so much work into this piece. Have a great day !
Christy says
Thank you so much, Maryellen! It was a bit more work than I thought it would be, but worth the effort. Enjoy your day too, my friend! XOXO
Patti Duke says
I have the exact sewing machine table Do u know how old it is?
Christy says
I’m afraid I don’t, Patti. I imagine it has seen many sewing projects though! XOXO
Petra says
Oooh wow that makes it look so much more interesting. I think you could’ve painted it any colour and it would’ve looked fabulous! 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! I initially wanted to go with hot pink for something really fun, but I decided to play off the original singer machine. It was a fun piece to bring to life either way! XOXO
Linda G says
I would love that sewing machine! What are you going to do with it? I’m a quilter 🙂
Christy says
Hi Linda! I was thinking of putting it in my shop…it is VERY heavy! XOXO
Lori Reese says
It’s a Singer 201 a great machine. They sew like a dream with a beautiful straight stitch.
Christy says
I’m hearing that a lot…maybe I should have kept it intact lol. I actually have another idea brewing that will let me keep it. 🙂
Mea Cadwell says
Just a note, many antique machines, and some vintage, don’t work without being in a table or a case – the parts can’t turn when they’re sitting on something. That’s why it makes me sad when a fantastic looking machine (like what came with your table) is removed from the table. It’s easy to find machines but getting harder and harder to find tables and cases for them as time goes on. (I have 2 antique Singers, one that needs a table.)
Betty Bilnoski says
There are several Fb Groups for vintage sewing machines, like Singer, Sears Kenmore, etc. I have my original vintage Kenmore and I’m in two Fb groups for vintage Kenmores. Last Fall I splurged on two vintage Kenmores that came with their cabinets (which I’ve yet to refurbish) that I saw listed on Fb Marketplace.
I’m always eager to see your sewing machine cabinet makeovers. This one is gorgeous!
Christy says
Oh how fun to be able to share your vintage treasures with others who love them too! Thank you so much, Betty! XOXO
Robin says
You always have great vision….and excellent execution. Those gold feet and inset lines? Wow! Well done, per usual!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Robin! Thank you! XOXO
Jennifer says
I rarely comment even though I always love your work. But this time I had to take the time-I love that you painted it black and gold. I totally see ‘Singer sewing machine’ when I look at it. What a great repurpose project. I will look at these old tables differently now.
Christy says
Aww yay…thank you, Jennifer! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one…it was a fun one to reimagine! XOXO
Janice Holt says
You got back into it with a bang after getting Jack off to school. What a beautiful set. Love the gold and it is in just the right places and the fabric on the seat looks amazing. Now for the sewing machine, I saw somewhere (probably YouTube) that a person had set a sewing machine in a china cabinet and it looked so pretty I thought. You might stage it that way; just a suggestion. Also, thanks again for sending me the link to the Christmas village houses. I have a new computer so I should be able to keep up with it. Have a great week-end.
Christy says
I sure did lol, thank you, Janice! I wish I had a place to display the machine here at my house as I am a long time sewist and would love to display it somewhere! I love the idea of showcasing it in a china cabinet! And you are welcome…I have a search bar on the right side on desktop or at the end of the comments on mobile that you can use to find anything you want to see again in the future! Enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Denise says
Stunning! Absolutely stunning! What a transformation and how beautiful. I love everything what you did and the finishing touches of gold and the fabric on the seat is perfect. Thank you so much for sharing.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Denise! I’m so glad you like the end result! XOXO
Christina says
Wow, beautiful makeover and what a great wooden top! I would never suspect this was a sewing cabinet in its former life!
I have a sewing machine just like that one and it sews like a dream. Heavier than sin because it is cast iron. 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! And yes…super heavy, but they sure don’t make them like that anymore! XOXO
Sharon says
Your are amazingly talented…. Piece is absolutely beautifully created…. Love the shoes too…
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Sharon, thank you!! And that is the most use those shoes get these days ha ha! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
So beautiful, Christy, I never would guess how it started out! Now I have to rethink the next sewing machine table I encounter. BTW, there are people who would love that sewing machine – 30’s or 40’s, I didn’t see enough to really ID it. I was hoping you wouldn’t dump it, it will pay for the entire materials cost! So clever to use another piece of furniture for the top (with more to spare for another project, no doubt 😉) Now to return that overpriced wood!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marcie! I wouldn’t have the heart to trash the machine. It’s a real treasure, just too heavy for that petite table. I’d love to be able to keep it and display it somewhere! And yes, that wood is definitely going back lol! XOXO
Toby Peplow says
Oh my goodness! I love this! I have a couple sewing cabinets waiting for me right now…this is great inspiration!
Thanks Christie!
Have a great weekend!
Christy says
Oh yay! I don’t know if all the tops are as easy to remove as this one was, but it’s worth looking into! Enjoy your weekend too, my friend! XOXO
Dawn McLeod-Heim says
My gosh that turned out beautiful! A real stunner! Who would have thought a sewing table could turn out so chic!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Dawn! XOXO
gwen says
LOVE it! The black and gold are great together! I love those old sewing machine cabinets – they have great lines and little details to highlight. I bet someone buys the machine; I’ve seen then cut in half for bookends!
