Hello lovelies and welcome to Trash-to-Treasure Tuesday!! Today I’ve got a pretty painted dressing table for y’all! My friends have trashy makeovers of their own to share, so be on the lookout for their makeovers at the bottom!
I bought this dressing table/desk from my sister’s husband’s late grandfather’s estate sale for $50. That’s a mouthful, but it it is the same sale where this farmhouse hutch, this secretary, and the frame that I used to make my new Fall wreath came from.
It started out like this:
Looks can be deceiving though, this was indeed a true trash to treasure makeover! I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
That bottom right photo shows a random piece of wood screwed into the to the right side. They said it had something to do with fishing poles??
Much of the veneer was loose, including the sides, the top, on some of the drawers, and all around the edges at the bottom. Some pieces of the missing veneer were saved in a drawer, and I was able to glue them back in place with wood glue. A couple of areas were missing too much and the rest was so dry that it easily came off and I just sanded it smooth.
Lots of repairs were needed…
Thank goodness for my weights!
A good cleaning
Next, this piece needed a good cleaning!
I mixed up a half gallon of warm water and one TBSP of White Lightning in a small tub and got to cleaning:
Look at that water!! I swapped it out for clean water and gave everything another wipe down.
Filling and patching
After the surfaces were dry, I used Dixie Mud in brown to fill missing veneer and the many deep scratches that were on the top:
I hand-sanded those areas once they were dry (don’t rush this part!) and then cleaned up with the shop vac and gave everything a wipe down with a clean cloth.
Getting rid of the musty odor
Then it was time to tackle the odor that came with this piece. It just smelled a bit old, and didn’t want anyone to open the drawers and smell that.
I used a brush to apply BOSS in clear to the entire interior:
It dries clear and flat, so you wouldn’t even know it’s there, and it works amazingly well!
Preventing bleed through
These red woods are definitely bleeders! They will bleed through every layer of paint, no matter what kind of paint you use. I like to get ahead of the bleed through by applying a coat of BOSS to the areas I plan to paint.
I chose the white formula this time as it acts almost like a coat of paint:
Proper dry time is key when using BOSS!
I allowed the BOSS to dry overnight. One coat almost always does the trick as was the case here.
Painting the dressing table
Finally, the fun part…paint! I chose a color I sell really well, but I don’t believe I’ve used before: Sawmill Gravy.
It went on beautifully! My preferred brush to paint with is a mini angle brush…
This color goes on almost like a sand color, but it dries a touch more taupe and I just LOVE it!! As you can see I got excellent coverage over the white BOSS but chose to give it two coats.
Adding Stripes
Y’all know I love my stripes, and I just couldn’t resist adding some in Cotton! They are such a cost-effective way to add some personality to a piece of furniture.
My absolute favorite tape for this is FrogTape for delicate surfaces. It gives me perfectly crisp lines every time:
You can see how easily I space out my stripes HERE.
I gave them two coats and then immediately removed the tape.
Once the paint was dry, I sanded lightly all over with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old sanding sponge, hitting the edges and raised areas a bit harder to distress.
Sealing the dressing table
I used my shop vac to vacuum up all the sanding dust and then it was time to seal.
I applied Clear Coat in Satin using the blue sponge applicator:
The Big reveal of this painted dressing table
Ready for the big reveal of this pretty painted dressing table??
Voila!
What? It has a mirror??
It did not come with the mirror.
I’ve been hanging onto this mirror I picked up at the thrift store for $10 for probably a couple of years now, and when I brought this dressing table home, I just knew it would make a perfect match!
Here is what the mirror looked like before:
I painted it mostly in the Sawmill Gravy and then went back and painted some areas in Cotton:
I love this style of hardware, so I knew I wanted to reuse it.
I gave them one quick coat of Rustoleum spray primer followed by two coats of Cotton and then scratched some of the paint back off with my finger nail to shabby them up a bit.
The drawers were not in the best shape, so I decided to paint not only the fronts, but the rest of them as well!