Christy says
Thank you, Gwen! They really are the sweetest cabinets! I LOVE the idea of turning the machine into bookends!! XOXO
Joni Gonzales says
Wow, girl, you really went all out for this one! You put so much work into it and it really shows. I’ve always wondered about buying furniture just to cut up and use for wood but never tried it. It looks like it was original to the table. Nice!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Joni! I really enjoyed seeing this one come together! And yes…finding that headboard to steal the wood from worked marvelously! XOXO
Deanna says
What a stunning re-purpose! Your choice of caviar with the gold embellishments is so elegant. And you couldn’t have covered the seat with anything to beat that gorgeous fabric. I’m sure it will sell quickly. It would be fun to know how quickly it sells and for how much. I hope you find a home for that beautiful and heavy sewing machine. Have a great weekend!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Deanna! My MIL actually called me first thing this morning asking how much lol! And I am now thinking I may try to keep the machine and display it somewhere…now where is the question lol! XOXO
Dianne JENKINS says
Oh MY goodness, what a treasure! Even with my terribly slow internet, I had to see the whole project all the way through – and what a reward! I really wish I lived near you as I would snatch that little gem right up. just perfection!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Dianne! I’m so thrilled that you persevered to see it all come together…watching it come together was fun for me too! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
Oh, I Just LOVE this! What a beautiful job you did. You are sooo inspiring! Thank you!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Caye!! XOXO
Cyndi J says
Beautiful! I didn’t know about ghosting! I painted a pair of end tables in navy and noticed when I touched the top it left marks. They have three coats of sealer and that seems to help. I used General Finishes milk paint, which I hated! Incredibly poor coverage and streaks show. I wish I had tried Dixie Belle’s new silk paint.
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I’m not sure what causes the ghosting, but adding a little paint to your sealer helps to prevent it. I’ve never use the General Finishes milk paint, but the Silk is lovely! XOXO
Cecilia says
Wow, that turned out great! Love the touches of gold and the fabric! Very nice!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Cecilia! Glad I could squeeze one more project out of this fabric! XOXO
SHirley Lange says
Absolutely gorgeous! Love 💕 the fabric on the little stool, tres chic. It won’t be in your shop very long. The gold accents were a good decision, the icing on the cake 🎂
Keep inspiring us, Christy.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Shirley! My MIL actually called me first thing this morning asking about it LOL, so it might not even make it to the shop! And I’m so glad I could squeeze one more project out of that pretty fabric! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Rebecca Payne says
SIMPLY GORGEOUS! I LOVE, LOVE IT!
Christy says
Thank you, Rebecca!! XOXO
Hannah Reyor says
I had doubts when I read black and gold but girl, you nailed it! Beautiful work. Again……..
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you so much, Hannah!! XOXO
ROBIN says
WOW!!! This is stunning. I must say my first thought was I could see this in old Classic Movie. Just gorgeous I could see Elizabeth Taylor sitting on this in a Movie.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE HALLOWEEN HOUSE!!
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! Oh I love that visual!! And I have already bought something new for our Halloween display ha ha!! XOXO
Aileen says
You are so creative with your choices. I love seeing your makeovers.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Aileen!! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
So. Much. Style! This little set is now extremely eye-catching, and you more than knocked it out of the park with this transformation. And I am also in love with the gorgeous pitcher of flowers on top. My mother used to sew some of my clothes back in the ’70s with an antique Singer machine that actually had the manual, rocking foot pedal with it! I am certain that you’ll be able to find a good home for that one.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Debbie!! I am loving the memories being shared of mamas and their machines! Good memories!! XOXO
Cynthia says
The gold-colored knob is perfect for the rest of this beauty. Every single detail works — I can’t imagine a fabric that would have worked better. I love all your white treatments, but I’m always knocked out when you go to the dark side.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Cynthia! I love a good black makeover every once in a while too! XOXO
Addie says
LOVE it!!! I am always drawn to your black painted pieces. For a bonus you can sell that sewing machine…..hot item!!!
Have a great weekend !!!
Christy says
Thank you, Addie!! I keep looking around my house to see where I could display that machine… I really love it! But yes, I could make a small penny on that too I’m sure! Have a great weekend, my friend! X
Addie says
You could put it in your booth! Before I moved I had a “sewing machine museum” in a spare room. It started with 3…then someone would give me one, and another and…. I got a couple Featherweigths real cheap at a garage sales. Word got out and people at work wanted me to have them. I ended up with 41 machines!!! All lined up on shelves. All Singers. Beauties!!!! When I moved from CA to AZ I couldn’t think of moving them. So I started selling, giving away, donating and I kept 5 of my favorites. I do and don’t miss them. I did like using different ones but downsizing did feel good. I am not a hoarder!!! It all stated with mine, my mom’s and grandmas…really they just came to me!!!! lololo
Christy says
Oh my goodness ha ha! That is a lot of machines!! I was planning to put this one in my booth, but maybe I’ll just send it to you lol. Seriously though, I have another idea brewing that would let me keep it to display at home! Now let’s see if I ever get to it! 😁
Margie Bramer says
That little table has a lot of WOW!!!