I chose my favorite Moonshine Metallic, Steel Magnolia.
*TIP*
The metallics go on a bit sheer, so you want to paint a base color that closely matches the metallic. The perfect base color for Steel Magnolia is Driftwood. The Sawmill Gravy is a bit too light. I actually used that and ended up having to do three coats of the metallic on top for full coverage.
The great thing about the Moonshine Metallics is that they are self sealing, so there was no need to add a topcoat!
I worked for three days pretty much all day to bring this piece back to life, but it was so worth it!
So soft and feminine!
I hope you enjoyed this trash-to-treasure makeover today! My girls have four more for you to enjoy!
And that’s another piece done!!
Not too many left! See any you may have missed at the links below:
Painting the Smalls #13
Cherry Blossom Flatware Box
DIY Fall Frame Wreath
How to turn a Sewing Table into a Dressing Table
$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
Painting the Smalls #12
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 taking the rest of the week off from creating to enjoy turning the big FIVE-O on Wednesday!! My sister’s birthday is on Thursday and we celebrate every year by going zip lining…just to prove we’re still young ha ha! Last year our older sister was in town and all three of us went!
So, as you can see, I’ll be busy! š
I’ve got another six smalls on the way for Tuesday!
UPDATE: See how these mini treasures turned out HERE now!
Until we meet again…
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Mary Kaiser says
Happy Birthday to you! I can’t believe that your turning 50!! You don’t look it, or I might add act it!! LOL! I will be turning 60 this year in October, but I can assure you I won’t be going Zip lining! Have fun but be careful! Love how this turned out, and aren’t you the clever on for putting the mirror with this piece, it looks like it was always together. It is beautiful now.
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I certainly do not act my age ha ha! And yes..I was so excited to finally be able to match this mirror to something! XOXO
Leticia Beam says
So very beautiful! Great job! Thanks for sharing…
Christy says
Thank you, Leticia! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Gorgeous job, Christy.
Christy says
Thank you, Larissa! XOXO
Jeanne says
Looks great! Happy Birthday. I’ll be turning 6-0…yikes! I love zip lining. Good idea. Enjoy!
Christy says
Thank you, Jeanne! Ha ha…time is just flying by right?? XOXO
Denise Cox says
OH MY GOODNESS!! You are the “GODESS of REDO”! You have such AMAZING SKILLS, patience, and creativity to work with these beauties. This piece was such a wreck. I love the color, but admittedly I would have preferred it without the stripes, that’s how much I love this color! It’s lovely and let’s see more of it… pleasešši
Christy says
Aww you are the best, Denise!! Thank you!! Stripes aren’t for everyone for sure, but I just love them on this piece! XOXO
Jean Johnson says
Me too. The stripes are a bit busy for my taste. But the colors are lovely.
Christina says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you and your sister!! How wonderful! You are going to have a blast zip lining!!
This desk/dresser makeover is amazing! A lot of repairs and prep work for sure. Love the colors you chose and what a great idea to add the mirror. Love how you painted that as well. Love the stripes š
Go have some fun and I send you both a virtual birthday cake! š
Christy says
Thanks so much, Christina! We look forward to it every year! And yes…I was so happy to be able to match this mirror to something!! I can eat all the virtual birthday cake I want lol! XOXO
Janice Holt says
The dresser is beautiful with the strips and then the white and beige on the mirror. Another great job. Have a great “big 50” birthday. You deserve to celebrate but just remember you are still young.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice!! I do still feel young, no matter what the birthday fairy says! XOXO
Laura says
Christy,
I love your work but this dressing table is a little too busy for my taste. I might have left the middle drawer gray. I suspect you will sell it fast because you do beautiful work. Itās all a matter of taste.
Christy says
Thanks, Laura! And no worries…I know stripes aren’t for everyone! XOXO
Tara C says
This is a beautiful transformation! I love the color combination. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Tara! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
I could see the table wasn’t in great shape (that block of wood on the side!š¤Ŗ) and I knew you’d do something nice, but I didn’t expect it to be this grand, Christy! That mirror is the perfect complement. I hope they sell quickly and for a lot of money!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, my friend!! I was really happy to be able to match up the mirror! Here’s hoping for a quick sale for sure! XOXO
Gin says
PERFECTION!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Gin!! XOXO
Cathy Merrick says
Hi Christy,
Your three days of hard work paid off as the dressing table turned out GORGEOUS! Love the Sawmill Gravy contrast with the Cotton.
Happy 50th Birthday, and have a wonderful time zip lining!! : )
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cathy!! This is such a lovely color, and I’m so glad I finally used it on something! I appreciate the birthday wishes too! XOXO
VAL says
Hi Christy,
As usual, what an amazing job you did with this dressing table. I love your tutorials as you donĀ“t miss a thing and illustrate with photos every single step. Thank you for being such an inspiring artist. Val
Christy says
I appreciate you kind words so much, Val, thank you!! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! XOXO
Teresa Farrell says
She is beautiful! You never cease to amaze.
Have a wonderful and fun birthday. ā¤ā¤ā¤
Christy says
Aww thank you, my friend! I will!! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
This looks beautiful! I am about to start almost an identical piece with mirror and now I’m debating using stripes. Love the look of this.
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! I am such a sucker for stripes! Have fun with yours! XOXO
Vicki Bray says
Truly a trash to treasure! Great job!
Christy says
Thank you, Vicki! XOXO
Sonya says
I have the same exact piece, but itās missing two handles. Any idea where I can get replacements that match?
Christy says
Hi Sonya! You may have luck searching on Ebay. Another suggestion would be to fill the holes in the top two drawers and replace the current hardware with pretty glass knobs. I sometimes like to mix up the hardware that way like here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/dresser-turned-office-storage/ Just a thought. š XOXO
Sharon says
This is absolutely darling! I love everything about it! šāļøāļøāļø
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sharon! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
You brought this piece back to life…so gorgeous! Pinned! And HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY my friend! I hope you and your sister enjoy your special day! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, my friend!! And we will for sure!! XOXO
Laura F says
What a beautiful transformation! Great Job š
Christy says
Thanks so much, Laura! XOXO
Rebecca says
GORGEOUS!
Christy says
Thank you, Rebecca! XOXO
Jean Young says
That turned out stunning! You gave it a new life. I have never tried that color either, but now I will have to put it in my cart. Thank you for all the great ideas each week. Your are the best Christy
Christy says
Thank you, Jean! It is such a lovely neutral! And it is my pleasure…I appreciate you following along with me! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
WOW! What a lovely makeover! I love the color combination and the stripes just add that feminine flair! Your hard work paid off with this one! The “cherry on top” is the beautiful mirror that looks as if it were always a part of this dresser! Thanks for sharing all the details in writing as well in lots of pictures! I know someone will treasure this dresser for a long time! Have a wonderful week.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue! I was so excited when I realized the mirror was such a great match to this piece! It was a lot of work but totally worth it. Now someone can enjoy it for years to come! Enjoy the rest of your week! XOXO
Addie says
The mirror and the desk got married!!~~And they lived happily ever after!!!
Look like they came that way!!!
I just picked up an awesome little cabinet……when the doors and drawers are open they reek of tobacco/pipe smell. I washed out with vinegar but no way. Do you think Boss would do the trick? It was suggested to try Shellac…..it is strong!!!….Help!!!!
Christy says
Yesā¦a wonderful marriage! And yep, you want BOSS!! NO stinky smell and it works!! You will want to apply clear BOSS to all the interior surfaces. XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
Ok, question for you: I’ve been wanting to paint (and save!) a family heirloom dresser-that’s seen much better days for a while now. I’ve had a couple replacement wood pieces cut out that were missing and a broken drawer repaired. It’s mirror is very similar to the mirror of this piece. I was going to go black but now I’m wondering about sawmill gravy. Any opinion how this color would look with lavender purple walls/decor? Or do you have any suggestions on a color that would complement? I don’t want to have to repaint the room. LOL Thanks!!