Very chic!!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Margie! XOXO
Niki says
Very chique, and a touch Art Deco-Gatsby!! I like it a-lot!
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! Oh yes that is such a great way to describe it! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
What a glamous makeover! I love the black and gold accents! This sewing table is stunning! I love the material on the bench – a perfect match! Someone will be getting quite a gem! The highlighted details make this piece a show stopper! Thanks for sharing all the details and products you used. Have a safe and wonderful weekend.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue! I really enjoyed seeing this one come together! I hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend also, my friend! XOXO
Marian says
Ohhhhh Christy. I love the way that little sewing machine cabinet turned out. You have such good instincts: the color, the gold accents, and the fabric. Just beautiful!!!!!!!!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that, Marian! Thank you!! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
So elegant! Looks lovely!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Rose! XOXO
Laura says
Wow! Really nice! Great contrast with the colors and the rebuilding is beautiful. And my hat is off to you for painting with black paint right next to a white sofa! That takes guts, girlfriend!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Laura! Ha ha… I rarely paint indoors, but it was just too dang hot LOL! XOXO
Dee says
Just beautiful. I have had a “vintage” sewing table for many years. Now I know what to do with it. Your transformations are wonderful. Thank you for all you do.
Christy says
Thank you, Dee! I’m so glad I could give you some inspiration for your own! XOXO
Judy Reed says
Everybody else took “my comments”….STUNNING, STUNNING, STUNNING, ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. I rarely comment either, as another gal wrote, but this one is sooooooooooooooo beautiful I had to chime in. The Singer reminded me of my mother’s sewing machine when I was a kid…..a far cry from those of today but also much simpler to operate.
Good job, beautiful work….you have a great talent.
~Judy~
Harrisburg, PA
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Judy! I’m so glad you chimed in! It seems a lot of mamas had these machines…such good memories! XOXO
Debbie says
Oh, that turned out so pretty! Love the black and gold together! Fabulous job Christy!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Debbie! XOXO
Joanne says
OH….MY…GOSH! This is one of your all time great re-do’s! LOVE the Black & Gold and that fabric…just stunning! I would buy that in a minute.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Joanne!! XOXO
Kay says
Fantastic!! What a creative and well done “repurposing”!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Kay! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
Love that you saved and upcycled this sewing table. It looks incredible, especially with the pop of gold! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my beautiful friend! That mousse is so fun to play with! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
Christy, this looks so gorgeous now! Funny thing- I have a very similar piece in my garage (for a couple years now…haha) and that side metal piece has been what’s stumped me! Maybe now I’ll give it a go thanks to you 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, my sweet friend! Yep, you can just get rid of it! XOXO
Mary says
Wow! This is a beautiful transformation Christy! And totally thinking out-of-the-box by choosing that headboard for the table top…wowza. And then using that trim piece to cover up the hole totally transformed the sewing table. I didn’t recognize it 🙂 Well done!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary! You’d never know it started as a sewing table lol! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Connie says
My mother had an old singer that had a black cabinet with gold trim I have the machine but not the cabinet. Yours is just beautiful…as always… thanks for the links to the other makers. Cheers from Whidbey Island, Wa.
Christy says
Thank you, Connie! What a lovely treasure of your moms to have! And I love Whidbey Island…so scenic! My sister lived there for a few years…I might have told you that already! XOXO
Ei Conklin says
So so pretty! I have a bench exactly like yours. I had no idea it was a sewing machine bench. I gave it a good clean and recovered it before putting it in my booth. Never thought to paint the inside of the storage area or accent the lovely vertical splines.
To confirm, you simply cleaned the wood, rinsed, then painted with Dixie Belle paint? No priming? If you had wanted it a light color, would you have sealed/primed first?
Christy says
Thank you, Ei! Yep, it’s a sewing machine bench, but it makes a cute bench for whatever you choose! And yes, with chalk paint you only need to clean well and rinse first. Then you can go right to painting, even for light colors. The only time you may need to prime is if you are painting a piece that may potentially bleed through. You can expect that to happen with older (usually antique) cherry and mahogany pieces. In those cases, I would start with a coat of BOSS first, let it dry overnight, and paint the next day. XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Wow you have a lot of comments for this one! It is spectacular and the fabric is perfect. Do you seal the Mousse or does it just harden? Nice work.
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I’m sad to be coming to the end of that pretty fabric! I did seal the mousse, but it would still dry and harden if you didn’t. XOXO
Nancy F Lambert says
The table is beautiful, But what happen to the sewing machine?
The sewing machine is beautiful
Nancy
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy! I mentioned in the post that I was considering putting the machine in my booth by itself to sell, but I think I have another idea for it that will allow me to keep it on display at home. I just love it too! XOXO
Becky says
What a CLASSY little set! Beautiful!!!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Becky!! XOXO