Christy says
Hi Sharon! I canāt picture this color with purple walls. I would stick with your original plan going black. That will look sharp against the lavender! XOXO
Maryellen Webber says
Wow, you put alot of work into this dressing table! It’s beautiful! Have a wonderful birthday Christy!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Maryellen! I will! XOXO
Connie says
Another winner! So beautiful. Thank you for the pics of your sleigh bed. Iām starting mine soon. Bought some wood medallions to fancy it up a little š.
Christy says
Thank you, Connie! Youāre so welcome! Itās going to be gorgeous! XOXO
Carroll Xavier says
Gorgeous! The paint really brings out the beautiful curves, and the stripes really make the taupe pop. The chair you paired it with for the photos also goes really well with the look. Another fantastic makeover!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Caroll! I took these photos in my dining room and that chair lives in that corner, so it makes its way into photos quite often LOL. But I do agreeā¦ it picked up the colors perfectly! XOXO
p says
It was truly worth your time ! Very nice.
Very nice touches with the metallic interiors, and the striped. The mirror looks so perfect. Thanks for sharing with such great details. You make it sound easy, but I’m guessing it’s more a labor of love. š
HappyHappy birthday. Enjoy !
p
Christy says
Thanks so much! All the prep can be a lot of work, but I do love seeing it come together bit by bit! I appreciate the birthday wishes! XOXO
Janice says
That piece was in such bad shape I would have thought it should be free. A lot of work for you, you are a trooper!
Christy says
Right? It was in a dark room and so I didnāt notice how much work it needed until I got it home. Iām glad I was able to save it! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
I love this dresser set! Sawmill gravy is my go-to if I want a true neutral. Are you keeping this beauty? I would have to find a place in my home for it; it’s just gorgeous! Happy Birthday to you and your sister!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I canāt believe I hadnāt tried this beautiful soft color before! This one will be heading to my booth. I wish I room for it though! Thank you for the birthday wishes!! XOXO
Michele M. says
*Gulp* OH. MY. GOSH! Christy, you have done it again. I absolutely positively ADORE that makeup table!!!! WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!
You work furniture miracles, lady. Well done. Just wow.
Christy says
Oh yay! I’m so glad you like it, Michele!! Thank you so much!! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
Christy, you had me fooled with “dressing table” at first… I was like “isn’t that a desk??” Haha! The mirror was the perfect addition. Also- I’ve known you for many years now through blogging, and I don’t think I had any idea how old you were – you definitely fooled me! Happy early Birthday, my friend! (I’m celebrating a milestone bday too next month!)
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Jen! I sure don’t feel 50 that is for sure! Wow, it was hard to even write that lol! And I didn’t know if this was originally a desk or if it once had a mirror, but I’m glad the mirror worked out! XOXO
Karen Moore says
Very nice! That chair looks like a perfect match. Happy birthday!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Karen! It sure does!! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
This turned out so pretty!! You worked your magic and it’s so much better too!! xoxo
Christy says
Aww thanks so much, my friend! I just had an old neighbor reach out yesterday asking if I wanted one very similar that she was getting ready to donate. Yes! And it is in much better condition! XOXO
Nancy W says
WOW! Fabulous job, Nancy!!!
Christy says
Thank you! XO
Steph Crabtree says
What a beautiful change!!!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Steph! XOXO
Pam S. says
Hi Christy!!
What a beautiful transformation!!
Thank you for all the tips, especially the odour one. I tried everything to get rid of an odour and finally put coffee in my vintage wooden bookcase but that only helped for a little while. Now that I know what to do, Iāll go ahead and do it.
Again a big thank you. I absolutely love this very feminine dresser/vanity!!
Have a great week.
Pam
xox
Christy says
Thank you, Pam! You are so welcome! Boss works so well! Have a great day! š